Wakefield MP Mary Creagh plays squash at new club facilities

Newspaper: Wakefield Express.
Story: MP Mary Creagh gets in a quick game of squash at Wakefield Squash Club, before officially opening the new changing rooms paid for by the National Lottery.
Photo date: 09/07/15
Picture Ref: AB120a0715 — Newspaper: Wakefield Express. Story: MP Mary Creagh gets in a quick game of squash at Wakefield Squash Club, before officially opening the new changing rooms paid for by the National Lottery. Photo date: 09/07/15 Picture Ref: AB120a0715

The Wakefield MP was guest of honour at today’s launch and squeezed in the match before a tour of the refurbished changing rooms.

The facilities at the 50-year-old club were transformed with a grant from Sport England’s Inspire Facilities fund to provide a modern changing area for its 250 members.

Martin Mason club chairman said: “As a not-for-profit, member’s club, we are committed to investing income into a continual improvement plan. Last year, thanks to Sport England we refurbished our courts and viewing areas, this year the focus has been on the outdated changing rooms.

Newspaper: Wakefield Express.
Story: MP Mary Creagh officially opening the new changing rooms at Wakefield Squash Club paid for by the National Lottery.
L to R) Mary Creagh MP, Martin Mason - Chair of club and Alan Johnson - Buildings officer.
Photo date: 09/07/15
Picture Ref: AB120b0715 — Newspaper: Wakefield Express. Story: MP Mary Creagh officially opening the new changing rooms at Wakefield Squash Club paid for by the National Lottery. L to R) Mary Creagh MP, Martin Mason - Chair of club and Alan Johnson - Buildings officer. Photo date: 09/07/15 Picture Ref: AB120b0715

“In a time when many other squash clubs are closing or seeing a reduction in membership, we are experiencing exactly the opposite, we are growing, and I believe that this is a direct result of creating a first class environment for our members and for visiting team and spectators.”

The club also contributed to the refurbishment through membership fees and sporting events.

Ms Creagh said: “This investment by Sport England into Wakefield Squash Club is fantastic news. There has always has a strong sporting tradition in the area and this money is an investment in young people for today and for the future; we’ll see top class squash players training in top class facilities.”

Mr Mason added: “We have opened a new Junior Academy this year with a dedicated professional coach, and we are also working to increase our numbers of female members. We have started some women-only training sessions, to help encourage this.

“Squash is a great sport for improving fitness, weight loss and relieving stress. The statistics show that in an average 45 minute game you could burn approximately 900 calories.”

Wakefield Squash Club, based at the Wakefield Sports Club ground, College Grove, Eastmoor Road, is among more than 1,800 projects supported by Sport England since 2011.