SCOTTISH Squash took a huge leap of faith about four months ago when they agreed to host the WSF World Doubles Championship at Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow.
The tournament took place last week and they did an amazing job. They played host to around 15 countries, bringing some of the top players in the world together to put on a showcase event that was absolutely thrilling to watch. Talk about fast paced, my eyes had trouble keeping up!
This is a growing sport and I have to say, Scottish Squash is one of the most amiable organisations to work with, keen to ensure diversity in all areas and open to challenge and change. Two of my favourite athletes are elite squash players, Lisa Aitken and Georgia Adderley, and both gave a good show, although were just pipped to a final showdown place.
It really was a fingers-crossed time, prior to the launch of the event. With Covid still a major consideration, it’s fair to say that the organisers had a lot of sleepless nights. It was a real comfort to them that they managed to attract so many influential partners to support this event and also to have it live-streamed, giving everyone an opportunity to watch the action. It’s good to see that they partnered with Heart Research UK, a charity that SW/S have supported in the past. It felt normal, it felt safe and it felt pretty good to be back in that type of environment.
The next big event to kick-off literally, is Scotland’s game against Spain at Hampden tomorrow night. There is a score to settle here as the away game saw the heaviest loss in recent times, going down 8-0 in Spain, so it is time to balance the books. It may even be a little bit personal for the SWNT, as their coach, Pedro Martinez Losa, who took over from Shelley Kerr in July 2021, hails from Spain.
There has been a bit of controversy surrounding tickets for this match, however the Scottish FA has been quick to clarify its position, saying: “Every seat in Hampden Park will be made available should the demand require it.”
They are urging fans to turn up in person on the night,#bringthenoise and support the SWNT.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here