Squash action recently at South Sound Club. (Photo by Mwangi Ngamate)

By Mwangi Ngamate
Mwangi@caymannetnews.com

Squash Coach Dean Watson has announced the Cayman team to the Caribbean Junior Squash Championships 2009 in Barbados from 9-20 July

“We have 12 players taking part this year, with perhaps one of the best male line ups in the hope of a boy’s team winning this year, ”said Mr Watson.

The following are the players that are attending the championship.

Girls
Courtney Stafford U-19
Kristina Myren U-17
Eilidh Bridgeman U-17

Boys
Cameron Stafford U-19, Alain Mudeen U-19, Alex Frazer U-17, Josh Myren U-17, Nicholas Cameron U-17, Matthew Mudeen U-15, Cody Stafford U-15, Iain McCallum U-13, Tom Mann U-15
Last year, Cayman finished 5th overall, “so we are hoping to improve on this, although we don’t have a full girl’s team, which will impact the final placing,”said Mr Watson.

In the individual event all players take part in their respective age groups from U-13s to U-19’s. Cameron Stafford won the U-17’s last year in Bermuda and now in the U-19’s will be a strong contender. Alex Frazer, although recently back from injury, will be keen to make his mark this year.

Josh Myren and Nicholas Cameron reaching for new levels, will cause many upsets along the way. Matthew Mudeen and Iain McCallum heading the U/15’s and U/13’s will also prove to be strong contenders. Cody Stafford the one and only left hander, will be sure to confuse his opponents with some tactical squash. The girls will be keen to prove their participation and demonstrate their ability to make their mark. Courtney Stafford, a veteran of Junior CASA and just makes this year’s event by a few days as her birthday lies at the end of July as he turns 19. Cheri-Anne Parris from Barbados will be one of her strongest opponents, both having played recently here in the Cayman Open. Kristina Myren and Eilidh Bridgeman, our next best female players hot on the heels of Courtney and extremely keen, will both be seeking to upset any Caribbean opponent in their way.

This year has been a testing time to raise funds for athletes; however, StuartWalkerHersant and Maples & Calder have both shown that supporting the junior programme in these difficult times must continue to allow the youth opportunities.