NSC and McCulloch work towards a better future

15/07/1997


THE SportExcel-Milo-NSC Squash Grand Finals ended on a promising note at
the Jalan Duta courts in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Michael Soo and Nicol David did what was expected of them, they won the
Under-19 titles and were also a class above the rest but that may not
necessary be the case in the future.
The National Sports Council (NSC) and Squash Rackets Association of
Malaysia (SRAM) have plans to train a bigger pool of winners as back-up
for ageing players.
They have brought in Australian coach Allan McCulloch for that purpose.
McCulloch is based at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) and his main
task is to work with the juniors and develop a bigger pool of potential
world beaters.
"I will work with students under the age of 16 to get them into shape
for the future," said McCulloch.
"The NSC-SRAM plan is not looking for instant success. They are looking
more towards 10 years down the line. Right now Malaysia have many
potential players and Kenneth Low is one good example.
"He is ranked somewhere in the world top 60. Given the right training,
he could make the top 20. That is the kind of quality we want to nurture
now."
McCulloch has vast coaching experience at the South Australian Sports
Institute and will be with BJSS for two years.
Seven of his BJSS players made the Grand Finals of the circuit and two
of them, Azlan Iskandar and Daphine Ting, were the losing Under-19
finalists.
"We have many promising players at BJSS right now and are working to
give them a good foundation.
"And to do that, we allow them to have fun during training because that
is the best time to observe their flaws. My job only starts after that,
weeding out their errors one by one to provide a good foundation."
The BJSS has three courts right now but after the Kuala Lumpur 1998
Commonwealth Games, they will have the best courts in the world in their
own backyard.
"The '98 Games squash courts are the best in the world. When completed
the 10 singles courts can be turned into eight doubles with the touch of a
button. I have not even seen such courts in Australia. I think this is the
first of its kind in the world.
"There will also be a huge viewing gallery and ample space to hold
larger local tournaments.
"So just imagine the tremendous boost for squash development once these
courts become operational," said McCulloch.
"We would love to see more 9 to 10-years-old at the school. Bring them
in and we will develop them into champions with exposure and experience,"
said McCulloch.
(END)