A Perthshire squash player is looking forward to reaching the peak of her career so far when she jets out to compete in the Junior World Championships.
Anna Halliday (18), who is from Crieff, will take her talent Down Under and mix with the globe’s best in Melbourne, Australia.
The former Crieff High student is embarking on the long journey next week ahead of the tournament running from July 18-29.
“This is the peak of my junior career,” a delighted Anna explained.
“I have been representing Scotland for quite a few years now but have never had this opportunity and this exposure. It means so much to me.
“I’m going to learn so much, not just from playing but also from watching world class players.
“It is really nice to feel like all my hard work and effort over the years has been building towards this point.
“The most important thing is just going and playing my best. I’ll just look to get through as many rounds as I can and take away as much as possible.”
Scotland are, for the first time since 2005, sending a girls’ team to the Junior World Championships. A special fundraising journey has made the dream become reality.
“When we realised we had four or five girls at the standard to compete in a worldwide event, we thought it was a great opportunity,” Anna said.
“We had been placing highly at European tournaments and wanted to take the next step.
“Getting to Australia is obviously very expensive and, therefore, it was going to be difficult to afford on our own.
“We started fundraising together, ranging from bag packs, a race night and an auction and exhibition match.
“Honestly, I have really enjoyed doing the fundraising. It was nice to work with the team and brought us together even more.
“It has been a really amazing journey with the support from everyone in Scotland.”
Anna, who smiled that she got involved in the sport as a kid to get out of the rain, has been putting in the hard work on the court and in the gym to prepare for the worlds.
She said: “I have been trying to fit in as many sessions as possible, both in Crieff and Bridge of Allan.
“I’ve had sessions at the Oriam in Edinburgh too and I have also been going to the gym to keep up fitness.”
She added: “I’m going to university next year but I want to continue my squash.
“I would say my goal is to play for the women’s senior team and then see what I can do.”
The under-19 girls’ team playing in Australia also includes Robyn McAlpine, Rowan Niven and Louisa Kaven.
Scottish Squash pathway manager and coach Kylie Lindsay said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for our U19 junior players to compete against some of the best players in the world.
“It will give them invaluable experience at the top level of junior squash and hopefully give them things they can take away and implement into their squash after the event.”
