Over the long weekend, 24 Canadian Junior athletes, travelled to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario to compete in the 18th Annual Battle of the Border against Team USA. The event was held at The Club at White Oaks from August 1-4, where Team USA won the battle, winning 18 of 24 matches. The final scores in all the challenges (Doubles and Reverse Battle) are as follows: Canada – 7.75, USA – 23.75.
The Battle of the Border, created in 2004, has consistently provided incredible opportunities for Canadian and American junior players to compete internationally and gain invaluable experience representing their countries. The Battle consists of groups of eight athletes, four boys and four girls, in each of the U17, U15, and U13 categories.
“It was an incredible weekend of competition and fun both on and off the court,” said Squash Canada’s Manager of Athlete Development, Samantha Cornett, who was the team manager for the event. “I was thrilled to see the intensity and fire that Team Canada brought to every encounter. We are getting closer to bringing the Battle trophy back to Canada. A highlight for me was seeing the players figure out the Doubles Challenge, which is good to start incorporating during junior careers in preparation for future softball doubles events at Pan Am Games and Commonwealth Games!”
Janet MacLeod, GU13 coach, told Squash Canada: “I am very grateful that I was able to be a part Battle of the Borders for the 4th time. Every Battle has its own flavour but each no less a fantastic experience for and with great juniors and coaches! The camaraderie within the teams and between each country was second to none this year. Although Canada did not win it this year, all the athletes showed true sportsmanship, grit and determination to make their country proud as well as gaining some new friends along the way.”
She continued: “As a coach, the importance of having so many coaches in the same space being able to share our experiences and ideas cannot be understated. This event is a great one for both the up-and-coming junior squash athletes as well as the coaches. Special thanks and gratitude go out to Sam Cornett who was a superstar in organizing it so well.”
Squash Canada 2024 Battle of the Border Roster:
| Girls U17 | Boys U17 |
| Aneesa Tejani | Arham Izhar |
| Kiana Appoo | Kamran Gwadry |
| Caitlin Ng | Liam McKay |
| Zoe Chong | Luke Yang |
| Coach – Alix Younger | Coach – Amr Elmehelmi |
| Girls U15 | Boys U15 |
| Georgia Watson | Jack Chen |
| Olivia Bolger | Max Arndt |
| Sara Anderson Rahimtula | Navin Kerr |
| Sasha Lee | Shaan Jolly |
| Coach – Maria Toorpakai | Coach – Ian Power |
| Girls U13 | Boys U13 |
| Hannah Popatia | Chase Facchin |
| Mabelle Sy | Ethan Chan |
| Rayna Tejani | Obie Ryding |
| Shirley Chen | Yianni Theodoropoulos |
| Coach – Janet MacLeod | Coach – Josh Rudolph |
For full results click here.
