Callan Hall has been selected as a member of the South African team to participate in the U/19 World Junior Championships, being held in Poland from 4-18 August 2016. Callan Hall has been a member of TuksSquash Junior Program since the age of 8 and was a learner at TuksSport High School from 2012-2014. The squash player is currently in matric at Crawford College. Callan was excited when he heard the news: “This is a dream come true. I worked towards this goal my entire junior career since I was in the U/10 team. Last year I missed it due to injury, so this was my last opportunity to be selected.” said the athlete.

The TuksSquash player grew up next to the courts. His mom was a squash coach and took him to all her sessions. Callan grew into the game and realised that squash suits his personality. Striking a balance between academics and sports is not always easy. “It is sometimes difficult as I want to do well academically and also want to play good squash. My time gets divided and my training gets adapted so that my academics take preference when there are tests and exams.” said the TuksSquash player.

Callan draws inspiration from everyone involved in his program. Everyone brings a different energy to his training program. “My coach Emmanuel Musefwe has been with me since I was 10 and he has also competed on a National level, he knows what I am going through.” shared the athlete. Callan Hall’s mother Liz Mackenzie is no stranger to the squash world. The TuksSquash Technical Director’s experience in squash helps Callan to keep his program alive and exciting. He also draws inspiration from some of the top squash player around the world and hopes to compete with them one day.

Callan challenges himself by playing against senior players and he does extra solo sessions to keep his skills sharp. He has been fortunate to be able to go to Australia before big events, where he trains at the Rosebud International Squash Centre close to Melbourne. His Coach in Australia, Len steward, was a world class player and Callan learns from him. His advice to up and coming athletes is to “NEVER GIVE UP”.