We are pleased to announce that reigning Avon Squash champion John Welton has been appointed as our new County Junior Coach. An experienced coach and accomplished player, John is a familiar face in the local squash scene, and we know he’ll bring both energy and expertise to his new role.
John has spent several years working alongside Hadrian Stiff at Elite Squash, coaching promising young players and passing on his knowledge at several clubs across the county, including Redland Green, Workout Harbourside and Landsdown, and is looking forward to his new position.
“I’m hugely excited to take on the role of Avon Junior head coach and relishing the opportunity to work with a very talented group of young players within the county,” commented Welton.
“I have been working as a member of the county coaching team over the past 5 or 6 seasons so the move to head coach is a natural progression and I’m looking forward to bringing my ideas and coaching philosophy to the role.”
There’s a lot of talent out there in Avon’s thriving junior squash programmes, and we know that John is the right man to help our young players improve further. Having spent several years working with the county’s junior players, John has already identified a few major priorities.
“A huge goal of mine is to increase the number of junior teams we are able to enter in the inter-county championship events, particularly ensuring girls get a chance to represent the county which has sadly not happened over the last few seasons,” he said.
“The ICC is a huge part of player development as I well know from my own pathway as a squash player. The experience of being exposed to that high level and the social experience as a team has a big impact on a young squash player and I want as many of our juniors to experience this as possible.”
John is also closely involved in the UWE squash programme, which has produced many top professionals, so is the ideal man to push on those with big ambitions beyond junior squash. We know he’ll help to provide a positive, encouraging and fun environment for the next generation.
