SQUASH VIC
Level 2 MSAC, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
T: (03) 9682 2199 F: (03) 9682 2399
E: info@squashvic.com.au www.squashvic.com.au
Annual Report 2011
Our Vision:
Victorian Squash ‐ one sport, one brand, a united approach.
Our Mission:
To successfully administer, promote and initiate opportunities for all Victorians to enjoy the sport of Squash, ensuring a
dynamic and viable industry.
Our Values:
Excellence
Integrity Transparency
Teamwork Passion
Squash Vic acknowledges the assistance and support of our valued partners:
OUR PARTNERS
2 Vision, Mission, Values
4 President’s Report
4 Council Report
6 Our Organisation
8 Executive Director’s Report
10 Development
12 High Performance
14 Events & Competition
20 Finance
23 Our Partners
Squash Vic Activities 2011
Development
• State wide secondary school squash competition
• Level 1 Coaching courses, teacher in‐services
• Tournament workshop
• Special population programs
• Junior squash camp
• School squash / racquetball programs and clinics
Events
• 24 Hour Mega Squash for MS (inaugural event)
• Victorian Open Squash Championship
• Australian Junior Squash Championship
• Assist with preparation of Grand Prix Squash and Grand Prix Racquetball Circuit events
• Junior squash tournament circuit of over 20 events
• Corporate Games
Competition
• Metropolitan State Grade Pennant Squash competition
• Metropolitan Junior Pennant Squash competition
• Super Series Squash (inaugural competition)
High Performance
• State Senior and Junior representative teams
• Squash Vic Academy
• Targeted Athlete Program
• Talent Development Squad
• Shadow Squad
• Squash tour groups
Promotion
• Squash Vic website
• Squash Vic facebook page
• Squash Vic twitter feed
• Squash Vic Youtube channel
• Squash Skills website
• Monthly e‐Newsletter
• Participate in special promotional events
Facilities
• Provide advice and expertise to government authorities regarding squash facility usage and design
• Support existing facilities to promote and market their business
CONTENTS
Bryan Bird | President
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
In contrast to Ian Kent’s report last year where he reflected on that being his last year after a decade at the helm, I come from the opposite direction this being my first year in the President’s role. Having spent those ten years as his deputy, I inherited the large task of filling his shoes. I feel that the Squash Vic Board has remained stable and their biggest challenge in the past year has been to pursue the governance review of the organisation, in particular, the objective of producing a Constitution to take the members and the sport into the future. The previous version, produced in 1988, no longer reflects the current sporting climate.
By the time this report is public, the document will have been distributed to our members for their support and I urge all interested parties to study it and provide input as it is the vehicle to take squash into the immediate future.
I would like to thank the Members of the Squash Vic Board for their efforts throughout the year but more so I would be remiss if I did not thank our three staff for their achievements made with quite limited resources. Fiona Young, our Executive Director, has been outstanding in fulfilling her administrative duties and has been ably supported by Richard Cagliarini and more recently, Tegan Doherty, both of whom have worked tirelessly and diligently to achieve our aims.
Brendan Perry | Chair Technical Council
COUNCIL REPORT
This year has seen Squash Vic continue with a review of the constitutional structure of the organisation. This will allow for a more effective representation of all areas of the sport at various levels of the organisation. There have been a number of meetings held related to this review thus far and I trust that you have found them valuable. A united and inclusive approach with representation and input to policy and procedure from all facets of the sport is one that will see us thrive into the future. As such, the Technical Council has been in recess for much of the last year as we await a new structure for Squash Vic. Hopefully, as an important stakeholder, this will include a Player Council in some form as this allows players to voice their opinions and concerns through a viable forum.
The Technical Council is the current players’
representative body within the overall structure of Squash Vic. So, if you have a concern or issue you wish to raise as a player; use this vehicle (or whatever format it appears as in the new governance structure) to voice your opinion. It is of little value to complain at pennant and wider squash circles without taking the issue further.
Take the time to raise your concern, understand current procedure and reflect on it.
Then offer solutions to rectify the given situation.
We are always open to new ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism.
For those dedicated few who regularly contribute to the functioning of this Council, I say a big thank you, for all your work, support and dedication to the continued effort of allowing squash to operate effectively in the state of Victoria.
To Fiona Young and the team involved in the daily operations of Squash Vic, I say a big THANK YOU.
