Powerplaysports Sign British Junior Open Sponsorship Deal With England Squash

After backing the event for the first time early this year, Powerplaysports have now signed a three-year agreement with England Squash for the title sponsorship of the British Junior Open from 2006.

The British Junior Open Squash Championships are regarded as the most prestigious junior championships in the world, boasting U19, U17, U15 and U13 events for men and women with roots back in the early 1920s.

The 2006 Powerplaysports Championships will take place at Hallamshire and Abbeydale Squash Clubs in Sheffield, Yorkshire, from 2-6 January - with the finals being held at Abbeydale on the club's recently-installed all-glass show court.

Alan Edge, Managing Director of Powerplaysports, states that the signing of this event for three years, demonstrates the commitment of the company to promote junior and grass roots racket sports at home and abroad: "We are proud to be associated with the British Junior Open, which attracts players from all over the world. As a company we have a commitment to the future of squash and currently sponsor the Yorkshire, Lancashire and North West Counties Squash leagues."

Powerplaysports Ltd, are manufacturers of high quality sporting goods, specialising in Squash, Tennis and Badminton rackets and accessories. They are also the exclusive U.K. distributors for Squash Design clothing.

England Squash Competition & Events Manager Chris Nutley said: "England Squash are delighted that, after stepping in at short notice to sponsor the 2005 event, Powerplaysports have signed a long term deal with us, thereby ensuring that the championships will continue to grow and cement its place as the world's premier Junior Open.

"Sheffield is the well-established home of the British Junior Open and we can once again count on the fantastic support of the Sheffield Events Unit, Hallamshire SC and Abbeydale SC, without whom the event would not be possible," added Nutley.

The 2006 event has attracted a record entry of 540 players from 31 countries, from as far afield as Australia, Peru and Jordan. Egypt and Pakistan will be looking to continue their dominance of the event and add to the four and three titles, respectively, that they claimed in January.

Egypt will arrive in Sheffield with a formidable squad of 65 players that includes both current World Junior Champions: Raneem El Weleily was crowned the women's world champion in Belgium in July whilst Ramy Ashour won the World Junior Men's title back in 2004, at the age of 16!

The English challenge will once again be spearheaded by Chris Simpson (Hampshire) in the Drysdale Cup (the Boy's Under 19 event). Six-times National Champion Rachel Willmott (Sussex), former British Under 17 holder Deon Saffery (Yorkshire) and Fiona Moverley (Yorkshire) will all be hoping to make an impression in the Girl's Under 19 Championship.