Category Archives: Coaching

September 1, 2015 · 2:48 pm

Marking a Milestone for Khelshala

On 9th August, 2014, Khelshala celebrated its 5th anniversary in Chandigarh, India. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the event, but was celebrating in spirit with colleagues. Since I was not in Chandigarh to report on what took place, the India-based team are putting together a post-event synopsis.

Once again credit goes to Coach Bajwa and the Khelshala team for reaching this milestone. While there is still a long way to go, there continues to be significant achievements made by the Khelshala children as well as the program itself. For those interested in the details, these can be found in the Khelshala newsletter(s).

While I am thrilled to be part of Khelshala, this is a good time for self-reflection for one’s own journey. I have used this summer to review, assess and plan for further career development. After speaking with various career counselors about the field of social enterprise, I am reminded by a friend’s comment that “it would be good to do something that pays.”

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, Gender, Leadership, Networking, Peace Building, Philanthropy, Poverty, Private Public Partnerships, Psycho-Social Support, Stakeholder Engagement, Uncategorized, Volunteering

August 31, 2015 · 3:40 pm

Appreciating SquashBusters and the Future of Urban Squash

Thanks to Tom Hodgson, a veteran teacher of philosophy and coach at Phillips Academy Andover (also a friend and squash colleague), he invited me to the SquashBusters Lawrence end-of-year celebration at Brooks School. SquashBusters Lawrence students, parents, staff, coaches and volunteers had fun with free-play, eating a pot-luck dinner and recognizing outstanding performers for the 2013-14 year.

SquashBusters Lawrence Staff recognizing students for 2013-14 achievements.

SquashBusters Lawrence Staff recognizing students for 2013-14 achievements.

As an admirer and follower of SquashBusters, it was great to be in the company of Greg Zaff, CEO and Founder and his team to share developments about Khelshala in India as well as Kidsquash in Cambridge, MA. Given the National Urban Squash and Education Association’s international outreach to countries such as Colombia, South Africa and India (including Khelshala) – there is a lot of potential in terms of grant making, student-exchanges and North-South as well as South-South collaboration.

Though squash is not yet an Olympic sport, programs such as SquashBusters and the like  – when done right with capable staff and adequate resources – produce balanced, active and socially responsible citizens. Surely this is a win-win for all stakeholders!

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August 17, 2015 · 12:05 pm

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Today the Athletics Department at Concord Academy organized an “Athletics Assembly” to celebrate the Class of 2014 student-athletes for their performance over the last 4 years. I was unable to attend the event, but wanted to recognize and thank the CA community members who I did not get a chance to bid farewell.

First, thanks to former CA Athletic Director, Carol Anne Beach for bringing me on board as a squash coach and who, once eloquently reminded me after a tough day of coaching, that “we are all in it together.” Many thanks to current Head of School, Rick Hardy and Dean of Students and Community Life, David Rost for allowing me to live on campus and grow as a house parent.

Many thanks to Jenny Brennan, Director of Athletics and my colleagues in the Athletic Department for being part of teams that won with grace and lost with dignity. I would particularly like to extend my gratitude to Assistant Squash Coaches Marty Blue, Danielle Babcock, Josh Parker, Jon Ross, Roger Hunt and Charlotte Whitmore as well as all the numerous captains of the girls and boys varsity squash teams. Furthermore members of the Athletics Department – Kellie Smith, Reed Young, Mike Bouzan and Warren Samuels – deserve special thanks as well for critical support and programming.

2013-14 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Charlotte Whitmore and Tariq Mohammed.

2013-14 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Charlotte Whitmore and Tariq Mohammed.

2013-14 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Charlotte Whitmore and Tariq Mohammed.

2013-14 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Charlotte Whitmore and Tariq Mohammed.

2013-14 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Roger Hunt and Tariq Mohammed

2012-13 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Roger Hunt and Tariq Mohammed

2012-13 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Roger Hunt and Tariq Mohammed

2012-13 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Roger Hunt and Tariq Mohammed

2011-12 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Jon Ross and Tariq Mohammed

2011-12 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Jon Ross and Tariq Mohammed

2013-14 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Jon Ross and Tariq Mohammed

2013-14 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Jon Ross and Tariq Mohammed

2010-11 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Josh Parker and Tariq Mohammed

2010-11 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Josh Parker and Tariq Mohammed

2010-11 Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash with Coaches, Josh Parker and Tariq Mohammed.

2010-11 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Josh Parker and Tariq Mohammed.

2010-11 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Danielle Balocca and Tariq Mohammed.

2010-11 Concord Academy Boys Varsity Squash with Coaches, Danielle Balocca and Tariq Mohammed.

Many thanks to Annie Bailey in Residential Life and Don Kingman in Operations as well as the broader residential life team for helping to foster a sense of community. Long live, Bradfordfosoras rex. Many thanks to CA Dining for providing food and a space to share meals with colleagues and friends. Many thanks to CA parents, both past and present for their cooperation in helping to guide their children. Many thanks to CA students and alumni for teaching me to be a better person. Go Chameleons!