The sport owes you all its heartfelt thanks for all that you do, above and beyond the call of duty. To Bryan Bird and all people associated with the organisation and effective running of State Pennant competition, thank you for your effort. It is truly appreciated.
Finally, a plea to all squash players: it is time to become passionate about your sport. Get involved, attend meetings, voice your concerns and opinions, do more than just play the game. It is your sport and its success ultimately depends upon your commitment and contribution.
Major sources of income 2011 76,430
177,299 48,955
93,783 72,515
55,945 MSAC Trading
Affiliation/Registration Fees Operational Grants
Development Grants/Program Fees High Performance ‐Fees, AJC Events
BALANCE SHEET
2011 2010
$ $
Current Assets
Trade Debtors 32,609 34,228
Less provision for doubtful debts (500) (500)
32,109 33,728
Cash assets 22,024 30,492
Cash at Bank 76.648 21,916
Prepayments 1,618 4,254
Stock ‐ 3,854
Total Current Assets 132,399 94,244
Non‐Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment at written down value 27,279 30,571 Total Non‐Current Assets 27,279 30,571
TOTAL ASSETS 159,678 124,815
Current Liabilities
Trade Creditors 11,054 6,996
Hire Purchase Liability 5,450 5,486
Unexpired charges on Hire Purchase (1,322) (1,693)
Sundry Accrued Amounts Payable 23,591 15,805
Prepaid Income 45,087 21,007
Provision for Long Service Leave ‐ ‐ Provision for Annual Leave 10,931 13,074 Total Current Liabilities 94,791 60,675
Non‐Current Liabilities
Long Service Leave 3,545 2,093 Hire Purchase Liability 12,648 18,098
Unexpired charges on Hire Purchase (858) (2,180)
Total Non‐Current Liabilities 15,334 18,011
TOTAL LIABILITIES 110,125 78,686
NET ASSETS 49,553 46,129
Equity
Capital Grant Reserve 10,000 10,000
Retained Profits 39,553 36,129
TOTAL EQUITY 49,553 46,129
FINANCE
A full copy of the 2011 Financial Report is contained in a separate document. Below is a summary of the year’s financial performance.
INCOME & EXPENSE STATEMENT
2011 2010
$ $
Revenue
Government Grants 133,545 107,388 Affiliation Fees 177,299 177,767 Courses General 4,816 5,973 Junior Courses / Events 93,402 89,871 Marketing Fund Raising 949 2,310
MSAC Return 76,430 72,830
Interest 1,705 399 Other Income 1,972 3,915
Sponsorships 28,997 41,287
Tour Income 10,436 8,945
Sales ‐ (1)
Total revenue 529,551 510,684
Operating expenses
Accounting Fees 3,959 4,475
Audit fees 3,500 3,500
Affiliation Fees 27,414 26,142 Bank Charges 1,080 1,447 Computer Expenses 5,419 6,223 Development Program 20,711 36,172 Depreciation 7,195 8,642 Fringe Benefits Tax 3,453 3,366 General Expenses 2,002 2,611
Insurance 27,235 24,277
IT Development ‐ 369 Legal Expenses 1,603 ‐ Light and Power 2,039 2,156 Matrix System 4,847 5,313 Motor Vehicle Expenses 6,114 6,220
Postage 1,642 2,142
Printing and Stationery 8,747 12,451
Rent‐Office 12,568 12,555
Salaries 181,431 183,455
Staff Development ‐ 9 Staff Recruitment 140 6 Strategic Plan 23,786 ‐ Superannuation 14,474 14,534
Telephone 5,894 5,783
Tours & Championship Expenses 156,002 139,501 Travelling Expenses 1,985 2,469
Workcover 2,887 3,694
Total operating expenses 526,127 507,512
Profit before tax 3,424 3,172 Income tax expense ‐ ‐
Profit for the year 3,424 3,172
OUR ORGANISATION
Bryan Bird (President)
Karen Cagliarini
Mike Edney
John Gonsal (Vice President)
Damien Green
Lynne Spark
Ian Kent (retired March 2011) Peta Murphy (resigned March 2011)
SQUASH VIC BOARD
SQUASH VIC STAFF
Tegan Doherty
Development Coordinator (commenced Oct 2011) Richard Cagliarini
High Performance Manager
Fiona Young Executive Director
Leigh Sands (resigned July 2011)
EVENTS & COMPETITION cont’d
Australian Junior Championships
The 2011 Australian Junior Squash Championships were held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre September 30 – October 9. The event was hosted by Squash Vic on behalf of Squash Australia.
