Stakeholders across the Caribbean celebrated the success of the recently concluded World Squash Federation (WSF) Level One Coaching Course, which saw 10 coaches from four islands earn their certification after an intensive three-day program at the Liguanea Club in Kingston.

The course, sponsored by the Federation of Pan American Squash, aimed to increase the number of certified coaches in the region and fill a vital gap in the development of squash.

Coaches from The Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Cayman Islands joined seven Jamaicans for the comprehensive training, which wrapped up on Sunday with theory and practical exams, along with one-on-one interviews led by course instructor Colin White.

For the many participants like Stephen Dear, the course was transformative. Dear, one of two attendees from Montego Bay, Jamaica, pointed out that the knowledge gained would significantly impact the sport’s growth in the island’s western region.

“Having done this training, I feel we’ll be able to take squash in Montego Bay to another level. The tools we’ve been given will help us structure how the game is played, and from a safety standpoint, it’s been invaluable because in squash, you're in a close quarter with your opponent, so it's really important that everybody understands the safety aspect. The course has inspired me to now pursue Level Two certification,” Dear said.

White, an experienced coach certified at WSF and European Squash Federation (ESF) Levels One, Two, and Three, was impressed with the passion and skill displayed by the participants. Having coached in countries like the United States, Austria, Hungary, Russia, and his native Ireland, White lauded the high standard of the Caribbean coaches.

“The level of the candidate coaches for this course was pretty amazing. From the start, I felt they brought a lot of knowledge, experience, and passion. Over the three days, they showed a real enjoyment for learning and a genuine energy to pass that information on to their students. It was all-around one of the best sets of coaches I’ve ever been involved with,” White shared.

He highlighted that much of the training focused on introducing kids and early learners to squash, as well as solving challenges unique to coaching beginners, and making the sport more accessible across the region.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Squash Association president, Karen Anderson, echoed White’s sentiments, as she also praised the collaborative atmosphere and the creativity sparked among the coaches.

“It was a spectacular three days. As Colin mentioned, the quality of coaches was high, and that was evident throughout the course,” Anderson said.

“There was lots of feedback, collaboration, and sharing of perspectives—especially from those with experience in other sports. It was enlightening, interesting, and fun. I’m hopeful that many of them will continue on to Level Two and beyond,” she added.