South Lynn woman gets third England call

Some impressive form on the squash court has earned a South Lynn woman a third call-up for her country.Nicky Green, 45, has been named as part of the England Masters O45s squad for a Home International Tournament next month.The games against Ireland, Scotland and Wales will take place in Nottingham between April 12 and 14.Green said: “Even though this is my third call-up, my second was cancelled by Covid, I feel honoured and privileged to play for my country.”I have worked hard with my training and playing regional events to earn this call-up. “I’d been at work all day and was checking my emails after dinner and I’d had an email from the selection committee. I shared my news with my family straight away.Green, who works at the College of West Anglia as a learning support officer and sports lecturer, has been playing the sport for more than three decades after becoming hooked as a youngster. “I started playing squash at 10-years-old after playing county tennis for a few years,” she said.”I saw a poster at school for a squash session at a club five minutes down the road, in North Walsham where I used to live. “I loved it straight away and was hooked. I entered competitions most weekends as a junior and was national ranked in all age groups and played for England as a junior.”During her time on the court, Green has rubbed shoulders with the likes of former squash world number one Cassie Jackman, who also hails from Norfolk. “When I first started playing, Cassie was playing at the same club in North Walsham as me,” said Green.”More recently, Raneem El Weleily, from Egypt, and James Willstrop, from England, have had a big influence on my career due to their amazing racket skills.” The West Norfolk squash star, who is also a coach, is looking for sponsorship towards the cost of her kit.”Because it’s Masters O45s nothing is provided for us and that includes kit and accommodation, we have to fund all of it,” explained Green. “If anyone would like to sponsor me for kit and equipment that would be great. My England kit alone is in the region of £150. “In return, I am willing to advertise any company on my shirts at the British Open in June and regional events through the year.”I am very lucky that my travel and accommodation throughout the year by Danny at Ultimate Workforce, which without his help I wouldn’t be able to compete and in turn would not have been selected to play for England.”The England team faces matches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday before the trophy presentation and meal on Saturday evening.”As a team we don’t have any training sessions together, it’s all down to us to continue our own training in preparation,” she said.Anyone who might be able to help towards the sponsorship of her kit, should contact Nicky on 07951 303884.