News from the Club ...

Local players compete at National Championships

Three Club members competed in the Welsh National Championships at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff over the weekend 6 - 8 January 2012.
Hannah Davies finished fourth in the Ladies A competition despite feeling unwell during the weekend and pushed the eventual winner, Deon Saffray, hard in the semi final.
Darren Lee came sixth in the Mens B event and
Mark Davies finished seventh in the Mens C event.
A good but very tiring weekend was had by all.

Essential Court Maintenance now completed

Following the closure of both courts recently as part of our on-going commitment to keep on top of maintenance issues, the repair and redecoration of both courts, the balcony area and the Men's changing room is now completed.
It is very disappointing, however, that we still do have aproblem with the front wall on Court 2. We will have to close this off in the next week or so for further repair but, if that does not help matters, we may need to consider a more fundamental (and costly) approach.

An outstanding issue still remains with the poor water pressure in the mens showers - through the Sports Club we have been attempting to get some resolution to this problem with the original contractor.
The Committee continues to have great frustrations with this as an on-going problem.

The Club wishes to acknowledge the quality of the refurbishment / decoration work by G2 Decorators and their volunteer support.

View the refurbishment below:-

Club Championship Trophy awarded

Our new Club Championship Trophy has now been presented for the first time to 2011 Champion, Darren Lee.

In future, the intention is that the Club Championship will be played over one weekend at the end of the Teams season.

Juniors Christmas Tournament

Another successful event and thanks to all who took part - for details and pictures from this year's Junior Tournament, go to the Juniors Page.

Local players in NE Wales Open

A few Wrexham players took part in the prestigious Anchor Insurance North East Wales Open Tournament held at The Saints, Club, Prestatyn over the weekend 18 - 20 November - this is how they got on:-

Ladies event - Hannah Davies 2nd place.
Mens B event - Darren Lee 2nd place; Mitch Blythen 10th place.
Mens C event - Aleks Stojanovic 4th place; Darren Hewitt 8th place; Perry Shoemark 13th place.
Mens D event - Thomas Hewitt 12th place.

Our new National Champion ...

Well done to Hannah Davies on winning the 2011 Welsh Junior Closed National Championships in Cardiff last weekend. See the Juniors Page for details.

Work on showers completed

The long awaited work to upgrade the mens' shower area has been completed, however, there is still some decoration work required to finish the job. The Club's Committee are also looking into the possibility of a suspended ceiling with new lighting that would complete the refurbishment.

LATEST - [1] We have a problem with low water pressure to the Mens new showers, this is being looked into and, we hope, will be resolved as soon as possible ! It may mean that the Ladies shower area will again need to be used on a temporary shared basis. Apologies to all concerned.

[2] Work to "box in" under the stairs is now completed, with the reception area also redecorated. The new cupboards will provide a better store for the cleaning and other equipment used in the Club.

January Internal Leagues

The internal leagues for January are now posted on the website, accessible either by using the link (right) or via the on-line booking system. Please note, matches are to be played by Sunday, 5th February 2012.

If any member wishes to join (or re-join) the leagues, please contact Jim Tunley.

Teams played their first quarter

To see how our teams are getting on after the first quarter of the season, visit the Teams Page.

Club raises its profile at Glyndwr

Members of the Club spent a day at the Glyndwr University Fresher's Faire on 28 September, to encourage new and existing squash players to consider joining "the only Squash Club in town".

Teams selection this Season

Commencing with the North Wales Teams that started on 6th September 2011, the intention is that all team selections should appear in advance on the Club's website.
These will be available as early as possible prior to match day, on the Teams Page.

Teams for 2011-12 Season

We regret to report, the Club will have no Ladies Team in the North West Counties Leagues this season.

See the Teams Page for more information, as well as the fixtures for our North Wales Leagues and North West Counties League Teams.

2011 Junior World Championships

Go to the Juniors Page to read Hannah Davies' report on how Wales got on at Harvard University recently.

2011 Junior Summer Tournament

The Club held a very successful Junior Tournament on 3rd July and thanks in particular goes to both Hannah and Margaret for all their hard work in organising the event before and during the day.
For further details and pictures, visit the Juniors Page.

