Squash
Squash has a long history at Marlborough and is played by boys and girls in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. From those performing on the international stage to those who play for the sheer love of the game or to enhance their performance in other sports, the Squash Department prides itself on creating a fun, friendly and challenging environment in which all pupils can prosper and fulfil their potential. Squash most definitely is a ‘game for life’ and many of our pupils continue to play and enjoy its many benefits for years after leaving the College.
Julian Beckett
Head of Squash
Facilities
The College has four heated squash courts, including one that is fully glass-backed. These are refurbished on a regular basis and the most recent refurbishment, completed in 2021, saw major work carried out on the courts, changing rooms, corridor areas and roof. Apart from College use, the squash facilities are hired by the county for junior training sessions, inter-county fixtures and Marlborough Town Squash Club. England Squash-sanctioned junior tournaments regularly take place here and we have hosted a PSA Challenger tournament.
Fixtures
College teams compete in weekly fixtures, the England Squash National Schools competition and two annual invitational tournaments at Roehampton Club and Surrey Sports Park, all of which are against other top squash-playing schools in the country. There is a well-supported and vigorous annual interhouse competition and we often host touring teams. On an individual basis, pupils enter England Squash-sanctioned tournaments which contribute towards national rankings, and we enjoy individual county, regional and national representation.
Pupils are able to play for Marlborough Town Squash Club in the County Premier League and compete against the OMs in the annual Harold Rose Bowl tournament as well as against each other in the College individual championships.
Collaborations and Coaches
Julian Beckett, Head of Squash, joined the College in 2001 as our squash professional after emigrating from Zimbabwe, where he reached the number one spot in 1999 and represented the national team at Senior and Junior levels. He continues to play regularly in national, regional and County Masters competitions, and has over 30 years of coaching experience with squads and individuals at all levels of the game.
Our visiting coach, Jesse Engelbrecht, is widely recognised as one of the most innovative coaches in Europe and is a lead coach on the popular SquashSkills.com website. He works as a high-performance coach for England Squash and is the Director of Squash at Surrey Sports Park.