This month we have decided to showcase the marvelous contributions that four incredible human beings make to our sport. Working behind the scenes, these guys meet regularly, plan, set up, liaise with players and Club Captains, fix issues, and then do it all over again, three times a year for the Autumn, Winter and Spring pennant seasons.
As 100% unpaid volunteers, they fill these roles for the sheer love of squash, and passion for giving back. They roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, all the while making such a huge impact – yet we don’t even notice it most of the time. Without them, there would simply be no metropolitan pennant competition.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. One of the most difficult parts of their role is handling complaints and disgruntled squashies. There is a tremendous amount of work that happens behind the scenes, along with many long meetings and late night group chats as they work through issues as they arise. On top of that, they are learning a brand new system (revo), just like everyone else.
Richard Grain (aka Grainy)
Grainy got into squash as a way of getting out of going to school for half a day (anyone who knows him would not have a hard time believing this 😊). Grainy says the best part of the role is putting each season together and then watching its success as well as the growth in participation.
Lyn Chandler
A long-serving legend who needs no introduction, Lyn got into squash in 1983 after having her last child as a way to exercise, get fit, and socialise somewhere that was child-friendly. Lyn’s a firm believer in “getting off your backside” if you see a gap or an issue, and think you can help, hence why she has been helping run Squash WA competitions in the background for such a long time – and we love her for it!
Raelene Marriott
When Raelene was 10 years of age, a tennis coach visited her school. When she arrived home later that afternoon, she asked her mother if she could start playing tennis, to which she was told no, but that she could play squash, and did so at Walter Road Squash Club (sadly no longer there). Raelene has previously served as a Board member and League Committee member, as well as assisted with running tournaments and events such as the 2023 Uni Games.
Heddwyn Brahma
Heddwyn – pronounced Heth-wyn (fun fact) – is no stranger to high level competition as a State Grader and long-running Club Champ at his previous club Eastern Goldfields Squash Rackets Association (Kalgoorlie). Heddwyn looks after the metro State Grade Premier League competition and has brought with him a lot of new ideas about format, sponsorship and more. He is working hard to grow the competition to the point where it can return to being club-based.
So, spare a thought for these wonderful human beings, and next time you see them, let them know how much you appreciate all they do.
Lastly, we are always on the lookout for new people with fresh ideas to support squash in a variety of ways. We need all the help we can get – so if you’re passionate about squash, a dynamic thinker, work well with others, and interested in being part of the continuous growth we are experiencing, please give the office a shout as we’d love to hear from you.
A few areas needing assistance include Juniors, Tournaments, Officiating, Coaching, 35+ (Masters), to name a few.
No experience/qualifications required.
Next month: League Committee
Did you know that Pennant and League competitions operate quite differently?
Pennants consists of club-based teams that compete against other clubs, which are organised by Club Captains.
League is individual-based where you are placed in a team according to your skill level. The League Committee organises these mixed teams however each individual player still represents their club and contributes to the winning club of each season.
Read more next month!
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