Individual events were held in both boys and girls sections in the following age groups 13, 15, 17 and 19 and were open to players of all abilities. A teams’ event was also incorporated in the Championship and comprised 2 boys and 2 girls from each state/territory in each of the 4 age groups. The Girls 19YAG individual event was registered on the Women’s Professional Squash Circuit as a Rising Star event which enabled all competitors (registered with WISPA) to gain world ranking points according to their finishing position.
Squash Vic partnered with Croydon Secondary College in providing an opportunity for the school’s ‘Reporters Academy’ to provide daily updates for Squash Vic’s facebook page and twitter feed. The Academy also produced a promotional video of the event which is accessible at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUDwFLpZWNg
Squash Vic also provided a first in the event’s history by livestreaming the Girls and Boys 15, 17 and 19YAG finals. Although not to the professional quality of that provided for the Victorian Open, the inclusion of video (camera and laptop provided by the Victorian Institute of Sport) allowed families of players around Australia the opportunity to see the children in action.
Player numbers in the 2011 tournament increased by 10% from 2010. Attendance figures were estimated (no ticket sales or admission counters) at around 300 each day with spectators, coaches, players and officials contributing to a lively atmosphere. 8 players from overseas participated (up from 2 in 2010) – from India, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada and Malaysia. All states/territories were represented in the team’s event.
Additional event management during the tournament was provided by a Squash Australia contractor who was extremely efficient and professional in her approach.
Player seeding and draws were also managed pre‐
event by Squash Australia representatives.
Individual Event Placings Boys 19 Years
Wesley Cusick (NSW), Josh Southwell‐Nobbs (ACT), Walter Koteka (WA) Boys 17 Years
Rhys Dowling (NT),Matthew Bridle (WA), David Fumpson (SA) Boys 15 Years
Sam Ejtemai (CAN/VIC), Brenton Scheer (WA), Scott Galloway (NZ) Boys 13 Years
Eugene Heng (MAS), Ivan Jensen (QLD), Todd Riches (NSW) Girls 19 Years
Tamika Saxby (NSW), Jennifer Brown (NSW), Selena Shaikh (VIC) Girls 17 Years
Bethany Brazier (Qld) Jessica Turnbull (Qld) Grace McErvale (Qld) Girls 15 Years
Kristen Nightengale (NSW) Stacey Cope (SA) Lakeesha Rarere (QLD) Girls 13 Years
Lynette Vai (PNG) Zoe Massam (WA) Lauren Aspinall (SA)
Teams Event Placings:
Winners ‐ QLD Runners Up ‐ NSW 3rd ‐ WA
4th ‐ SA 5th ‐ VIC 6th ‐ TAS 7th ‐ ACT 8th ‐ NT
MC Hazel Award Winners
Jasmin Burnard (SA) and Tom Strugnell (TAS)
SQUASH VIC HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Bryan Bird Brian Boys Vicki Cardwell Dave Donnelly Kevin Fidock Judith Fitzgerald Sarah Fitz‐Gerald Roger Flynn Eddie French Geoff Hunt Vic Hunt (dec) Gordon Watson
Patron Sarah Fitz‐Gerald
Technical Council Chairman Brendan Perry
Venue Council Chairman Mike Edney
VSRRA Delegate Damien Green
Victorian Country Championship Committee Mandy Hamilton (Chair), Mark Soutar (Manager)
State Match & Pennant Committee Bryan Bird (Chair), Brendan Perry, Brendan Woodford Tournament Committee Brendan Perry
Tribunal Chairpersons Tom Ligeti, Gavin Murphy
Tribunal Panel Members Don Groom, Ken Jarrott, Penry Green, John Gonsal Squash Australia Delegate Bryan Bird
SQUASH VIC COMMITTEES
OUR ORGANISATION cont’d
SQUASH VIC LIFE MEMBERS
Bryan Bird Brian Boys Neville Caine Mervyn Davidson Judith Fitz Gerald Eddy French Bev Garfield Geoff Hunt
Vic Hunt (dec) Faith Lacey
Allen Minchington Joan Morey Sid Myers Ken Oaten Lindsay Pattenden Joan Rival
Ian Tod (dec.) Martin Welsh Margaret Zachariah
Fiona Young | Executive Director
Over the past 12 months, the Squash Vic Board and Executive Director have been working on a project with Deakin University researchers to improve the governance of the organisation. The overarching question has been “How can Squash Vic develop its governance capability?” The process has involved six different workshops with the Board and Executive Director, a member/
stakeholder workshop, an investigation of other sports and squash associations, culminating in a document for change that was released for public comment in December. A number of issues were identified by the Board in relation to the governing structure, issues that were also affirmed by participants of the open workshop in July. In essence, the membership dialogue (between Squash Vic and its members) is not functioning as it needs to ‐ the governance structure is impeding Squash Vic’s ability to listen to what its members‐as‐owners want from it.
