Martinborough Women Lead the Way in “2012 Year of Women’s Squash”

Martinborough Squash Club continues to go from strength to strength, with large numbers of adult players, a fully subscribed business house competition, a vibrant and growing junior squash programme and three teams in the Wellington Interclub competitions. But the story this doesn’t tell is about the strength of Women’s Squash at the club.

“We have as many as 26 women players here on Ladies night each Monday,” says club secretary Trinity Shaw. “Last year we would have been lucky to have a dozen some nights.  It just keeps on growing.”  There is a range of players each Monday.  “We have the more serious Interclub team players and women who have hardly touched a racquet in years,” added Trinity. One regular, Katherine Jacobs described it as “just brilliant”.

The Winter Women’s Interclub team won their grade last year and this year there are two teams in the competition. “Both of the Interclub teams are over-subscribed,” says Trinity. “We had so much interest that we even considered entering three teams – something unheard of in recent club history.”  The women’s side of the game is booming in Martinborough.

The stunning growth in Women’s Squash at Martinborough has stolen a march on a Squash New Zealand initiative declaring 2012 as the Year of Women’s Squash. “They are asking us to raise awareness of squash as a women’s sporting opportunity and the benefits that accrue from playing,” says Trinity. “But we have already achieved most of their goals and are in the position of having to set new, higher goals for our women.”

Much of the success of women’s squash at Martinborough Club has grown from last year’s  women’s team winning their Interclub competition. “We had some coaching, attended regular Monday nights ladies nights, played Interclub and had a hit on club nights most Thursdays,” says Trinity. “The club has been really helpful and supportive, creating a virtuous circle where each improvement leads to further improvements.”

For more information about squash at the Martinborough Squash Club give Trinity a call on 06 306 8914.
Lee Quayle