Going Out: Elite squash - A sport for the body and soul

Jay Asser 10:57 01/10/2015
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  • Elite Squash are hoping to get more people playing the game in the UAE.

    When it comes to the sporting landscape in the UAE, squash isn’t very high on the list of most prevalent. Elite Squash are attempting to change that and get more people involved in a game that’s about more than just smashing a ball off the wall.

    Originally started in 1998 in the UK by founder and director Hadrian Stiff, Elite Squash’s vision has made its way to the UAE with

    the academy now fully functioning in Dubai with CEO Neil Young at the helm.

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    Young, a lifelong squash player and Level 1 and Level 2 England Squash & Racketball certified coach, is working to give the sport the attention it deserves in the region.

    “Squash has been in decline and has always been in separate communities in Dubai. Nobody has brought everyone together, so I’m trying to get academies, leagues, tournaments, coaching camps and certification more opportunities,” Young said.
    “We’re starting at the grassroots first and working up from there.”

    Young’s vision is derived from that of Stiff, who has over 20 years of coaching experience and helped produce national junior champions and regional champions. Stiff serves as a coach to world No1 Mohamed El Shorbagy and his brother, world No12 Marwan El Shorbagy.

     Elite Squash plan to improve participation levels in the sport.

    Stiff’s track record speaks for itself and the same coaching style which shaped world class players is now available to aspiring squash players in the UAE in their backyard.

    “The coaching academy here in Dubai is carrying the philosophy over from the UK,” Stiff said. “The style of coaching is very much centered around movement and helping everyone involved have a more versatile, moving body.

    “Another big part of the style is a lot about freedom and creativity on the court. The way that we do that is the coach guides the session and works with the player and it’s kind of the player leading the session as well.”

    Not everything is about hitting the ball, however, as Elite Squash’s general approach believes the sport empowers people in four ways:spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.

    “We’re helping people create change in their lives, that’s why we’re doing it. How we do that is by focusing on the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical part of the person,” Young said. “Most important is spiritual, being appreciative of what you have. Emotionally, it’s all about developing relationships with people on and off the court.”

    Even if you’re not looking to become the next Mohamed El Shorbagy and just want a recreational activity, squash offers just
    that. Whether you play with family, friends or co-workers, squash has many benefits outside of staying healthy, thanks to its intimate setting.

    “You can play all year-round and it’s also a safe environment for young people and adults also,” Stiff said. “Because it’s quite a small space, it’s good socially as well.”

    Elite Squash has developed professional players who train in the UK:

    Mohamed El Shorbagy is the world number one ranked player.

    Mohamed El Shorbagy
    Age: 24
    Ranking: world No1
    Nationality: Egypt
    Achievements: British Open Winner, US Open Winner, Hong Kong Open Winner, Qatar Classic Winner, Sky Open Winner, two-time World Junior Champion

    Marwan El Shorbagy
    Age: 21
    Ranking: world No12
    Nationality: Egypt
    Achievements: VII Torneo Internacional PSA Sporta 2014 Winner, Northern Ontario Open, 2013 Winner, Edmonton Open 2013 Winner, two-time World Junior Champion

    Tom Ford
    Age: 21
    Ranking: world No77
    Nationality: England
    Achievements: City Hall PSA Challenger Anadia 2014 Winner, NSA Open 2014 Winner, European Junior No1

    Josh Masters
    Age: 20
    Ranking: world No151
    Nationality: England
    Achievements: quarter-final of the Ipswich Open 2014, quarter-final of the Nottingham Open 2014

    Mike Harris
    Age: 25
    Ranking: world No153
    Nationality: England
    Achievements: 5th Cerdil Squash Open 2014 semi-final, The Park Estates Bexley Open 2014 semi-final, UCT Open 2013 semi-final

    FACT FILE

    WHAT: Elite Squash UAE
    Founded: 2015 in the UAE, 1998 in the UK

    FOR: Squash enthusiasts

    WHERE: Fitness First community clubs at Lakes, Meadows and Town Centre

    CONTACT: For more information, call 55 553 1499 and visit www.elitesquash.ae.

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