A Sport for Life: National Championships bring Scotland’s top Masters players to Edinburgh

As the Masters National Championships gets underway in Edinburgh on Saturday, a wide range of squash stories will be represented on court.

From those that have played from a young age to those that started a bit later, and from competitors that play at the highest level to those looking to test themselves against some of the country’s best.

Everyone has their own path in squash – a true sport for life – and Emma Robinson is among those sharing a familiar story ahead of this weekend’s event.

For Emma, the Masters Nationals represent an opportunity to throw herself into competitive squash.

She first picked up a racket 35 years ago, at a club where you could play squash, make friends, do homework and eat chips – all without a parent to be seen.

Even with a ten-year break from the game, Emma never lost that passion for squash – and she will compete in the Masters Nationals for the first time this weekend, having previously represented Scotland in Masters Home Internationals.

She said: “It’s easier to escape to the squash courts now that my kids are a bit older, and with the Nationals in Edinburgh this year there was no excuse for not entering.

“My ambitions are to keep fit and well with great folk, stay competitive and a win or two would be nice!”

The Edinburgh Waverley player has found a strong sense of belonging within the Masters community and would encourage others to get involved.

She said: “Masters squash provides a great opportunity to catch up with squash buddies – old and new – and good games are guaranteed.

“For anyone thinking about playing I would say go for it, don’t hesitate – even if you’ve had a break for a while.

“If you don’t use it…”

With more than 100 players set to compete across 13 age groups from O35 to O75, the Masters National Championships promise a weekend of top-quality squash action.

Whether competing for the first time or the fiftieth, there will be a range of stories and backgrounds among the participants – ultimately united by a shared love of squash.

Check out the draw and follow all of the weekend’s action on SportyHQ.