LEAMINGTON Royals make their debut in the new Optasia Squash Super League (SSL) this Friday (November 15) at Coolhurst Cavaliers from North London.
The Royals have entered a team into the league following a stellar season for Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club (LLTSC) who celebrated its 150th anniversary year in 2024 and became National Club squash champions for the first time.
The squad features a mix of world-class professional players along with emerging local stars.
Team manager and head coach, Jason Pike, said: “We can’t wait to get started at Coolhurst and put Leamington Royals and the club on the map, showcasing the fabulous facilities here and the spirit and camaraderie of our membership.
“We are looking forward to some massive nights at the club when we welcome Bristol Buccaneers, St George’s Hill Knights and the return fixture against the Cavaliers.
“None of this would have been possible without our sponsors, Napton Cidery and Arrow Precision Engineering, who are both associated with the club, and who have agreed to support this opportunity and help bring world class squash to our doorstep.
“A massive thanks to them and with their support, we’ve looked to use our budget to invest wisely and with an eye on the 2028 Olympic Games, with Victor Crouin and Satomi Watanabe quickly becoming headline performers for their respective countries, and our U25 squad seen as the big names of tomorrow.”
France’s world number 12 Victor Crouin – the reigning European individual champion – and Satomi Watanabe – the first Japanese player to break into the world’s top-20 – will lead the charge for Leamington.
Club favourite Declan James and Egypt’s Salma Eltayeb are reserve pro’s for the Royals while Sam Osborne-Wylde, Abdallah Eissa, Rory Richmond and 15-year-old Mariam Eissa are an exciting crop of under-25 talent.
The squad also features club hero Owain Taylor along with stalwarts Pike, Howard Lancashire, Sam Miller and 15-year-old talent Sam Cross.
Some six teams will contest the league: Bexley Ballers, Bristol Buccaneers, Chichester Centurions, Coolhurst Cavaliers, Leamington Royals and St George’s Hill Knights.
