It began with conversations between squash players on both sides of the Atlantic over several years before an enthusiastic plan was hatched in the bar at the British Open Masters Squash Championships in June 2023. What followed a few months later was the establishment of the inaugural Trans-Atlantic Masters Squash Series (TAMS) between England, Ireland, USA and Canada to be played at the iconic Harmonie Club and The Harvard Club in New York City over March 15 and 16, 2024.
The initial organising panel, consisting of Paul Boyle (England), Steve Wren (Canada), Richard Chin and John Musto (USA) and Dara O’Flynn and Nick Staunton (Ireland), held a series of conference calls where the initial concept of a men’s over 50s international series fast became a reality.
“From our first discussion on the concept of an international test series, there was a huge amount of enthusiasm to give international masters squash something new and exciting,” says Boyle. “Our biggest issue was agreeing on a date in an already congested international masters squash calendar on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Once the March date was secured and the USA team agreed to host, planning began in earnest. Soon, the event expanded to include women’s over 50s and men’s over 60s categories and the four countries engaged their respective top masters players for national selection and participation. Each nation will attend New York with a mixed male and female squad of 13 national representatives aiming to earn inaugural TAMS Champion status in their age category.
“Squash Canada and the thriving Canadian Masters squash community are excited about the formation of this inaugural international event. For the first time, Canadian Masters players will be officially representing their country in New York with the prospect for future honours to continue as the event marks its place in the calendar,” stated Steve Wren, past President, Squash Canada.
The series will follow the same format as the British and Irish annual home internationals masters series with each nation playing each other over 3 matches on Friday and Saturday, followed by a formal dinner.
USA founding organisers, John Musto and his compatriot Richard Chin, both express their enthusiasm for hosting the highly anticipated inaugural event. As the event draws near, Musto stated: “We can’t wait to host the inaugural event and establish new friendships and rivalries.” Musto’s sentiment is echoed by Chin who observed: “We’ve had overwhelming interest from US masters players which will allow us to pick a strong side to compete for the trophies.” Both Musto and Chin have won multiple US Squash Masters championships in various age groups.
Jennifer Dillon, captain of the Irish over 50s women’s team also radiates the Americans’ enthusiasm: “What a fantastic opportunity for Irish Squash masters players to participate in this inaugural Trans-Atlantic event. We are very grateful to US Squash Masters for hosting us in New York City in what will be perfect preparation for St Patrick’s Day on March 17!”
The organising founders hope the series will attract interest from masters squash players globally and have already turned their minds to future events where hosting will be shared amongst the participating countries, with the prospect of adding other interested countries and more age categories.
For further information on this event, please contact:
England/Ireland: Paul Boyle, tel: +44 (0)770 953 2326, boylepg@gmail.com
Canada/USA: Steve Wren, tel: +1 613 323 5959, swren@datacm.com