AGM - no increase in fees again

The Club's AGM on 16th May 2011 agreed to hold membership and light card fees for the coming year - to view a note of the meeting, click on the following link:

AGM Note - May 2011

A close encounter in Cup Final !

The Club's First Team met Chester Rugby Club in the Final of the North Wales Cup on 10th May 2011 - for a report of an exciting match and pictures, visit the Teams Page

Our Teams - see how they got on !

An end of the 2010-11 Season report is available on the Teams Page.

Congratulations ... to our new coaches

On 10th April 2011, five newly qualified coaches achieved their UKCC Level One qualifications. Congratulations to Mike Penlington, Shaun Greenwood, Jake Fosterjohn, Luke Davies (from Glyndwr University) and Jim Tunley.
All members of this group have been at the heart of the Club's successful Mini Squash Experience with local primary schools.

A Partnership for the future ... !

The Club has embarked on an exciting venture that we hope will secure a steady introduction to squash for primary age children in the Borough.

With support from the Wrexham Council Sports Development Team , Mike Workman at Squash Wales and five keen Sports Science students at Glyndwr University the Squash Club now has two Mini Squash Kit Bags which means we are now able to take the game out into local Primary Schools through the offer of a new Mini Squash experience.

A first Mini Squash Day was held on 25th January 2011 at the St Giles and Marchweil Deiniol Primary Schools and a total 160 pupils (all at Key Stage 2) took part throughout the day. Those taking part have also been invited to a follow-on "taster" session at the Club on Saturday, 29th January between 12.00 and 3.00 pm.

We are grateful to the help received at the two schools and now have high hopes that this partnership will continue and help generate grassroots interest in our sport, with younger people.

Mini Squash at St Giles Primary School

Mini Squash at Marchwiel Deiniol Primary School

Glyndwr University students with Mike Workman

As a result of these earlier sessions, Mr Terry Walker, Headteacher at Marchwiel Deiniol Primary School, invited the Club back to offer a six week Mini Squash course.
This started on 7th March and comprises an hour for Year 3/4 pupils, followed by an After-School Activity for a mixed year group. In two weeks, numbers have been steady at around 45 pupils each week.

Week 6 at Marchwiel Deiniol Primary School

A further development with Mini Squash takes place during the day of Thursday, 31st March when we welcome back Mike Workman who will help us as we visit pupils at two of the Club's neighbouring schools - Brymbo, St Mary's Primary School and New Broughton, Ysgol Penrhyn.

We hope that this latest initiative will spark encouragement for squash with some of our local juniors.

Mini Squash at Ysgol Penrhyn Primary

At the follow-up taster session in the Club on 2nd April 2011, 14 pupils attended and we hope that they may be interested in joining one of our coaching programmes after the Easter break.

2011-2012 Memberships

Our membership year for 2011-2012 commenced on 1st June, with fees as follows:

Senior - £60
Junior (in full time education - £30 or £50 for 2 children from same family
Family (2 adults and children) - £90.

Click on the flyer (right) for a Membership Form

The cost of a light card is currently £3.00 for a 45 minute session.

Racketball at the Club

Thanks to kind sponsorship from Mike Povey, the Club now has four rackets and balls for racketball and these are to be kept in the "Juniors cupboard" by Court 1.
All members are encouraged to try this as an alternative game, but please do ensure the equipment is returned after use.

Hannah - Number 2 in Wales

Congratulations to Hannah Davies on reaching the Final of the Welsh National Championships in Cardiff last weekend.

In the Women’s event, top seed Tesni Evans (Saints Club, Prestatyn) beat Abby Hicks in the first Semi Final but the number 2 seed, Beth Winstanley, was beaten by 3/4 seed Hannah to set up an all North Wales clash for the Final.

Hannah fought hard in every rally but Tesni was too strong, controlling the key rallies in the match, to come through to win 3–0. This was Tesni's first Welsh Senior National Title.

Congratulations to both players - a superb result for North Wales squash.

