Coach of the Year - England Squash Awards

Jeremy Colton, our Head Coach has been shortlisted for the prestigious Coach of the Year award at the England Squash Awards — a testament to more than twenty years of dedication, innovation, and excellence in coaching.

Since joining Ashtead in 2002, Jeremy has transformed the club’s squash offering from a single weekly session into a thriving, inclusive coaching programme. What began with a few one-to-one lessons and a Sunday evening hit (and social!) has evolved into a comprehensive development structure that caters for all ages and abilities.

Today, the club boasts weekly adult drop-in sessions, a popular ladies group, Surrey mid-week squads and a thriving junior section with more than 40 regular participants — from beginners taking their first steps in the Squash Stars programme to elite juniors competing at county, regional, and national level. Ashtead’s three junior teams compete in the Surrey leagues, with many players also taking part in county-wide social fixtures and tournaments.

Jeremy’s influence extends beyond player development. He oversees a successful coach mentorship programme that teaches older juniors how to coach, supporting them as they begin their England Squash coach education journey. His own credentials are  impressive — becoming a Level 4 England High Performance Coach in 2020 and completing an MSc in Elite Player Development the following year. In addition to his work at Ashtead, Jeremy works as an England Performance Pathway Coach, helping to shape the country’s next generation of top players.

More recently, he has also been recruited as an England Squash Coach Developer, tutoring courses and workshops nationwide. Before Christmas he will deliver another of his performance squads at Ashtead which attract top juniors from all over the south of England and in December will see ex world #25 George Parker hitting with the players.

His passion for the sport, commitment to nurturing talent, and tireless work to grow the game at all levels make him not only a cornerstone of Ashtead Squash & Tennis Club but also one of the leading coaches in the country.

Well done on your nomination Jez, good luck for the 25th November when the winners will be announced.