The South Sound Squash Club is welcoming French No. 1 player Mélissa Alves to Cayman’s shores for a special three-day event.
Alves will participate in two exhibition matches against Cayman national squash players Julian Jervis and Cameron Stafford during her visit, set for 21-23 June.
She will also conduct private sessions and clinics for both junior and adult players.
Alves was the 2024 European Championship individual runner-up and the 2024 Hamilton Open champion in South Africa.
After last year’s successful South Sound Squash Club Christmas event with World No. 21 Miguel ‘The Cannonball’ Rodríguez, Alves’ visit offers a unique “female perspective” that club manager Marlene West hopes will resonate with local players.
“We hope that Melissa’s visit will bring renewed energy to our existing squashers, as well as pique the interest of more people in the community to try the sport,” West told the Compass.
The event kicks off on Saturday, 21 June, with a full day of clinics: a grass roots junior clinic at 11am, a national level junior clinic at 12pm, and an adult clinic at 2pm.
The day concludes with an exhibition match at 6pm featuring Alves against Julian Jervis. The match entry fee is $25, with free admission for clinic attendees.
On Sunday, 22 June, there will be exclusive 30-minute private sessions from 9am to 12pm. The evening will host another exhibition match and celebration at 6pm, where Alves will face off against Cameron Stafford. Entry for this match is $15.
Both exhibition matches will be played best of five, adhering to World Squash Federation rules.
The event concludes on Monday with more opportunities for personalised coaching through 30-minute private sessions from 10am to 1pm.
West emphasised the motivation behind bringing Alves to Cayman, stating, “Any exposure to a greater level of squash is always welcomed for our budding youth squashers and adults alike.”
She added, “Showing the potential of the games and what it takes to excel can only always be a positive thing.”
Alves will focus on all aspects of the game during her clinics and private sessions, from beginner skill development to advanced techniques. She will cover match play preparation, training, and what it takes to be the best squasher.
An open question-and-answer session is intended to unfold during her visit.
For detailed pricing information on clinics and private sessions, interested individuals can contact the South Sound Squash Club at 526-5052 or [email protected].