Hannah and Tesni compete in the Final

Darren takes Championship title

Two amazing games of squash took place as part of the Club's Championship Finals on 12th November.

The 3rd place play-off was won in emphatic style by Rob Evans beating Mark Davies 3 - 0.

The Championship Final match lived up to all expectations where, from 2 - 0 down, Neil Rawlings came back to take the match into a fifth set against Darren Lee. With some excellent squash from both players, Darren came through to win the set 9 - 7.

Congratulations to our new Champion and the other three players on their achievements. To see our finalists, click on the following link:
2010 Championship Finalists

Important - Members Please Note

To all members - if at anytime you are the last to leave the Club, please ensure that the showers and lighting are turned off.

A shower in the Ladies changing area was left running overnight and all the following day - this has caused much damage to the ceiling, apart from wasting water and electricity.

Please be vigilant and aware of such problems that may arise - thank you.

2010 British Junior Championships

A number of local juniors took part in the British Junior Closed Tournament in Manchester at the end of October and Hannah Davies had an excellent weekend to achieve an overall 5th place, while her friend Tesni Evans from The Saints Club, Prestatyn was runner-up.
Our congratulations to both these young players on a superb achievement.

Club's Juniors excel !

Visit our Juniors Page to see the latest achievements by our juniors, at home and abroad.

Club celebrates four years !

On 1st March 2011, the Wrexham Brymbo Squash Club celebrated its fourth year since it was established. In that time we have welcomed many new members and our junior coaching programmes have gone out into local schools helping develop skills with some good and quite promising young players.

Child Safety & Equity

The Squash Club fully supports and welcomes the work of its National Governing Body, Squash Wales, in the area of child safety and, as such, members and parents may be interested to see their recently issued Newsletter (January 2010) -"Child Safety - Our Priority"

Local Girls help carry the flag ...

There was a superb and quite unprecedented show of Welsh squash at the Swiss Junior Open over the weekend of 4 - 6 December and two of our Club members played a big part.
In a quite remarkable weekend, Welsh youngsters won five of the eight tiles being played for with Hannah Davies winning the Final of the Girls Under 17 event.
Emily Jones narrowly missed out on 11th place in the Girls Under 15 group .

To find out more and view pictures, go to the - Juniors Page

Treat yourself in 2011 ...!

Orders are now being taken for good quality cotton polo shirts (navy or white) that will include the Club's logo. We will also be able to offer t-shirts in the latest performance materials, in mens and ladies fit (red, navy or white).

Prices start from £10 for adult sizes but, to try before you buy, contact Jim Tunley.

View the new shirts -Club's new polo shirt or

Club players excel at local tournament.

Over the weekend 20-22 November 2009, a number of Club players took part in the North East Wales Open, hosted by The Saints Club, Prestatyn.

The highlight must go to Hannah Davies and her friend Tesni Evans (from Saints) who, in the Welsh overall rankings are 74th and 27th respectively, but took on and beat the Tournament's two top seeded players Jenny Wright (ranked 3 in Wales) and Beth Winstanley (6th). These superb performances took the North Wales pair to the Final where Tesni took the title.

Other players finished as follows -
Darren Lee - 6th in Section B
Mark Davies - 3rd in Section C
Darron Hewitt - 4th in Section D
Perry Shoemark - 9th in Section D, and
Thomas Hewitt - 4th in Section E.

Congratulations to all our players taking part.

To read a full report of the Tournament, click on the link -North East Wales Open

Equity Policy

The Wrexham Brymbo Squash Club Committee is keen to ensure all matters within the Club are treated with respect and fairness and, as such, have now formally acknowledged the Squash Wales model Equity Policy.

To view the Equity Policy, click on the link
-Equity Policy

Squash Presentation Evening Success!

Thanks to all who supported the Squash Club at our 2009 Presentation Evening.

The evening acknowledged the achievements of our junior members with a presentation of awards from our sponsor, Club Member Darren Booth. We also announced four new awards relating to the recent Teams' season.

