After a fantastic first year, the Hinckley Racketball Open is back on 19th September, proudly sponsored by Recognition Express, the business of club member Chris Masters.

Last year's inaugural event saw 41 players take part, and this year we're building on that success with bigger draws, a brand-new C Grade, and even more opportunities to get involved.

Whether you're a seasoned racketball player, completely new to the game, or somewhere in between, this tournament is for you. The new C Grade is particularly aimed at players who are relatively new to racketball, haven't been playing for long, or perhaps find themselves in the lower box leagues at the club. And don't worry about getting your grade wrong; if you're unsure where you should enter, get in touch and we'll happily point you in the right direction.

• A Grade - 8 places
• B Grade - 16 places
• C Grade - 16 places
• Over 50s - 8 places
• Over 60s - 8 places
• Ladies - 8 places
• Doubles - 8 pairs

There really is something for everyone, and you don't have to be a Hinckley club member to enter. Bring a friend, challenge a rival, or come along and see what all the big ball fuss is about!

Every player is guaranteed a minimum of three best-of-three matches, so you'll get plenty of time on court and plenty of chances to get involved.

Don't let that put you off. If you're unsure about the rules, scoring, marking or refereeing, just ask. Organiser Tim Solley is more than happy to help beforehand, and there'll be plenty of people around on the day who will be happy to provide marking support and help you get through your matches.

And if you're entering the doubles but don't have a partner, don't worry - Tim is happy to play matchmaker and find you someone to join forces with.

Entry is £20, which includes a free tournament T-shirt or vest. Doubles is an additional £5.

There'll also be prizes for winners and runners-up, including trophies/medals and some Karakal goodies.

So whether you're chasing the title, looking to test yourself against some new opponents, or simply fancy a day of hitting a big bouncy ball around a court with a bunch of like-minded people, get involved.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in playing team squash and racketball this year for the club. You'll be excited to hear that the team shirt order has been placed, the Order Of Merit is being finalised, and we'll soon know the fixture list. We are also thrilled to announce that we have a full compliment of sponsors to support our sporting endeavours. 

So as the teams embark on their Odyssey, can all team players and everyone else with an interest in supporting our teams and wishing them well as they cast off on their quest for glory, join us on Tuesday 8th September at 7.30pm for Team Preseason Night, where:

• Club Captain Heath Jennings will provide latest details on the new-look Leicestershire Squash committee, direct from head-office.
• We'll introduce our captains for the year.
• We'll get to thank our sponsors.
• We say hello to new team players for this year.
• Every team player who has provided a t-shirt/vest size will be presented with theirs by their captain.
• Alan will get some photos of the teams on court 4 after the presentation.

Please try and attend if at all possible. Let's start on the right foot.

We'll keep it light, fun, and won't keep you for any longer than an hour and a half in total.

Players are expected to pay £10 for their team shirts at the bar using their fob. This is your buy-in for another season of free-lights team squash courtesy of the club. 

We are excited to be hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 25th September between 10.00am and 2.00pm. 

Please come along, have a cup of coffee from our shiny new bean-to-cup coffee machine, a slice of cake, and help this wonderful cause.

Donations from thousands of Coffee Mornings, big and small, help raise vital funds to support the almost 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, from the moment they are diagnosed, throughout treatment and beyond.

If you would like to donate a prize for the raffle, or bring a homemade cake for the morning, then please let Val Binns know on treasurer@hinckleysquash.com

More details to follow and we look forward to seeing you there.