THREE Kendal squash players will be representing their country in the sport at this season’s Home Internationals against Scotland, Wales & Ireland. 

Allen Barwise, Steve Edmondson, and Terry Bellshaw, who are each multi-time champions in squash, will be playing for England in the over 60s and over 70s age groups, respectively.  

The club will see Allen, who is the captain of the over 60s, compete with Steve alongside four other players from Bristol, Somerset, Roehampton, and Kent, while Terry is the captain of the over 70s group. 

There are five players plus one reserve.

Allen is the current European over 60s champion who has represented England many times at different age groups, Terry has represented England six times and for Steve this will be his first time.  

Captain Allen Barwise said: “It is an incredible honour to represent England, both for us and Kendal as a whole. 

“It’s the thing to aim for in every sport. It’s more important than any individual success any of us has had”

“In Steve and my case there are four age groups going over to Ireland, two men and two women teams.  

“Out of 80 people being selected for England across all age groups, three coming from Kendal. That is incredible.  

“It’s extremely rare event. It has only happened twice before in the 25-year history of the Master’s Home Internationals. 

“It’s very rare to have three players from a small club like Kendal, hopefully this will increase participation within the area and show what can be achieved through dedication and hard work”.

“It’s one of things you aspire to, but few achieve it. In England we have a ranking point system where you play six tournaments a year, and five of them count toward your ranking position.  

“If you achieve a top five or six position you will usually get picked for England.

“The main factor for selection is doing well in the British Open and British National championships. There’s one each of those each season. 

“It was the British Open this week, and Terry and I both came runner up in our respective age groups. We both did well in the nationals, hence the selections”.

Terry Bellshaw said: “Playing for England is the ultimate. It’s what you aim for and chase. It’s what you want in your future. It’s an honour. 

“I’ve been lucky enough to play for England for the last five years. I’ve played right through the 65s and was picked every year, then we had Covid. I had been picked for the Internationals in Wales, but unfortunately Covid put a stop to that. 

Steve Edmondson said: “This has been the focus for me this year. I’ve been preparing for it for the last 18 months.  

“It’s what you play for, what you hope for to be able to play for England.  

“It’s the best thing to have in any sport in my opinion. The pride you get for playing is fantastic. 

“This is my first time for England selection, and it means so much to me and the guys. 

“This is my first but for Kendal this is huge. 

“For a place like Kendal to have three representatives is an incredible achievement.” 

The weekend beginning April 22 will see Allen and Steve play for the England over 60s against Wales on Friday and Scotland Saturday morning, and Ireland in the afternoon.