Squash enthusiasts are gearing up for a major international tournament in Perth after a successful fundraising campaign.
The Tayside and Fife Squash Association has revealed details of a competition for the Fair City, mainly aimed at up-and-coming young players.
The event, which will be held at Bell’s Sports Centre in March, is going ahead despite an unsuccessful bid to secure sponsorship.
Instead, the games are being paid for by local squash groups and organisations. Live Active Leisure has also agreed to provide its facilities for free.
The contest has already attracted players from as far afield as Canada and Dubai.
Scottish international player Katriona Allan, from Perth, said: “It’s amazing to have an event of this scale in Perth, because is where squash started for me as a junior coming to after-school lessons. To be going full circle now, hosting a professional event, is just great.”
She said: “The added bonus is that it’s fully supported by the clubs which will hopefully encourage more events like this and encourage more and more people to take up squash.”
In recent years, the Perth and Kinross patch has seen several juniors successfully make the transition from junior to senior representation. These include Rory Stewart and Claire Gadsby from Crieff, Elspeth Young from Kinross, as well as Allen.
The association is made up of volunteers who actively promote squash across Courier country, predominately focusing on the development and organisation of juniors.
Tournament organiser Mark Beaumont said: “This season we looked at the possibility of holding a men’s and ladies open competition.
“Despite not being able to find a sponsor, the committee continued to look at ways of raising enough funds to register a Professional Squash Association.”
He said: “Local squash organisations and clubs were so keen and supportive that a number of them decided to financially contribute, between them raising enough to hold the event.
“Added to this, the generous support of Live Active Leisure providing the facilities free of charge.”
Entry for spectators will also be free.
Mr Beaumont added: “The event is specifically aimed to attract players starting off their careers on the professional circuit.
“With entries confirmed from as far away as Canada and Dubai, it is certainly shaping up to be a truly international event.”
The three-day contest will launch on March 22.