Several possibilities have been worked through within this broad context of change:
1. Options for change to the membership structure
2. Options for change to the representative nature of Squash Vic’s board composition
The options were the subject of the December public document and with the support of the membership, the challenge is now to apply the feedback to the next stage in the process – that of defining the detail. It is anticipated changes to the governing structure and therefore Constitution, will need to be voted in at the Squash Vic AGM or an EGM in mid 2012.
Squash Vic’s flagship event, the Victorian Open, continues to grow in stature and participation. Player numbers in the 2011 tournament increased by 5% in the Open events and 13% in the Graded events. The webcast figures demonstrated a 57% growth in viewers, with the audience coming from 27 countries around the world. This year we were fortunate to have the Minister for Sport & Recreation, the Hon Hugh Delahunty on hand at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on two occasions. Firstly, to officially announce a government grant for the Open – an event that included an on court hit with Squash Vic Academy athlete, Rex Hedrick and a close encounter with the ball for photographer David Marks (right) – and secondly to present the trophies to the winning players following the Open finals. It is still frustratingly difficult to achieve any inroads into the major newspaper sporting sections but we will continue to supply information and results.
“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.”
John D. Rockefeller“We have a complex and complicated governing structure which makes it difficult to hear”.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Victorian Grand Prix Racquetball Circuit
Events for 2011 included: Australian Open (Wangaratta Open), Victorian Open (Mt District Open), Geelong Open Classic, Ballarat Open and Lakes Classic. Players must have participated in at least 50% of available events to be eligible for GP champion.
Grade Winner Runner Up
Men's Open Cameron White Peter French Women's Open No qualifiers
A Grade Chris Rollauer Charlie Stevenson B Grade Adam Lander David Kelly C Grade Chris Thornton Helen Collins D Grade Elisha Mitchell Bren Dodson
E Grade Ruth McPhee
F Grade Zoe Kavanagh
Victorian Open Racquetball
The 29th Victorian Open Racquetball Championships were hosted by the Mountain District Squash & Racquetball Club at Genesis Fitness Centre Wantirna.
Grade Winner Runner Up Plate Special Plate
Men’s Open Cameron White Darren O’Donnell Daniel Wright
A Grade Chris Rollauer Charlie Stevenson Stewart Collins
B Grade David Kelly Adam Lander Daryl Snowdon
C Grade Chris Thornton Patrick Thornton Jennifer Sandri Helen Collins
D Grade Elisha Mitchell Gaurav Gupta
Open Doubles D. O’Donnell/ P. Rundell J. Bosch / C. Stevenson D. Wright / M. Wright
A Grade D. Kelly / J. Otto C. Fuhrmeister / J. Sentry
C Grade J. Nunn / H. Collins C. & P. Thornton M. Berner / J. Porteous
Women’s Open Nicci Rossouw
EVENTS & COMPETITION cont’d
Mega Squash for MS
The Winning Team of the inaugural 24 hour Mega Squash for MS Australia event—Team Monsac (right, with event Ambassador Sarah Fitz‐
Gerald).
Highest Individual Fundraiser Russell Hughes
Youth Award Winner Luka Morgan
Grade Champion Runner‐Up
Men's State 2 & Below Mick Dyke Michael Bourke Men's A Grade Anthony Morris
Men's B Grade Barry Reid Matt Wealands Men's C Grade Gaurav Gupta Andrew Meredith
Women's State 1 & Below Anne Fordham Tegan Doherty Women's A Grade Libby Belton
Squash Vic Grand Prix Squash Circuit
Events for 2011 included: Mountain District Open, Gippsland Open, Victorian Open, Wangaratta Open and the Geelong International Open. Players must have participated in at least 50% of available events to be eligible for GP champion.
