Hinckley Squash & Racketball Club officially launched its 2026/27 team season last week, bringing together players, captains and sponsors as the club prepares for another campaign across the Leicestershire leagues.
Under the banner of the HSRC Team Odyssey 2026/27, the evening introduced this season’s team leadership, recognised the businesses supporting the club’s competitive programme and saw team shirts presented to players representing HSRC across squash and racketball.
An introduction from the Club Captain
As we embark on yet another voyage of discovery, and with our teams taking on some of the most fearsome adversaries known across all of Leicestershire (and a bit of Warwickshire), we need steady guidance for the odyssey ahead.
That requires the introduction of our very own Zeus-like figure. Someone at the club to steer our shared team journey, and someone who possesses wisdom, authority, experience. Whilst he may not possess the overwhelming power of Zeus, or the ability to fire thunderbolts, he does have a formidable yeti swing. That someone is Club Captain and Leicestershire League Secretary Heath Jennings, who will oversee the club’s teams throughout the season.
After Heath had reminded players of their responsibilities to their club and the leagues, and thanked the club committee for their ongoing support of team squash and racketball at HSRC, it was time to introduce this year's team sponsors.
Team Sponsors 2026/27
The support from HSRC Team Sponsors makes a significant contribution towards the cost of match balls and court usage, helping HSRC to keep match fees as affordable as possible for its players.
This season’s title sponsor is Recognition Express, specialists in branded promotional products, personalised clothing and merchandise. Managing Director Chris Masters continues to support the club as part of a wider multi-sponsorship partnership with HSRC.
The club’s associate sponsors for the 2026/27 season are Blue Sky Estate Agents, owned by club member and ladies team player Alison Bent; Cabin Store, owned by club member, trustee and ten-time consecutive Leicestershire First Division-winning captain Richard Jackson; Hallstone Logistics, owned by club member and first/second team player John Hall; and Valentine Occupational Health, owned by club member and team racketball player Simon Hurley-Smith.
HSRC is extremely grateful to all five businesses for their continued backing of the club and its teams.
Racketball 2nd Team 2026/27
The first captains introduced on the evening were the familiar pairing of Tim Solley and Nick Marriott, who will once again lead the Racketball 2nd Team.
The pair were introduced as HSRC's answer to Castor and Pollux — the famous partnership from Greek mythology — and will once again combine their efforts as the team takes on another league campaign.
Nick was joined by members of their squad as this season’s team shirts were presented.
Racketball 1st Team 2026/27
In keeping with the evening’s mythology theme, our Hades – ruler of the underworld (racketball) – is Andy Beel, whose reserved, fair and dependable approach has made him a natural continuing fit for the role.
Womens Squash Team 2026/27
The Womens Team captain has not been determined at the time of the presentation, and so in the absence of a captain, Heath presented the team shirts to the players attending the launch.
This section of the article will be updated in due course.
Squash 4th Team 2026/27
The Squash 4th Team will once again be captained by Charlotte Knight, introduced on the evening as Nike — the Greek goddess associated with victory in battle, sport and competition, equally as effective on two wheels as well as two feet.
Charlotte will lead the 4th Team during the coming season while also pursuing sporting ambitions away from the squash court, with an upcoming cyclo-cross challenge representing New Zealand.
Squash 3rd Team 2026/27
The Third Team will be led by Zak Potter, whose speed, determination and competitiveness make him a natural choice to spearhead the side as our very own Achilles.
Fearless on court and notoriously difficult to beat once in full flight, Zak will be looking to use those qualities to drive the team forward during the season ahead.
Squash 2nd Team 2026/27
Experienced campaigner Paul Purser returns to captain the Squash 2nd Team for the 2026/27 season.
A seasoned, fearless warrior with plenty of battles and victories behind him, Paul (or is that Theseus) once again takes responsibility for guiding the side through another demanding league campaign.
Paul was unable to attend the launch, with Heath stepping in to present shirts to the second team players in attendance.
Squash 1st Team 2026/27
With the first team captaincy available ahead of the new season, HSRC needed its own Odysseus — someone capable of adapting, finding solutions in difficult situations and leading from the front. Odysseus is the man who can find another way - a disguised drop shot, a change of pace - that leads his team and brings home the championship.
Completing this season’s line-up is new first team captain George Orton.
George takes on the role as the first team prepares for another Division One campaign, with the ambition of challenging at the very top of the Leicestershire leagues.
The launch marked the beginning of another busy season of team squash and racketball at HSRC, with players across all levels preparing to represent the club over the coming months.
There will undoubtedly be tough matches, close battles and plenty of miles travelled across Leicestershire — and occasionally Warwickshire — but also the camaraderie, competition and shared experiences that make team sport such an important part of our club.
And, if all goes to plan, perhaps some silverware along the way.