Games focus begins with training camp
The journey to Birmingham 2022 is underway for Scotland’s top squash players.
And Perthshire talents Rory Stewart and Katriona Allen were both involved in a bio-secure doubles training camp before Christmas.
Doubles is set to be a major focus over the next 18 months as Team Scotland aim to medal in squash at the next Commonwealth Games.
Last week, the games selection criteria for squash was finalised which Scottish Squash head coach Paul Bell hopes will focus the minds of his squad on the road to Birmingham.
“The Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle of the sport for our players, the only multi-sport event that they are involved in,” he said.
“The doubles camp got Birmingham on their radar and confirmation of the selection criteria added motivation to training.
“Players have been fortunate enough to train during this period with the focus being on singles.
“This camp allowed us to freshen things up and set in motion plans for Birmingham. It was a good thing for the players to do at the end of the year and they worked hard.”
Allen, who has competed across the globe in recent times, had moved up to a career-high world ranking and is targeting a further rise.
And Stewart, from Crieff, is keen to build on recent Professional Squash Association success which included a victory in Argentina.
“Although Birmingham 2022 isn’t too far away we’re not setting our sights on any specific pairings at the moment,” added head coach Paul.
“A lot can change in 18 months so it’s about trying out different partnerships in mixed, men’s and women’s and keeping our options open.
“We have a fine group of doubles players and some strong potential partnerships who can give us the best chance of a medal.”
The latest training camp took place at Scotstoun in Glasgow.
“Being able to train and get together for camps such as this during the pandemic I feel can be hugely important for our squad psychologically,” Paul continued.
“All of our performance players have got exemptions for training and travel which enables them to train together and help sustain their career and livelihoods.”
Scottish Squash, meanwhile, has created a new role within the performance division to support the coaching team in the build-up to the games, with applications now being accepted for the position of assistant doubles coach.
“We want to leave no stone unturned,” Paul admitted. “We have a great coaching team with Kevin (Moran) and Kylie (Lindsay) giving us a variety of experience.
“To complement that we believe adding someone who has experience of winning medals as a player or coach can give us that extra dimension.
“Essentially someone who has been there and done it who can instil even more confidence and belief in the players.
“That’s what we felt was maybe lacking last time around and prevented us getting a medal.”
It isn’t too far away... but we’re not setting our sights on specific pairings at the moment