The Savannah board members, Samara Stewart, Elizabeth Mulwa, and Kikanu Doreen travelled to Naivasha Sports Club to lead a dynamic 3-day squash skills and training camp for the Kiboko Stars Programme, with the gracious permission of the club’s committee. This initiative highlighted the true essence of sportsmanship, building skills, fostering teamwork, and inspiring the young athletes to embrace fair play and mutual respect.
Upon arrival, they were thrilled to discover that the programme had grown dramatically, expanding from an original group of 8 players to an enthusiastic 17. This surge was largely thanks to the dedicated recruitment efforts of Liz Wanjiru, whose passion for inclusive participation exemplified the inclusive spirit of the sport.
Since August 2024, the programme has seen remarkable progress, not only in the players’ skill levels but also in the upkeep of the facilities. The Naivasha Sports Club team, inspired by the children’s evident development, enthusiasm, and the strong sense of community the programme is cultivating, has undertaken vital maintenance work. This includes replacing the stairs to the viewing gallery for safer access, replastering and painting the squash court walls to create a brighter, more inviting space, and ordering new LED lighting, though installation is still pending. These enhancements reflect a shared commitment to providing an environment where young athletes can thrive with integrity and encouragement.
In a beautiful display of ownership and teamwork, the children themselves planted a vibrant garden around the court entrance. This initiative underscores their growing pride in the facility, which is not only honing their squash abilities but also instilling a renewed sense of hope and community spirit.
Day 1
Upon arrival, the team observed that the children were playing with an assortment of worn-out rackets, their strings frayed from enthusiastic use. Undeterred by the equipment’s poor condition, the young athletes demonstrated remarkable resilience, ingeniously restringing the rackets themselves to keep the games going. Their passion for squash and unwavering sportsmanship shone through in their determination to play on.
Anticipating the heavy wear on the existing rackets due to their frequent use, a supply of new rackets was brought to the camp. This addition not only enhances their playing experience but also supports their spirited commitment to the sport, ensuring they can continue to develop their skills with proper equipment.
The camp was launched with a series of fitness and skills assessments to establish a baseline for each participant’s development. The most effective measure of fitness was the ‘Beep Test,’ a timed shuttle run that progressively increases in speed until the participant can no longer maintain the pace, accurately determining their endurance level.
Despite it being the first time, the young athletes had encountered or heard of the Beep Test, and despite the phone’s maximum volume failing to project clearly, the participants performed impressively, with five reaching an outstanding level of 9.8. There is hope that, with a speaker and better pacing strategies in future sessions, the young players will further improve their scores.
The group moved to the court for racket skills testing, where participants worked in pairs and small groups to count the number of various shots they could execute in one minute. The scores were meticulously recorded, with plans to conduct monthly tests to allow the players to track their progress and motivate themselves to excel. This approach effectively enhanced control and was met with great enthusiasm from the young players, who thoroughly enjoyed the activity.
To conclude the afternoon session, the focus shifted to mastering the skill of hitting the ball to an optimal length without overhitting. Overhitting, a common issue among young players, particularly boys who are eager to strike the ball with maximum force, is often less effective than controlled, precise shots. With 17 children sharing a single court and only seven rackets available, managing the session presented a challenge. However, the group quickly devised an efficient system for sharing rackets, showcasing their adaptability and teamwork. This collaborative spirit ensured everyone had opportunities to practice, fostering both skill development and sportsmanship.
Day 2
Kikanu led an energetic group warm-up, inspiring the children to select their own exercises a vibrant and uplifting scene to kickstart the morning session. Water, various foodstuffs and energy supplements were provided to ensure everyone remained hydrated and nourished throughout the demanding training day. The warm, dry weather was ideal, allowing the team to conduct several activities outdoors, as a single court was insufficient to accommodate the large group of enthusiastic players. This setup kept everyone actively engaged and fostered a dynamic, inclusive training environment.
The players were divided into three groups of six, each adopting a spirited team name: the ‘Strong Leopards,’ ‘Wolves, and ‘Fighting Tigers.’ These groups rotated through various activities, with designated breaks for rest and nourishment to maintain their energy.
On the court, the team conducted a dynamic movement circuit featuring six stations focused on lunges, squats, ghosting skills, core balance, and fast footwork. Video footage captured the players’ dedication and effort, and the impact was evident as they felt the effects in their legs the following day, a testament to their hard work and commitment.
Outdoors, the team utilized a rebound net as a practice wall for players to hone their hitting accuracy. We also introduced circular volleys using racketball rackets and a large, lightweight ball, encouraging players to keep it airborne while directing its path with precision.
Additionally, the team discovered that the exterior wall of the squash court provided a smooth surface ideal for practice. By marking target areas on the wall with chalk, we created engaging challenges that kept three to four players actively refining their skills. Various racket skill drills were also conducted outside, ensuring continuous engagement. The player’s relentless enthusiasm and dedication kept the energy high throughout the session.
Concurrently, the team organized an in-house tournament, dividing the players into two groups, Seniors and Juniors. Each group competed in matches played to 11 points, with a sudden-death tiebreaker at 10-10, and the players responsibly scored their own games, showcasing their sportsmanship and integrity.
Senior Winner
Winner: Elizabeth Wanjiru
Runner-up: Brian Lokol
Junior Winner
Winner: Abigail Arupe
Runner-up: Brian Mwangi
The day concluded with a well-deserved meal in the clubhouse, where the players, exhausted from their intense efforts, eagerly refuelled. The timing was impeccable, just as everyone gathered indoors, a torrential downpour began, marking a dramatic yet fitting end to a day filled with hard work and camaraderie.
Day 3
On the third day, the players’ legs clearly reflected the intensity of their training, a positive sign of their hard work and the strengthening of key muscles. Heavy rain from the previous evening left the ground too wet for outdoor activities, limiting the outdoor skill drills.
To maximize court time, the senior players took on coaching roles for the newcomers. The players were guided through feeding routines they could practice independently, enhancing their skills while ensuring as many players as possible remained active on the court. Once these routines were underway, interviews were conducted with all the young athletes.
Hearing the children share their passion for squash and its positive impact on their lives was truly inspiring. They spoke about their schools, favorite subjects, and diverse career aspirations. We emphasized the importance of applying the same focus and enthusiasm they bring to squash to their studies, encouraging them to pursue their dream careers with dedication and discipline.
The three-day camp radiated inspiration, with the players wholeheartedly embracing the coaching and pouring boundless enthusiasm into their squash game. Their 100% commitment was evident in every drill, rally, and smile, making the camp a resounding success.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Naivasha Sports Club for their unwavering support of the Kiboko Stars Programme and its young athletes. Their generosity has created a nurturing environment for these budding stars. We encourage club members to make greater use of the courts, where they can now benefit from the skills of our emerging young coaches, ready to share their passion, guide new players, and offer spirited matches.
Special thanks to Maryam Misse, our invaluable point of contact for the Kiboko Stars. As their on-site mentor, she bridges connections between the programme, Naivasha Sports Club, schools, parents, and our team in Nairobi and abroad. Her dedication ensures the children remain focused, disciplined, and inspired on their squash journey.
Overall, the camp was a triumphant success, igniting the potential of future Kenyan squash stars who are poised to shine brightly.
