Oban Ravens go international with Amsterdam trip

Scotland’s squash community has seen a rise in groups which aim to provide inclusive spaces for women to play squash.

One of the originals is the Oban Ravens – a group formed in 2018 – bringing women together to compete, train and have fun.

The group averages around 15 players each week from a wider group of around 30 women, playing almost year-round.

Eight years after their formation, the Ravens took flight with their first international trip to Amsterdam last month.

The team got on court with ERA Squash – a Dutch group with similar aims – working to grow female participation and make the sport more accessible for women of all levels of squash ability.

They took part in personalised coaching sessions, a gym workout, match analysis and clinics with fun games.

They also starred in some of ERA’s social media videos – well worth checking out!

Why not read what some of the Ravens and ERA coaches had to say about the experience below.

If you’re a woman or girl in Scotland looking to join a women’s specific squash group, check out Oban Ravens, Inverness Red Kites, Women in Scotland Playing Squash (WISPS) and Girls Play Squash.

Here’s what some of the Ravens and ERA coaches had to say:

Raven: “What an amazing experience. The ERA coaches were professional, friendly, fun and kind. 10 out of 10, a squash trip worth repeating again and again!”

Raven: “Amazing trip from start to finish. Everything was very carefully organised and planed out between the Ravens coaches and ERA coaches. It was great to be a part of the first ever Europe camp with the Ravens team and I’m confident when I say it won’t be the last!”

ERA Squash Co-founder Chanel Erasmus: “Ravens x Era Squash was a match made in heaven.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend together with the Ravens and the weekend was incredible because of the amazing people that joined us.

“Every single one of the Raven’s brought out the best in us, they were open to feedback, to learning new things, exploring different concepts and having a great time both on and off court.

“Having chef Daniek join us for the weekend made it just that much better as the ladies worked hard and got to enjoy some incredible meals afterwards.

“We are so grateful to Colin, Nicola and the rest of the Ravens for joining us in the Netherlands and we can’t wait to continue this partnership.”