Northcliff Squash hosts fun tournament to kick off year
To welcome in the new year, Northcliff Squash hosted the fun tournament, which saw accomplished and new squash players hitting to each other on the court.
On a Saturday morning perfect for a game of squash, Northcliff Squash hosted its first tournament of the year, aptly called the Fun Tournament.
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The ‘Welcome to the new year’, event was co-organised by committee members Tamara Van Eck and Pieter Lotz. Van Eck explained this was the first of seven tournaments the club will host throughout the year, which are split between fun ones like this, and more serious ones.
“It is a very relaxed, social event, put together to encourage new, beginner players to come through and experience squash in a fun way,” said Van Eck. This was a bell tournament, which meant participants would play for four minutes, paired at random by a computer system, before a bell would ring and they would change partners. Female players had a five point advantage against the males and after scores had been tallied, prizes were given to all players. Van Eck thinks squash isn’t just a fun sport and great for exercise; it’s also a great way to socialise with some amazing people.
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Lotz, who has played the sport for 15 years, has kept at it because of his love for the game, and his ability to still be able to run around the court. He thought people really enjoyed the day. “We have players who range from very good players to beginners, but everyone is just playing against each other.” He thinks that such tournaments help build confidence in beginners. Getting on a court builds confidence, but, of course, getting coached by a good player helps too.
As Van Eck sees it, what sets the club apart from others is that they operate as a family, one that encourages people to work together. “What is really nice is that a lot of the players are much stronger, but they take time to play with you, and coach you, and help you along, so, you never feel like you’re out of place.” She really enjoys tournaments like these, where everyone is relaxed and happy.
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