Coach: fewer courts may harm squash club
11:35am Sunday 20th January 2008
Comments (4)A QUALIFIED coach has warned reducing the number of squash courts in Harrow could seriously affect the local club.
Earlton Francis, a level II coach, used to play for the squash club at Kelmscott Leisure Centre, in Walthamstow.
In 2006, the number of courts in the centre were cut from four to two and Mr Francis said he saw a rapid decline in the club.
He said: "It used to have a great scene, lots of players and the courts were always full.
"When they halved the number of courts, squash players stopped going to the centre.
"The club is now nothing like it used to be."
Mr Francis, 45, from Enfield, now plays at Harrow Squash Club but fears history will repeat itself at Harrow, which is facing a cut to its facilities.
He said: "They are a great bunch of guys and they have great youth players coming through.
"It would be such a shame if the enthusiasm and work that goes into the club is wasted."
Harrow Council is planning to build just two squash courts in the new centre, reduced from eight.
The squash club is furious at the plans and is urging the council to reconsider.
Mr Francis called on the council to recognise the sporting and aerobic value of squash.
He said: "It is in the top five sports for fitness, and once it grabs you, you will not give it up.
"But there are only a few people who play the sport and it doesn't command the kind of money that go into other sports, which is very sad."
- For the council's comment on its plans for the centre click the link below.
Your Say YourHarrow Times
Merlie, Harrow says...
5:29am Mon 21 Jan 08
Fintan Walsh, Brent says...
12:23am Thu 24 Jan 08
Leisure businesses have promoted fitness equipment because it is can be very lucrative for them. The advice offered to the council by potential contractors for the new centre cannot be relied on as objective.
Squash has been part of the Commonwealth games for many years and the case has been made for it to feature in the Olympics.
Finally, with a little design imagination squash courts could be used for other classes and activities. The main need would be to provide sound insulation and privacy, at least for quieter groups such as Yoga.
John O'Donnell, says...
7:42pm Thu 31 Jan 08
GIVE US A SPORTING CHANCE
The health of the borough is being dismantled in Harrow as eight squash courts are knocked down to make way for TWO!!
This sporting equation does not add up.
For the short and long term benefits to the residents of Harrow please look at the figures again; re-evaluate the costs and rebuild for the future.
Sporting logic cries out for a re-calculation of the plans.
Please more squash courts for a popular and ever growing sport
A healthy Harrow is a safer Harrow.
John ODonnell
In this section
- Crash victim, 85, may have lost control of mobility scooter
- Litigator claims 'Nazi' lawyers conspired against him
- Hit and run investigation into Stanmore crash
- Pensioner airlifted to hospital after Stanmore crash
- Pedestrian knocked down and injured in Stanmore
- Wembley Central candidates announced
- Lap dancing bosses rapped for 'bad management'
- Phone mast plan hatched after council blunder
- Policeman was 'flattered and aroused' by overdose woman
- Ex-cop sentenced for sex with vulnerable woman
Sponsored Links
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Kevin, Rayners Lane says...
9:20pm Sun 20 Jan 08