‘Wolf’ at school door to inspire a generation

Nick Matthew, known as The Wolf, is England’s most successful player in the sport’s history and is coming to the Shrewsbury School-based Shropshire Squash Club to inspire young and old and pass on hints and tips.

Matthew is current national champion, a three-time world champion, a three-time Commonwealth gold medallist and three-time British Open champion.

His pedigree and experience is sure to attract interest in the September 15 event. But Shropshire Squash Club is already a thriving outfit enjoying its own boom in membership, facilities and success.

The club boasts more than 200 members including more than 30 juniors competing in around 20 internal leagues.

Their partnership with the Shrewsbury School provides ideal facilities for the friendly and outreaching club who are always looking for new members.

Club captain Guy Rutter wants the visit of The Wolf, who hails from Sheffield, to inspire the next generation of Shropshire squash hopefuls.

He said: “We’re keen to promote squash to everyone but wouldn’t it be brilliant if we could inspire the next Nick Matthew, the next Wolf?

“We want the club to offer social and competitive squash to all but if squash is to feature in the Olympics, which is a must, we need to inspire the next generation of young players.”

Shrewsbury School sports facility manager Ed Moore believes bringing in a star with the stature of Matthew is a sign of how the club have progressed in recent times.

“The attendance of Nick Matthew highlights how far the club has grown over the last four years and its desires for the future,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to be part of the enthusiastic and developing club.’’

Shropshire’s oldest squash club hold a proud history. Formed by a small group of enthusiastic teachers just after the second World War, their original court still stands – albeit not used – today.

The current courts, roughly 400m along Ashton Road, have been in use since 1979 and the fruits of the club’s labour are now growing. In April they hosted a first national event – and the first ever held in the county. They also have a successful junior coaching programme and recently began work with its new professional coach, Ali Jafari, who coaches all ages twice each week.

A couple of the club’s talented stars have recently caught the eye in competitive action across different age ranges.

Linda Pritchard flew the flag for Shropshire squash when she was called up to the England Ladies over-45 team that competed in the Masters Home International Championships – winning clashes against Scotland and Wales.

While former under-16 star Cameron Parry, who has previously dominated at junior age groups, has now developed into an A team player for the club.

Becky Wright represented Shropshire Squash in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Squash Championships in Nottingham.

She said: “To be playing with some of the soon-to-be professionals and elite is such a motivator for me to never give up and to always put yourself out there.

“It is a dream come true, being able to represent the college and West Midlands in such a prestigious event, while flying the flag for Shropshire Squash Club.”

They are just some of the locals ready to pick up handy tips from star Matthew.

Shropshire Squash Club welcome newcomers of all abilities and are keen to help individuals progress socially and with their fitness. A full itinerary of activities and times of Matthew’s visit are available at www.shropshiresquashclub.co.uk

Anyone interested can join by emailing chairperson@kingslandsquash.co.uk – club nights are Sunday evenings from 7.30-10pm, while internal and external competitions are available throughout the year.

For membership information and sponsorship opportunities during the event contact Graham Moore on 07841125253