Polar Squash Workforce Award Winners 2017/18

The annual Squash Workforce Awards is our opportunity to celebrate and thank the coaching and volunteer workforce, raise the profile, and reward the great work they do.

The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding commitment and contribution of the squash workforce in making squash happen.

The 2018 winners were celebrated at a special ceremony on Thursday 15 February at the 2018 National Squash Championships in Manchester. Four winners were selected by a national panel from over 200 nominations. Click on the winners’ names to read their worthy stories:

Tony Parker Referee of the Year: Andrea Santamaria

Andrea has been cited for the award after making excellent progress this year, earning great respect from both her peer group, referees and players. The Barnsley born referee has climbed the refereeing ladder and now referees at the highest level, including the British Nationals, Premier Squash League matches, as well as masters, gold and platinum squash events.

Volunteer of the Year: Cyril Nolan

The awards panel heard how Cyril tirelessly continues to volunteer at Shrewsbury Squash and Racketball Club, raising funds for the club’s expansion and boosting membership figures. With the help of Cyril and other volunteers, his club now sees over 200 members participating on the courts after numbers dropped to as low as 32 back in 2012

Outstanding Coach of the Year: Kelly Eastment

The awards panel came to their decision after hearing how Kelly recently took up the role as club coach at West Worthing Squash Club, where she has set about a transformation of the organisation, bringing a spark back to the centre. Kelly has a long-established background in squash, playing nationally until the age of 17 and coaching since the age of 16, achieving her level three coaching award before the age of 20

Special Recognition Award: Bett Dryhurst

For many years Bett has been the driving force of Worcestershire Junior Squash, spending her time and energy coaching and encouraging beginners into the sport by promoting squash in local schools and introducing players to local clubs. Bett serves as a constant source of encouragement to others, providing support, advice and words of wisdom to all those who meet her as well as helping to inspire the next generation.