Country Teams Championships
The Country Teams Championship was held at GP Squash City, Gladstone Park in May with teams from around the State competing. Thank you to Mandy Hamilton and Mark Soutar for once again organising and conducting the event.
Division 1 (Hopman Cup) winners: Geelong
Division 2 (Merle Sampson Trophy) winners: Sunraysia Division 3 (Royal Trophy) winners: Goulburn Valley (2)
State Junior Titles
Secondary Schools State‐wide Squash Competition
2011 was the third year that Squash Vic coordinated a state wide secondary schools squash competition following School Sport Victoria’s decision to discontinue squash as a core sport. 82 teams registered, a 21% increase on the 2009 figures. The increase in participant numbers enabled four regional events to be held – Horsham, Maffra, Metro East and Metro West – a positive sign and we look forward to growing this number again in 2012. Finals were staged at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre .
Year Boys Girls
11 & 12 Winners Balwyn High School Maroondah Sec College (1) Runners Up St Kevin’s College Maroondah Sec College (2)
9 & 10 Winners Melton Secondary College Melton Secondary College Runners Up Scotch College McKinnon Secondary College
7 & 8 Winners Glen Waverley Sec College McKinnon Secondary College Runners Up Templestowe College Bacchus Marsh Grammar
EVENTS & COMPETITION cont’d
Age Group Winner Runner Up
11YAG Boys Jack Pattison (TAS) Jack Hudson (TAS) 13 YAG Girls Zoe Massam (WA) Courtney Grinham (VIC) 13 YAG Boys Jack Paine (VIC) Tye Harland (WA) 15YAG Girls Aeron Skidmore (VIC) Michelle Cornish (WA) 15YAG Boys Brent Scheer (WA) Amiel Raniga (VIC)
17YAG Girls Not held
17YAG Boys Daniel Wright (VIC) Dayne Grunthal (WA) 19YAG Girls Nicole Stoneham (VIC) Selena Shaikh (VIC) 19YAG Boys Darcy St John (VIC) Andrew Wise (SA) 23YAG Boys Rex Hedrick (VIC) Josh Cardwell/Luke Sims
(VIC)
Under the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation’s (VicHealth) new State Sporting Association Participation Program funding for 2011‐2014, Squash Vic was able to secure $100,000 a year over 3 years towards the Development Coordinator role, women’s and girl’s programs and implementation of VicHealth’s Everyone Wins toolkit. Everyone Wins is a framework to assist State Sporting Associations (SSAs) and clubs build healthier sporting environments that are safe, accessible, inclusive and equitable and aims to increase the participation in sport of specific populations. Squash Vic has a number of actions to complete as part of the funding program. The actions flow on down to club/venue level and those groups participating in the women’s programs will also need to work towards developing inclusive cultures and environments. Our new Development Coordinator, Tegan Doherty, spent the latter part of 2011 researching and preparing for the 2012 launch of the Learn to Play—Hits
& Giggles introduction to squash program for women, as well as working with Sport & Recreation Victoria, vicsport and several other state sporting organisations to develop a female leadership program for 14 – 18 year olds. This program will be piloted in April 2012.
Squash Vic, in conjunction with Mildura and Horsham Squash Clubs, was successful in attracting two grants under the State Government’s Country Action Grant scheme which enabled two coach education road trips to be conducted by former Gippsland Academy of Sport squash coach, Neil Young, in the western and north western parts of the State.
Neil visited 12 local clubs conducting coaching sessions for over 204 participants, presented a Level 1 coaching course in Horsham and provided squash sessions for 180 secondary students.
2011 saw Squash Vic partner with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Australia to conduct the first 24 hour squash‐a‐thon. Based on the successful 24 Hour Mega Swim model, Squash Vic designed and hosted the Mega Squash event at MSAC, attracting over 100 participants in 8 teams, who raised $14,000 to support those living with multiple sclerosis via MS Australia's Go for Gold scholarships and Financial Assistance Programs.
