13-Feb:
Manchester children inspired by Britain’s best

Just over 1,200 Manchester school children will get the opportunity to visit the National Squash Championships this week as Britain’s best squash players head to the city.

World number 16 Sarah Jane Perry even paid a personal visit to Cheetham Hill squash club last night to meet some of the club’s youngest players. The budding squash stars were able to have a game against the 24 year old and quiz her about being a professional athlete.

Manchester City Council in partnership with England Squash & Racketball run one of the most successful squash programmes in the country with 2,500 children playing squash across the city.

Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "Hosting so many elite events, including the 2013 AJ Bell World Championships and the National Championships has enabled us to build a hugely positive legacy.

"The children will get the chance to see squash as the highest level, have a go themselves and learn how to get involved using the top quality facilities we have here."

Manchester boasts some of the best squash facilities in the country with Abraham Moss recently benefiting from a 30k refurbishment whilst Moss Side has also completed a new development. A brand new two court facility is also due to open in Hough End this summer.

"We want to encourage even more people to get involved in our squash programmes, the new refurbishments mean we have top class facilities and it’s really affordable at just £1-£2 a session,” Councillor Battle added.

For more information about Manchester squash please contact: p.hulme1@manchester.gov.uk