The following awards were made during the evening:

2008-09 Junior Tournament

Main Event Winner: Perry Shoemark

Runner Up – Alice Jones

3rd – Jason Slater.

Main Plate Event Winner: Edward Avery
Runner Up - Oliver Green
3rd - Jasmin Hughes.

Young Boys Event Winner: Thomas Hewitt
Runner Up - Luke Griffith

Plate Event Winner: Adam Cartwright

Runner Up - Edan Jackson

Young Girls Event Winner: Hannah Philpott

Runner Up - Natasha Jackson

See some of our Juniors using this link -Presentation Evening

2008 Club Handicap Tournament

Winner:Hannah Davies

Runner Up - Darron Hewitt

Third Place - John Roberts

Fourth Place - Garry Fisher

2008-09 Season Special Awards
Female Team Player of the Year - Alice Jones
Male Team Player of the Year - John Evans
Most Improved Junior Player of the Year - Perry Shoemark
Best Team Captain of the Year ! - Paul Gowing.

Congratulations to all our award winners !

On-line Booking continues following successful trial

The Squash Club Committee met on 23 April 2009 and has agreed to enter into an arrangement with HBI Consulting Ltd of Tunbridge Wells that will maintain the On-Line Booking system. This is both an important initiative and financial commitment for the Club and our thanks to those members who did respond with their views following the recent three month trial.

Only active (paid up) members of the Club will be able to book a court and this may be actioned through either a PC or a WAP enabled mobile phone. The instructions sent out in January are also available on the website. The website also includes the facility for members to amend any of their personal details but it is particularly important to ensure the system does show your correct e-mail address.

Please note that having booked (or cancelled) a squash court, the system will automatically issue an electronic no-reply confirmation of booking back to your e-mail address - as we will not have a link and touch screen at the Club, it is recommended that members keep these and take them to the Club, to avoid any confusion.

Access the system using the link above

Please remember, this system also allows members to view their position in the monthly leagues and provides appropriate contact details.

Calling all potential coaches . . .

Do you have what it takes to become a qualified squash coach - if so, your Club needs you!

Three Club members, Darron Hewitt, Llinos Evans and Hannah Davies recently attended a Level One coaching course at Holywell and were subsequently assessed as coaches. Prior to their assessment, each had to take four coaching sessions under the supervision of another qualified coach, who monitored their progress and provided mentoring support.

Hannah also elected to take part in a Referee and Marker course, again with subsequent assessment.

If you could cope with this and would like to give something back, the Squash Club may be able to assist with necessary fees and mentoring. If, however, any Club member does have an interest in committing to become a qualified coach, please chat it through first with Mark Davies.

Superb Final sees Hannah come through !

After some enforced delays to matches during this competition, sponsored by Darren Booth, there were two hard fought matched at the Semi Final stage on 6 February 2009, but these were eclipsed in the Final.

Friday the 13th proved lucky for the Club with a brilliant final match in which the youth of Hannah Davies overcame the experience of Darron Hewitt.

Our congratulations to both players in getting through to this stage and for providing an excellent Final.

The winner's trophy will be presented to Hannah when we arrange an end of season social event at the Club.

Follow the link to see our FinalistsHannah & Darren with sponsor, Darren Booth

About our Club ....

Wrexham Brymbo Squash Club welcomes all levels of ability, from beginners to advanced.

The Club opened on 1st March 2007 and has two private, centrally-heated squash courts that are considered by many to be the best in the area. The Club fields four competitive teams: one in the North West Counties Squash Leagues and three teams in the North Wales Squash Leagues, these teams also include some of the Club's promising Junior players.

Since the Club opened, we have seen a steady growth in our membership to our senior, junior sections and, more recently the new family section and we are most grateful to our original sponsors, from the Sports Council for Wales, Squash Wales, along with the Directors of the Brymbo Sports and Social Complex, for allowing us to make this possible.

Through our Welsh SRA qualified coaches we have an active programme of junior coaching and practice sessions in the early evenings throughout the year.

The Club's website is integral to our on-going commitment to the development of Squash in Wrexham, with the Club at Brymbo at the heart of programmes to encourage young people to play.