Thank you to the sponsors and participants who supported the inaugural event and we look forward to their continuing involvement in 2012.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT cont’d
Facilities continue to be a major concern for squash, especially in the metropolitan area. Squash Vic received funding from the State Government towards a facility study to investigate the current and future provision of squash facilities across greater metropolitan Melbourne. The study when completed (2012) will seek to identify, analyse and document the present and future developmental needs and facility requirements for Victorian squash over the next ten (10) years. The perception that squash is a ‘dying sport’ is still held by many local authorities and an evidence based strategy will contribute to improving the image of squash and the future planning and provision of squash facilities within the state.
Leigh Sands resigned from the Squash Vic office in July to return to full time study. We wished Leigh well in his future endeavours and in October welcomed Tegan Doherty to the Development Coordinator role. Tegan has been busy with the VicHealth project as well focusing on re‐invigorating junior squash.
Squash Vic wishes to acknowledge the support received from member clubs, centres, associations, athletes and volunteers during the year, as well as the valuable assistance and financial contributions from the Department of Planning & Community Development (Sport & Recreation Victoria), VicHealth and Squash Australia. Special thanks also to the staff and management of the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, St Kilda Road Parkview Hotel, Flight Centre Group Travel, Dunlop and Stellar.
Lastly, thank you to my staff Richard, (Leigh) and Tegan and to Pennant Administrator Bryan Bird, who have endured a challenging year. Thanks also to the Squash Vic Board for their support and contribution in continuing the change process.
Squad members 2010
Tegan Doherty | Development Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT
Active After School Communities—Squash
The Active After‐School Communities (AASC) Program is an Australian Government initiative that provides primary school aged children with free sport and other structured physical activity programs after school (3.00pm – 5.30pm) for 6‐7 weeks each school term. The program aims to engage traditionally inactive children in sport and other structured physical activities, and through a positive and fun experience, develop a love of sport that motivates them to join a local sporting club. In 2011, AASC Programs for Squash were conducted in Primary Schools in the north western suburbs, Horsham and Bendigo. 2011 also saw Squash Vic working with Squash Australia to create the ‘Oz Squash’ national junior squash program. The AASC component of this will be trialled in 2012 with the club/centre program to follow.
Squash & Racquetball in Schools
The Squash/Racquetball in Schools program took a little bit of a back seat in 2011 while work progressed on the Oz Squash concept.
Approximately 1000 children were introduced to squash through the classroom during the year in both metropolitan and country areas.
VICHEALTH – Women and Girls Squash After securing funding from VicHealth in June 2011 and with the advent of new Development Coordinator, Tegan Doherty in October, Squash Vic has been working hard to research and create initiatives designed to increase participation of Women and Girls (the targeted population for squash and a key component of the Squash Vic strategic plan) in squash and racquetball.
One of the initiatives, due to launch in February 2012, is the Women’s Learn to Play program “Hits &
Giggles”. Designed to attract new women into the sport, the program will focus on the fun, social and health benefits of participation in squash / racquetball. Four centres will be piloting the initial six weeks and hopefully with a positive response, the program will be offered to more venues around the state.
To support the introductory program and address the lack of female coaches, a women’s Level 1 Coaching Course was held in early January (2012) and attracted 10 participants most of whom will be involved in women’s or junior programs at their respective clubs.
Squash Vic Secondary School Squash Competition 2011 was the third year that Squash Vic has coordinated this state wide event following School Sport Victoria’s decision to discontinue squash as a core sport. Squash Vic believes it is important to provide a profile for the sport in the secondary school system and is working with key regional contacts in this regard. 88 teams entered the Secondary Competition in 2011, up from the 82 teams who competed in 2010. Regional events were held in Bairnsdale, Horsham, Melton and Melbourne and the finals did not disappoint with some fiercely fought close matches to determine the champions from each section.
Coaching
Four level 1 courses were scheduled in 2011 with three proceeding—two in the metropolitan area and one at Horsham (under the Country Action Grant scheme). 14 coaches were assessed and accredited.
Former Gippsland Academy of Sport squash coach Neil Young conducted two coach education road trips (through the Country Action Grant scheme) in the western and north western parts of the State, visiting 12 clubs and providing sessions for over 200 participants.