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August 15, 2015 · 1:44 pm

Khelshala Celebrated International Sport for Development and Peace Day

On April 6, 2014 – Khelshala celebrated their first initiative towards the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. For an overview, we encourage you to visit the Khel-Mel event with the theme, “Play Life-Sports for a Healthy Life”.

All age groups were welcomed to the event to participate whole heartedly and take part in lifetime sports, such as dance, aerobics, yoga, athletics, squash, tennis, badminton and table-tennis, which were made available for the day. The Khelshala and Majra children joined hands to commence a day of great importance not only for the Khelshala community, but also for the sports society as a whole. The sound of the Dhols, kicked off the Khelshala march in which a group of very enthusiastic local community members arrived to participate in the walk towards the Khel-Mel venue.

Preceding the march, the dance activity conducted by Mr. Sameer Mahajan, Director of Rockstar Academy, lifted the spirits of the children and energized them for a day packed with fun activities. Along with explaining the importance of dance and aerobics in maintaining health and wellbeing of oneself, he began with a warm up before teaching the children chorography he had planned for the session. The dance session was followed by yoga and meditation conducted by Pinki Jha explaining how yoga and meditation can make their minds sharp, peaceful and also how it can enhance their day to day well being, if practiced regularly. In addition, various athletic activities including hurdles and cone drills for agility over a 50m track were conducted by coaches from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Also, many other individual games like squash, tennis, badminton, and table-tennis were a part of the overall day and were managed by friends and volunteers. Our very own Khelshala coach, Mr. Anil Rathee, also directed a tennis tournament. Khelshala children also performed a street play. This was greatly enjoyed by everybody, especially by the group of St. John’s School children in attendance. Khel-Mel activities ended with a grand finale of tug of war competition.

To conclude the proceedings a small prize giving ceremony was hosted by Mr. Bajwa, Founder and Trustee of Khelshala. He also shared with everyone on how sport can help them to stay fit and healthy. The event coverage was carried out by the esteemed Doordarshan channel, and Langar (community lunch) was served to all attending, courtesy of Village Majra Panchayat.

We were truly delighted to have celebrated this United Nations initiative and hope it served the vision and mission of spreading awareness among the community promoting development and peace. We look forward to a bigger and better event next year. We hope to see you in 2015.

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August 9, 2015 · 3:02 pm

Kidsquash Alum On a Roll

Today, on the 118th Boston Marathon, I am proud to blog in the spirt of “Boston Strong” about Joey Raskin Lantos, a Kidsquash alum who “graduated” from the program in 2012, and has maintained his interest in the sport.  Joey showed impressive results in recent junior squash events.

Joey (kneeling on right) “graduating” at the 2012 In-House Kidsquash Tournament

Joey (kneeling on right) “graduating” at the 2012 In-House Kidsquash Tournament

As a 12 year old, playing in the boys under-15 division, he finished in 1st place at the SquashBusters Silver, (April 4-6, 2014). He then continued to win the 3.0 Massachusetts State Softball Championships at the Murr Center at Harvard (April, 10th, 2014) and traveled to play at the Junior Silver National Championships in Philadelphia, PA (April 11-13, 2014), where he finished in first place overall for the boys under-13 division.

Joey thriving at the Junior Silver National Championships in Philadelphia, April, 2014.

Joey thriving at the Junior Silver National Championships in Philadelphia, April, 2014.

He continues to work on his game weekly with Seth Packard, former Lead Coach at Kidsquash at the Z-Center MIT squash courts. Joey and his dad Steve Lantos, a long-time teacher at Brookline High School, “think back to Kidsquash fondly.”  All, I can say is this reconfirms the notion, “it takes a village” to support the positive growth and development of youth.

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August 7, 2015 · 7:15 pm

Reconnecting, Re-learning and Reimagining Through Sport Tourism

As mentioned earlier, I visited Manchester, UK during my last squash season at Concord Academy. Thanks to Roshan Abraham, my aunt, I had great pleasure in doing a Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. Despite the Abraham family being ardent Liverpool Football Club supporters, they were kind to allow me to re-imagine childhood football fantasies at one of the most popular football clubs in the world.

Visiting the world renowned, Manchester United Football Club – November 2013.

Visiting the world renowned, Manchester United Football Club – November 2013.

Like many, as a young boy playing soccer in the United Arab Emirates during the 1980s and attending a British primary school, one could not help but be engrossed by the English Premier League. Ideally, it would have been great to watch a match live at Old Trafford, but the schedule did not allow it. Interestingly the World Rugby Championships were being held at the Stadium during that time.

Learning about the history, tradition and operations of Manchester United was fascinating. From a coaching perspective, it was exciting to set foot in the stadium of of its longest serving Manager – Sir Alex Ferguson who recently signed a long-term teaching contract at Harvard Business School. Though Manchester United has struggled since his departure, it was well worth the visit.

