For many children, our Squash Wales Holiday Camps are simply a fun day of activities where they can make new friends, play games, stay active and learn new skills. For others, however, those first few sessions have been the beginning of an incredible journey that has led to them representing Wales.
We caught up with Jessica Yuen, Jo Thomas and Alex Powles, whose children all attended Squash Wales Camps before going on to represent Wales at the Inter-County Championships.
A First Taste of Squash
“Adrian had never picked up a racket before the Squash Camp in February 2025,” said Jessica. “But he enjoyed it right away and asked if he could come back to the next session as soon as this one had finished. I always wanted him to try lots of different sports, and he’s played football, rugby and basketball with his friends, but he’s found himself gravitating towards squash.”
Sam’s journey was slightly different.
“Sam had already played a little at our local rackets club,” explained Jo. “We then took him along to a junior tournament at the Sport Wales National Centre, which really opened the door to so much more. He’d had some lessons at the club, but he loved attending the Squash Camps because he could meet like-minded children his own age and enjoy himself for the day while learning from experienced coaches.”
Lewis Powles also discovered his love for the game through family.
“When Lewis was a toddler he used to watch me playing squash at Rhiwbina Squash Club and wanted to have a go himself,” said his dad, Alex. “He enjoyed it, so during the school holidays he came along to a Squash Wales Camp with his younger brother Griff. He loved the sessions, made lots of friends and really got the bug for squash.”
Building Confidence
Adrian, Sam and Lewis all returned to several camps and quickly became familiar faces. While each child started from a different place, they all shared the same enthusiasm to learn and improve.
Sally Davis, who has over 20 years of coaching experience and delivers many of the Squash Wales Camps, recognised their progress early.
“We make sure all of our sessions cater for children of every ability,” said Sally. “We split the children into groups so everyone is challenged at the right level. Sam, Adrian and Lewis all progressed incredibly quickly through the camps, so I recommended they attend the weekly Academy sessions. Within a few months they were all showing the standard needed to be considered for national representation.”
For Lewis, the camps helped build confidence as much as technical ability.
“He was a little nervous because he thought there would be lots of players who were much more experienced than him,” Alex explained. “He soon realised he could compete with them, and having top-quality coaching really improved his game.”
Jessica also noticed the impact on Adrian.
“The coaches were really encouraging from the beginning and Adrian made good progress. Later he was invited into the weekly Academy sessions, which really boosted his confidence.”
Learning More Than Squash
One of the biggest lessons wasn’t about winning matches.
“Adrian lost his first proper competition and we were worried he might want to give up,” Jessica admitted. “Instead, he saw how well the other children played and decided he wanted to work harder and improve. It’s been wonderful to watch that resilience grow.”
For Sam, the biggest benefit was becoming part of a wider squash community.
“Since attending the camps, he’s taken part in several tournaments and Academy sessions. Not only has he developed his squash, but he’s made some great friends too. The staff at Squash Wales have created such a welcoming and encouraging environment for young players.”
Meanwhile, Lewis couldn’t wait to play more.
“After attending several camps he started asking to play squash all the time,” said Alex. “I began having regular hits with him before my own club matches, and you could really see his confidence and enthusiasm growing.”
Representing Wales
The hard work soon paid off.
Adrian progressed from the holiday camps into the Academy before being selected for the Wales U11 National Squad. “He was so proud to represent Wales,” Jessica said.
Sam’s journey followed a similar path.
“Following one of the tournaments, Sam was invited to join the Junior Academy. Training regularly alongside other young players really helped him grow in confidence. Being selected to represent Wales at the Inter-County Championships was an amazing experience he’ll never forget. What stood out throughout the whole journey was the incredible encouragement and support from the coaches.”
Lewis was also selected to represent Wales at the Inter-County Championships in Somerset in January 2026, something Alex says was a very proud moment for the whole family.
“He was honoured to wear the Wales shirt. Looking back, the Squash Camps were a brilliant introduction to the sport and really helped him develop a love for the game.”
Would We Recommend It?
All three parents had the same message for families thinking about giving squash a try.
“The camps are well organised, fun and run by experienced coaches,” said Jessica.
“Squash Wales has given Sam not only the opportunity to develop as a player, but also to grow in confidence, make friends and be part of something really special,” added Jo.
Alex agreed.
“The camps are a brilliant way for children to experience squash, make new friends and build confidence. They’re also fantastic value during the school holidays!”
Could This Be Your Child’s Story?
Whether your child has never picked up a racket before or already enjoys playing, our Summer Squash Camps are the perfect opportunity to get involved.
Summer Squash Camps 2026
Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff
- Thursday 23rd July
- Thursday 30th July
- Thursday 6th August
- Thursday 13th August
- Thursday 20th August
- Thursday 27th August
Suitable for children aged 5–13, with all abilities welcome.
Book your place today:
https://squashwales.com/squash-camp/
Every journey starts with a first session. This summer could be the start of your child’s squash journey.