State Grade Pennant
Autumn
Spring
EVENTS & COMPETITION cont’d
Grade Winners Runners Up Best Player
Premier Lilydale Club (1) Yarra Valley CC (1) Paul Smith (Lilydale Club) State 2 Brighton (1) Westerfolds (1) Terry White (Gladstone Park) State 3 Squash Logic (2) Lilydale Club (2) Michael Woolley (Squash Logic) State 4 Malvern (2) Gladstone Park (2) Mark Zaloumis (Croydon)
Grade Winners Runners Up Best Player
Premier MCC (1) Lilydale Club (1) Paul Smith (Lilydale Club) State 2 Squash Logic (2) Moorabbin (1) Daniel Wright (Squash Logic) State 3 Melbourne Uni
(2)
Malvern (2) Cameron Morris (Squash Logic)
Squash Vic Junior Pennant
Term 1
Div 1 Upwey (2), Div 2 La Trobe (1), Div 3 Maccabi (3) Term 2
Div 1 Upwey (1), Div 2 Mulgrave CC (1) Div 3 Maccabi (2) Term 3
Div 1 Upwey (1), Div 2 Mt District (2), Div 3 Maccabi (2) Term 4
Div 1 Upwey (1)
Super Series Squash
Congratulations to team Nova, (left—Cameron White, Vanessa Pickerd and Will Katrivessis) sponsored by North End Construction, who were the winners of the inaugural Super Series Squash competition. The competition, structured to showcase the best of Victorian squash, featured 6 teams each of 3 players (male, female and junior) playing at 6 different venues on 6 occasions. Finals were held at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club before an appreciative crowd of spectators and supporters. Selena Shaikh took out the Best Player Award—an accommodation package courtesy of the St Kilda Road Parkview Hotel.
Thank you to the team sponsors—North End Construction, Link Pumps, Lazy Moes, Westerfolds Sports Centre, Burk Blinds and ITV Cabinets and also the host venues—Knox Park, Ranges Fitness, GP Squash City, Westerfolds, Squash Logic and Kooyong LTC. Thanks also to Nathan Sneyd for the initial organisational work and to MC Tim Batty.
Victorian Open
The 2011 Victorian Open was held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre from 7 – 10 July. The event was registered on the Men’s and Women’s Professional Squash Circuits as Challenger 5 and Tour 4 respectively. The finals were again webcast live over the internet with a replay package available for viewing on the Squash Vic website.
Commentary was provided by Sarah Fitz‐Gerald and Cameron White with event MC 3AW’s Darren James. A $10k grant was received under the State Government’s Significant Sporting Event Funding program that contributed to the cost of the webcast coverage.
Men’s Open: [2] Leo Au (HKG) def [3] Lewis Walters ENG) 11‐5, 11‐9, 11
‐8
Women’s Open: [1] Melody Francis (AUS) def Ahn Eun Chan (KOR) 11‐5, 11‐8, 11‐2
Graded Event Winner Runner Up
Men’s Premier Mark O’Hare Aaron Doran Men’s State 2 & Below Sam Etjemai (CAN) Clinton Anderson Women’s State Maree Alfredson Alison Skinner Men’s A Grade Caillin Austin Anthony Morris Women’s A Grade Dianne Wenzlau Libby Belton Men’s B Grade Geoff Chambers Joshua McMillan Men’s C Grade Tyler Hawkins Gaurav Gupta Men’s D Grade Jason Holmes Jordan Hawkins Women’s D Grade Belle Reid Shimila Drysdale
EVENTS & COMPETITION
Richard Cagliarini | High Performance Manager
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Squash Vic Training Squads
In 2010 Squash Vic established a staged pathway to assist individuals to reach their highest possible potential in the sport. All programs have been designed to complement the work being done with the athlete’s personal coach and are seen as additional coaching opportunities not preferred coaching .
The Squash Vic Academy entered its third year in 2011 with greater interest from players. Lakeside Sports Medicine and the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre continued as sponsors and we welcomed Calvin Pane from the Maribyrnong Sports College to assist with the strength and conditioning activities. Coaches accepted for the Squash Vic Academy program were Cameron White, Sarah Fitz‐
Gerald and Tim Batty. 5 players applied for the Academy ‐ Melody Francis, Selena Shaikh, Rex Hedrick, Luke Sims and Nicole Stoneham. Each player was granted a number of coaching sessions with (any of) the Academy coaches and also received assistance with travel, strength & conditioning etc according to their individual priorities.
Each SVA player made improvements to his/her world ranking:
During the year, Melody Francis was successful in gaining an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Scholarship, Selena Shaikh was selected to represent Australia and named Captain at the World Junior Women’s event held in Boston, USA and Rex Hedrick gained some assistance from the AIS under the Visiting Athlete program.
