AFTER CLINCHING Commonwealth Games gold at Birmingham 2022 in squash doubles, Declan James, the only member of the England team from a diverse ethnic background, spoke to Matthew Chadder about his journey in the sport and how more people can get involved.
Congratulations on winning gold. Describe that feeling!
It’s one of the most rewarding moments of my career. It’s been a long road to get to that point. Lots of ups and downs, it was an unbelievably intense couple of weeks but what a feeling to get that bit of success. It makes all of the hard work and dedication worth it.
What was it that got you into the sport when you were younger?
My uncle introduced me to the game when I was six-years-old and it all just started from there really. The older I got, the more I was playing, and it just became a way of life. It was a pretty organic thing, my brother played, my cousins played, so very much family orientated.
Being the only member of the team from a diverse ethnic background, how have you felt that you’ve been welcomed into the sport?
No differently in the slightest. It’s an incredibly diverse sport played in most countries worldwide, it’s reasonably accessible and there are no barriers in place for those of different backgrounds.
It’s never been an issue, it’s just completely normal to have people from diverse backgrounds in our sport, and that’s the way it should be.
You should have an environment where being from different backgrounds, different countries, different skin colours, it shouldn’t even be a conversation.
It’s kind of a shame in the world that we live in that it is a conversation, especially in other sports.
Why do you think it’s the case then that with the England team, you are the only person from a diverse ethnic background?
I would probably like to see more of an effort at the grassroots level. There needs to be that investment in the towns and the cities with the mini squash courts, it’s really important that everyone has that equality of opportunity and then, as long as you give kids the opportunity to do it, they can then go and decide whether or not it’s something that they want to pursue.
If you look at some of the juniors in our country, there is quite a bit of diversity from what I can see. So, it just takes time to filter through, maybe I came from a generation where not as many people from different backgrounds were playing but I would like to think that in 5-10 years’ time it will look completely different.
Within different sports, we’ve seen a lack of acceptance, with squash is it just about a lack of accessibility?
I definitely don’t think there’s any barriers to enter our sport in terms of acceptance, I’ve never witnessed anything like that growing up.
I think it is just a case of getting into the urban areas, the areas where there’s maybe less privilege and giving everyone the same level of opportunity.
How would you encourage people to get involved?
I would say just get online, get on to the England squash website, and search for the nearest courts near you, seek these courts out, it’s not an expensive sport to play, get in contact with some family members.
I feel like we’ve all probably got someone in our network that’s played squash at some point or actively plays squash.
Do you feel now that you’re in a position to act as a role model, or are you still just focusing on your own journey?
I’m not an 18-year-old player anymore, there is obviously a bigger picture. One of the great things about the Games in Birmingham, was we had six- and seven-year-olds coming up to us and saying, ‘I want to go and play squash now.’
If we can leave that impact on just a few kids, that’s what it’s all about. You always try and lead by example and if someone like me, coming from a normal, everyday background can grow up and achieve good things then anyone can do it.
Could you see yourself going into the coaching side and trying to help at a grassroots level once you finish playing?
I would definitely be interested in taking up some kind of mentoring role and offering words of advice and experience to some of the younger generation.
I’m not sure if I’d want to coach, I would like to experience different industries and new chapters, but never say never.
Inspired to hit the court? Whether you’re new to squash or returning to the game, your local club or leisure centre is ready to welcome you on court.
Find you nearest court atwww.englandsquash.com/finder
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