THE Essex Junior Squash schools’ coaching programme, which has introduced over 4,000 youngsters to the sport in the past 18 months, has been given a boost.

The Colchester-based FJG Foundation has backed them with a cash-for-equipment donation.

A coaching team, led by former top professional player Lauren Selby, has set up schools’ training sessions in Colchester, sparking a tremendous resurgence in the sport.

Essex Junior Squash applied to the FJG Foundation, set up by Colchester law firm Fisher, Jones, Greenwood, for funding and the trustees voted to support the programme with a donation that will be spent on training equipment, including a portable squash wall, rackets and protective eye glasses.

The FJG Foundation’s Ellen Petersen said: “Our foundation was set up two years ago to provide support to local sport and recreation projects.

“The Essex Junior Squash schools’ programme is a tremendous example of how to engage youngsters in a wonderful sport and we are proud to offer our backing.”

Two of Petersen’s colleagues, Penny Hepburn and Marion Knocker, got a taste of schools’ squash when they met up with 64 Colchester youngsters at the first round of the Roman Cup, an inter-schools tournament held at the Colchester Garrison.

They also handed over a cheque for £500 to Essex Junior Squash Chairman David Harris.

Harris said: “This will help us provide more equipment for more coaches to take into schools.

“We cannot thank FJG enough for backing such a vibrant and important project.

“Hopefully, it will help launch a future generation of squash stars.”