Following a review of the Academy activities in late 2011, the 2012 program will include a number of group training sessions which will also extend to the Targeted Athlete Program and increase the opportunities for squad athletes to train.
Squash Vic Academy
Targeted Athlete Program
Talent Development Squad
Shadow Squad
Player Rank at Jan 2011 Rank at Dec 2011
Melody Francis 57 36
Rex Hedrick 133 86
Selena Shaikh 112 112
Luke Sims 265 220
Nicole Stoneham 201 156
The Targeted Athlete Program (TAP) players trained with the Talent Development Squad (TDS) and received one‐on‐
one sessions with coaches Sarah Fitz‐Gerald, Tim Batty, Cameron White, Lorraine Howell, Brad Kemp and Mark O’Brien. Players selected for the 2011 TAP were Daniel Wright, James Watson, Jacob Oates, Aeron Skidmore, Kirstie Wild (withdrew) , Dominic Smith, Monica Paine, Jason Holmes and Jack Paine.
The TDS had a squad of 25 players from various clubs and the ages ranged from 13 to 19. Coaches for this program were Lorraine Howell, Brad Kemp, Marc O’Brien, Mark Stoneham, Nathan Sneyd and Greg Paine.
Players not selected for the TDS were given the opportunity to train in the Shadow squad conducted by Terry Little with assistance from Greg Paine. The Shadow Squad is also open to any junior athlete wishing to take advantage of additional coaching/training opportunities.
HIGH PERFORMANCE cont’d
State Senior Team
The National Teams Championship was held in Dural, NSW. Strong performances from the team of Vanessa Pickerd, Sarah Cardwell, Rex Hedrick and Cameron White saw Victoria bring home the trophy for the first time in the event’s nine year history.
State Junior Team
Victoria hosted the 2011 AJC at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. The Championships consist of the Individual event followed by the Teams event. In the individual event good performances were achieved by Canadian Sam Ejetmai (1st in 15YAG), Selena Shaikh (3rd in the 19YAG), Courtney Grinham (6th in 13YAG) and Nicole Stoneham (4th in 17YAG).
The Victorian State Team comprising – Selena Shaikh, Darcy St John, Nikhil Raniga, Braydon Stapleton, Nicole Stoneham, Monica Paine, Daniel Wright, Dominic Smith, James Watson, Aeron Skidmore, Belle Reid, Jacob Oates, Amiel Raniga, Tyler Hawkins, Courtney Grinham, Danielle Kun, Georgina Craik, Jack Paine and Andy Sneddon—were seeded 4th for the event.
Team Captains were Darcy St John and Nicole Stoneham with coaches Sarah Fitz‐Gerald, Cameron White, Nathan Sneyd and Manager/
Coach Tim Batty. Sarah was asked by the World Squash Federation to assist with their Olympic bid prior to the event and was more than adequately replaced by (former World No 1) Cassie Thomas.
Victoria is certainly in an enviable position to have two former world champions to assist our aspiring juniors. Unfortunately, Nathan Sneyd had to withdraw from coaching duties due to personal reasons and has since returned to Luxembourg. As it was a home town event the team was not accommodated together, which on reflection, did not assist with generating morale. The team finished a somewhat disappointing 5th but with a solid base from which to build in 2012.
National Junior Series
Twelve players made the journey to Dural, NSW with coaches Mark Stoneham and Nathan Sneyd appointed to lead the tour. Lorna Shaikh assisted with the group meal preparations. For 2012 the 8 day, 2 event NJS has been replaced with a new 4 day event—the Australian Junior Open.
Squash Vic Junior Camp
Squash Vic was able to entice former world no 4, Anthony Hill, to return to Melbourne to conduct two junior development camps in January 2011. Anthony has been coaching in Egypt for the past 10 years and has been one of the main driving forces for the standard the Egyptian players are currently setting on the world stage. 26 players, including 6 from interstate, took the opportunity to experience contemporary training practices and gain an insight into the intensity required to seriously progress in the sport. Coaches Jarrod Ashcroft (NT), Cameron White, Tim Batty, Mark Stoneham, Marc O’Brien, Nathan Sneyd and Greg Paine came along to assist and gained some valuable experience from Anthony. Following the upheaval in Egypt during 2011, Anthony returned to Melbourne and will be part of our programs in 2012.
