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Jenny Lavaud
 When
I met Jenny in Royan back during the Europeans in 2007, she told me
about her project. Immediately, I opened her
our pages on the French Site. Since then, she has sent us three
articles in French, for the
English leg, then the
French one, and of course, this one, in Sweden.
Those initiatives are to be encouraged, helped and nursed as they incarnate perfectly the Squash Spirit.
Well done to all the people that have made it possible...
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27 novembre 09
JENNY AND CO TRAVEL TO
SWEDEN...
 We
went to Sweden where we spent six days on an international squash
exchange involving Juniors from three countries - seven from our
club in Royan as well as myself and our beloved coach, Frank
Dugas (or Francky as he is more commonly known).
This was the last leg of a three-way exchange between Royan, France,
Malmö, Sweden and Cheshire Squash, England which was set up
following the European Individual Squash Championships held in our club
in June 2007.
A short time after the event, Thomas Troedsson from the
Swedish Federation contacted our President to try and organise some
international squash exchange for Junior members. The Swedes had already
been on training courses set up by our club in previous years.
At that
time, we also had a Swedish player, Anna Blaix, who could help
organize events with Sweden. We thought it would be interesting to
include a third country and consequently, we set up the tripartite
exchange between England, Sweden and France.
We felt the project was rather ambitious but we were confident it would
be a very positive experience for our players especially from a
linguistic and sports point of view. Martin Wren put us in touch
with Alan Batchelor and George Williams from Cheshire
Squash and since then we haven’t looked back....
THE CONCEPT
The idea is basically that the receiving country finances expenditures
on site ( local transport between venues, food, accommodation, visits….)
and that the visiting countries only have the airfare to worry about.
As far as France is concerned, this European initiative is very
innovating as few exchanges of this kind have been set up. This project
is both sport and language-orientated. Playing squash and all that it
entails is obviously the main objective but not the only one.
Learning a language through the medium of sport is a fun experience and
a means of discovering a different culture and lifestyle. It has been a
great experience for two of our players who have been lucky enough to
take part in all three events. Cool, as they say.
Here’s a diary of events …a packed schedule but great fun.
 Enfin le départ...
Saturday 24th
We had an early start from the club. Everybody was raring to go. We had
waited so long for this moment and now our fund-raising events seemed so
worthwhile. Off we went by minibus to Bordeaux airport. Once we had
checked in, we could sit and enjoy the ride.
Two plane journeys later, we arrived at Copenhagen Airport. We only had
the Øresund Bridge left to cross before reaching our final destination
where we met the English and Swedish delegations. It was amazing to
think that in the space of a few hours, we had actually travelled
through 4 different countries. After a pretty hectic day, the Juniors
went off with their host families hoping to improve their communication
skills (in English and Swedish). In the meantime, the group leaders
enjoyed a relaxing evening in town – a quiet moment before the busy days
ahead.
A vos marques... Sunday 25th
The following day, we quickly got into the full swing of things. The
Swedish coach, David McAlpine, was in charge of events. After a
rather strenuous warm-up, we did different workshops focused on speed
followed by a series of exercises at the front of the court.
After a busy morning, we were glad to have a lunch break. In the
afternoon, a session based on circuit training – something which our
Juniors are not used to. They found it quite grueling and had to really
push themselves to keep going. It was obviously a piece of cake for the
older members – push-ups, squats…( only joking ) - but we felt it the
day after!
By the end of the training session, our players were on their knees but
were still looking forward to a game of Beach volleyball later in the
evening - indoors, of course. After a bite to eat, David organized the
teams and the matches got underway. A fantastic moment together …
everyone had a ball!
 Journée décontractée
Monday 26th
Today the training sessions were held at another club in Malmö . Our
Juniors were really getting into the swing of things by now. True to
local custom, Alex and Vanessa came by bike - squash bags on
their backs. We all enjoyed a full morning playing squash – warm-up,
routines and varied workshops.
The club has 8 courts so this meant that everybody could play at once.
After lunch, a free afternoon in town – a time to chill and have a look
around the city. Shopping for the players. A coffee-break for the group
leaders. One thing we learnt is that afternoon is that Swedish tea rooms
have the most unbelievable range of cakes. A night-in for the girls and
group leaders whilst the boys went to the local ice hockey club.
According to the guys, it was a match to remember…
Retour au boulot... Tuesday 27th
Back to training. Everyone seemed pleased with how things were going -
the host families were doing their utmost to please and were taking
great care of their international guests. David briefed us all on the
day’s programme. We were in for a difficult afternoon!
A most enjoyable morning with matches being played to determine the
level of each player followed by a Swedish speciality for lunch –
meatballs with cranberry sauce – delicious!
In the afternoon, we got down to serious business… Circuit training and
indoor hockey. A great afternoon but you’ve got to be fit to keep up
with the Swedes! A sports evening in town – the choice between a game of
bowling and mini-golf. Another chance to get to know each other better.
Tournoi de clôture - Wednesday 28th
The last day. The week had flown by. It was now tournament time. Some
great matches at all levels. The French and the English guys certainly
put up a good fight but the Swedes came out on top in true Viking style.
Remember that some of the Swedish players are on the national team.. A
pleasant farewell party at the club – a barbecue followed by speeches
and presentations. Unfortunately, “the end was nigh”!
Thursday 29th - Departure day.
Off home now after a tremendous week.
We have now completed the circle but that doesn’t mean that we’ve called
it a day. Due to the players’ motivation, the quality of the exchanges
we all had concerning squash and the cultural and linguistic benefit, we
have decided to carry on the project. As the song goes, we’ll soon be
”on the road again”.
On behalf of the players, I would like to thank David, Thomas and
the team in Malmö for a great week. I regret just one thing. It’s a pity
that winter’s set in here in Royan because we would have looked great on
the beach now that we’re all nice and trim! Only joking, David! It was
awesome…
Remember to put Chester in your diary for October2010!
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