A young squash star ranked among the top ten in the country got the chance to play in the US Junior Open thanks to help from commercial property experts Bromwich Hardy.
Ten-year-old Lucy Mayers, from Stratford-upon-Avon, was one of eight girls in her age group across the country selected by England Squash for the prestigious tournament in Boston, Massachusetts.
And she was able to make the dream trip last month after a big fundraising campaign by fellow members of Stratford Squash Club and generous sponsorship from Coventry-based Bromwich Hardy.
Lucy, who has been playing for five years and is currently ranked ninth in England for under 11s, finished in the top half of the US competition – exceeding her ranking at the tournament.
She said: “I was so proud to be offered the chance to compete at the US Junior Open, to participate in such a prestigious tournament and to play girls from other countries. I love squash and to play at Harvard University was so exciting. I am really grateful to Bromwich Hardy for sponsoring my trip; I had the time of my life.”
Bromwich Hardy founding partner Richard Hardy said the agency was delighted to help make Lucy’s dreams come true.
“We heard about Lucy’s selection through friends and wanted to do anything we could to help her make this trip-of-a-lifetime. I’m delighted she performed so superbly and had such a wonderful time. I am sure it is the start of even bigger things to come.”
Mum Helen Mayers said: “Lucy found the whole trip really inspirational, not only in terms of playing but also by having the opportunity to watch, and learn from, other competitors. She met girls from America, Canada and many other countries and was lucky to play at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“She trains hard, has an excellent and committed coach and is lucky to be part of a really supportive group at Stratford Squash Club who help her to improve while enjoying the game.”
Lucy is coached by former semi-professional player Ahmed Eissa, is part of the West Midlands Regional Academy and represents Warwickshire U11 girls’ team.
She is now training hard for the Dunlop England Junior Championships which take place in Hull in March and has a number of other tournaments in the meantime as part of her training.