Women and Girls Spotlight: Oban Ravens
The Oban Ravens are a thriving women’s squash team that come together each week to play squash and have fun, ran by Colin MacNiven and Nicola Morgan. They are leading the way for women’s squash participation in Scotland, and they’re going from strength to strength! They kindly answered some of our questions about what makes the Ravens so successful.
When did you first launch the Ravens and what were the initial reasons for starting?
The Ravens were started in 2018 by Colin MacNiven. He recognised a need to branch out from the club and the demand from women to play competitively in a bigger environment. To grow and develop meant we needed to travel and experience events and competitions outside of the club environment. To create an identity, a sense of belonging and team camaraderie where it was fully inclusive regardless of age, ability and background. Colin wanted to do something that had never been done before either at the club or across Scotland.
How many women do you have attending the sessions each week?
We average 15 per week playing 50 weeks out of 52. A group consisting of 25-30 women. All ages from 14 to 64 currently.
What do you both enjoy most about running the team?
Taking someone who literally cannot hit a squash ball to see them playing in their first competitive match. A huge amount of enjoyment taking elements of what they learn and share on the court and using it in other aspects of their lives. The fun shared amongst all, helping each other, supporting everyone. Giving people something to look forward to each week. Organising activities outside of the normal squash training. Being part of the Ravens family. Feeling like a community and receiving recognition from local and national bodies inside and outside of squash.
The bootcamps that you put on seem a stand out event in your season, can you tell me a little bit more about this and the charity work the Ravens do?
Bootcamp was an idea that Colin came up with to make it an unusual event outside of the squash court which would create a bond and push the Ravens way outside their limits. It has ran for 6 seasons and it is an unforgettable day never to be missed. Your predecessor Kirsty Lobban is a regular attendee. Day 1 consists of a physical and mental challenge working as a team to overcome challenges. Colin uses the natural environment around Oban famous for its hills, sea and bogs! Teams are mixed and chosen to spread across fitness and ability levels. Normally challenges include lorry tyres, logs, wood, water carries, obstacle course and sea tug of wars. Day 2 is back in the squash court with a coach running drills and competitions finishing up after lunch to reconvene at Ravens HQ for a BBQ and presentation to the winning team and Raven Of The Weekend Award!
We came up with the idea to come up with a fundraiser night for the squad for two main reasons. One, we wanted to give back something to “local” charities who had directed supported members of our team and their families. Two, we wanted a fun way to raise money for our team as well while engaging with the local community over a game of bingo! Diabetes UK became our nominated charity as two of our members had children with Diabetes and there was a local group who we could help directly with our fund raising.
For our third event in February 2015 we also raised for the local MacMillan Cancer ward. A Raven ran the local unit and again we have Ravens and their families who had been directed help by this local charity.
Through the Ravens hard work and dedication, we raised much in local sponsorship for prizes through a bake sale, raffle tickets sold in Lidl and bingo on the night with a top cash prize of £300.00. Stalls on the nights and an auction followed by entertainment. We managed to achieve a total amount raised of over £4500.00 in 2025’s event!
What would say the key elements have been that have caused the success you’ve had?
Clear objectives and goals, commitment, consistency, strong encouragement, inclusivity, positive leadership, brand identity, promotion, sponsorship support, subsidised equipment, clothing and travel eliminating potential barriers.