In addition, while in Manchester, I also visited United’s rival club Manchester City Football Club which also has an impressive stadium. I was unaware that Manchester City had a sponsorship connection to Abu Dhabi’s Eithad Airways. Overall, visiting all these sporting sites was like going to Mecca, in terms of scale but without the religious significance. Although some Manchester United and Manchester City fans may disagree.

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August 6, 2015 · 2:02 pm

Reflecting and Moving On from Concord Academy

After more than six wonderful years, I chose to step aside this year as the Head Squash Coach at Concord Academy. It has been a joy, privilege and an honor to work in the Eastern Independent League, alongside Dana Hall School, Newton Country Day School, Portsmouth Abbey School and Winsor School as well as the broader New England Interscholastic Squash Association.

The 2013-14 Concord Academy boys varsity squash team had a respectable season with an even regular season record. The team earned a place in the B Division at the New England Interscholastic Squash Association Championships held at Pomfret School in Pomfret, CT. The coaching staff was proud to say that that, win or lose, our players gave all they could during their matches. All of our players showed great improvement this year, which bodes well for future teams.

Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash Team – Coaches Thank You Gifts.

Concord Academy Girls Varsity Squash Team – Coaches Thank You Gifts.

Meanwhile, the 2013-2014 Concord Academy girls varsity squash team had a great season despite the fact that our competitors often outmatched us. Our main goal during every match was never to quit and to run down every single ball. The coaching staff was proud to say that this goal was met the majority of the time and that, win or lose, our players maintained their focus and determination. The girls squash team surprised the coaches with thank you gifts, as above. Many thanks to Concord Academy for a meaningful experience. Onwards we go!

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Filed under Coaching, Community Development, Education, Gender, Planning, Professional Development, Squash

August 5, 2015 · 11:07 am

Kidsquash Finishes 9th Season with Motivated Students

During the 2013-14 season 20 students between the ages of 8 to 17 from 12 towns in the Greater Boston area participated in 21 hours of instructional squash clinics at the Murr Squash Center at Harvard University. Majority of the students were beginners who were new to the game and eager to learn a new sport.

The 9th season of Kidsquash season ran from October to March and covered various squash shots, etiquette, refereeing, marking, match play and concluded with an end of year tournament. Students made significant progress with their game, as demonstrated in the end of year tournament where they were divided into 2 round robin groups and some had long rallies – which they could not do at the start of the season. All 10 students in the tournament were able to receive prizes courtesy of Head, leaving them motivated for next season.

2014 Kidsquash Tournament Players and Coaches

2014 Kidsquash Tournament Players and Coaches

Making Kidsquash happen is a team effort so, many thanks to Coach Bajwa, Founder of Kidsquash – though not visible at clinics his guidance and presence was much appreciated; Coaches – Hameed, Luke and Liam – thanks for your teaching and coaching throughout the season; Parents – many thanks for your generosity and bringing your children to the Murr Squash Center almost every week and Sponors – US Squash, Mass Squash, Harvard University, Head and Whole Foods Market.

For transparency and sustainability purposes here are some important figures to consider from the 2013-14 season. For the 21 hours of instruction provided to 20 students, Kidsquash raised $3,144.  At approximately $150 per Kidsquash student, parents received $2100 of coaching value (had they received private, commercial instruction the average hourly rate would be $100 from qualified coaches). Hopefully, the value created through the Kidsquash program, will be sustained in the future by sponsors, donors and friends.

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August 3, 2015 · 2:56 pm

Genderless Squash: Threat or Opportunity?

Having worked with elementary, middle school, high school and college athletes in diverse settings over the last decade, I am often asked how does one teach, mentor and coach across genders? Do you groom boys and girls differently? Are you conditioning them to overcome life’s challenges?

Masculinity and femininity vary across culture, time and space so my approach over the last decade as a single, male, childless adult has been towards a notion of genderless squash. My intention is not to discriminate between genders but to strive for equality. (I am not sure whether my students would agree, but I hope so.) Upon reflection, this may be a threat and/or opportunity for student-centered growth, depending on level of maturity.

Former co-ed intramural squash class at Concord Academy.

Former co-ed intramural squash class at Concord Academy.

Genderless squash may have negative consequences of producing social outcasts and maladjusted individuals who are incapable of taking responsibility for their actions or may have positive consequences of producing champions of growth-mindsets who excel in the classroom and on the court. This is not a personal attack on any single student but rather an attempt at critical reflection of my evolution as a coach.

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July 30, 2015 · 1:15 pm

Thanking Well Wishers and Donors for Khelshala Service Trip

The Youtube video link below is a big thank you to all who donated and provided encouragement for my summer in India. I may have forgotten to thank someone so, please forgive me if I missed you.

My hope is that by sharing this Youtube video it will educate, inspire and motivate others who feel moved to get involved or make a contribution to this initiative.

Keep Squashing!

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, International Development, Leadership, Networking, Peace Building, Philanthropy, Poverty, Private Public Partnerships, Psycho-Social Support, Squash, Stakeholder Engagement, Volunteering, Youth Development, Youth Sport