The coaching season for young squash players came to an end recently with the second Junior Squash Festival at the Marsa Sports club.

Some 20 boys and girls, between the ages of six and 14, were registered as head coach Paul Lake explained some basic rules and other aspects of the game. After being split into three groups, the children took part in squash-related games with the aim to improve co-ordination, balance and movement on court.

The other session was dedicated to actual playing and a tournament. The older participants took turns to referee and keep the score of each other's matches.

This helped them to better understand the rules of the game and made them more aware of the mistakes, which should avoid in a match.

The final was between Mark Seychell and Andrew Zarb. It was a close match and when it was over, a surprised Zarb could not believe that he had won.

Three junior boys performed exceptionally well over the past 12 months.

Seychell has made a steady progress and reached the final of all three junior tournaments. The talented Joshua Vella is the most improved player of the year and Zarb has such determination that his never-say-die attitude is something other players should take note of.

Seychell, Vella and Zarb will now join the newly-formed junior elite squad which will be trained by Lake on a regular basis as from September.

Next season, junior coaching will have a different format.

Players will be divided into three groups, according to ability and experience. The coaching year, between October and June, will start with another Junior Festival and reaches a climax with the Junior Open.