10 King’s pupils along with Director of Sport, Mr Batcheler, travelled to compete at Nottingham University in the 2025 IAPS National Schools Championships. Two days of non-stop matches contesting three categories were played across the seven courts at the fantastic David Ross Sports Village.
In the Under 11 category five pupils represented the school, battling for places in the knock-out stages. A long day of playing, refereeing and supporting their team mates ended with Oliver D qualifying for the main draw, and the other four players reaching the plate and vase competitions in the 2nd day.
The Open category for Year 8 children involved 33 players from across the country. 5 pupils represented King’s and after the group stages on Day 1, 3 players qualified for the main draw. A further 2 places secured places in the plate competition with some battling wins.
Day 2 of the event moved to a knock-out format, with every player playing for a final position. In the Under 11 event, every player secured at least one win during the day and more importantly gained lots of experience for future events, having not played much squash outside of school or Cambridgeshire.
Under 11 final placings:
Oliver D (15th), Aayan D (23rd), Steven L (24th), Samuel H (28th), Nico DI (29th).
In the Open, again the King’s players produced some great squash. Jake E finished 27th, Tobin P did really well as one of the only Year 7 players to finish 21st, and Hugo picked up a win in the main draw to finish 13th. Joe M was superb and finished the event in 5th with only one loss over the two days.
Callum C battled brilliantly in the semi-final to set up a final against his friend and county training partner from King’s Ely, Samuel G. Playing on the all-glass court in front of a big crowd of players, families and coaches, Callum played brilliantly to take the 1st game but narrowly lost out to finish as Runner-Up in the Nationals.
Colin Griggs (King’s Squash Coach and Managing Director of The Sports Academy) said:
“The King’s players represented themselves and the school brilliantly at the event. I’m really excited for future events and finishing the year with the King’s Closed Championships. Mr. Batcheler also loved the event and was really impressed with how the players behaved and performed!”