With the assistance of the Warren Squash Club and two event sponsors, Brian Barnes Sportspower Dubbo and Dunlop Sports, the camp was a great success. Local coach Toni McKay was able to gain valuable on-court coaching experience throughout the event.

At the conclusion of the camp, Grant was very impressed by the progress of the attending athletes. He now recommends that the local squash clubs work together to set up a series of junior tournaments before the 2010 Squash NSW Junior Championships, to develop the talents of the Far West juniors who attended the camp.

While in Warren, Grant spoke to the athletes about the pathway for squash players to the elite professional level. In Australia, the pathway is into Asian countries. In November, Grant is off to Malaysia with the Australian Junior Squad. It was interesting to learn that a highly successful professional squash player only just makes a six-figure income, unlike tennis professionals who can make millions.

Grant was assisted throughout the camp by Locke Cameron, a Sydney-based development officer for Squash NSW who works in schools and local squash clubs developing junior players.

At the conclusion of the camp, Grant and Locke presented five Sportspower encouragement awards and four Dunlop participation awards. Locke also presented a special coach award to James Fisk for his never-give-in attitude.

Sportspower Encouragement Awards (with athletes receiving a $40 Sportspower voucher) went to Dale Lomas (Warren), Kristian Retallick (Cobar), Johnny McKay (Warren), Brenden Potbury (Dunedoo) and Teah Stephens (Warren).

Dunlop Participation Awards (athletes received a piece of Dunlop sports equipment) went to Ty Arnold, Breannan Lomas, Jessica Wilson, Laine Stephens and Matthew Woolnough all of Warren. James Fisk (Nevertire) received a Coaches Award.

Match Results: Group A placings - first Kristian Retallick, second Johnny McKay, third Sam Cleasby and fourth Thomas Fields. Group B placings - first Ty Arnold, second Craig Fields, third Teah Stephens and fourth Breannan Lomas.

The FWAS would like to thank Squash NSW for creating this development opportunity for the Far West of NSW. Providing a coach of Grant Gough’s standard to come to this area and seek to identify and develop juniors is a great privilege. Special thanks must also go to Toni McKay and her family for all the work put in to making the camp so successful.