Masters players all set for Home Internationals

🏴 Masters Magic – Three Players, Three Journeys, One Scotland Shirt

There’s a certain kind of player who thrives in Masters squash. There must be a willingness to adapt and overcome the difficulties that advancing years can bring as experience replaces raw pace – but above all, a love for the sport must persist.

This year, our club is proud to have three players representing Scotland at the Home Internationals Masters – each with a very different story leading to this recognition. 

🟦 Andrew Wilkinson (O45) – A Long-Awaited First Cap

For Andrew Wilkinson, this selection marks a significant milestone. After nearly 40 years in the game, he’ll be representing Scotland for the very first time - something he describes as both exciting and a proud moment in his squash journey.

His route to selection wasn’t entirely straightforward. Missing the Nationals due to holiday commitments meant he had to rely on performances in regional events, making the eventual call-up all the more satisfying. His appearance is testimony to his season-long form.

Andrew’s relationship with squash stretches back to childhood, and it’s the sport’s unique combination of physical challenge and tactical depth that has kept him hooked. These days, though, his game reflects experience as much as enthusiasm. He is honest about his game becoming more tactical, with a focus on positioning and controlling rallies rather than a reliance on fitness.

Family has played a constant role throughout his career. From parents supporting him through junior competitions to his own family now encouraging him to keep playing, that support network has been a steady presence behind the scenes.

What he’s most looking forward to at the Home Internationals is the team environment and the chance to test himself against top players in his age group - something he hasn’t had as much opportunity to do in recent years. It’s an opportunity he’s very much looking forward to.

🟦 Bryan Jackson (O65 & O70) – Still Going Strong

Few players embody longevity in the sport quite like Bryan Jackson. With over 50 years of squash behind him, his selection for Scotland - at both O65 and O70 categories - is as impressive as it is well deserved.

Bryan’s approach to the game is straightforward. He enjoys the balance squash offers: a demanding physical workout combined with the constant mental puzzle of figuring out an opponent. That balance has kept him engaged for decades.

As his game has evolved, so too has his style of play. Where once there may have been more emphasis on movement, now there’s a greater reliance on touch and variation, with drops and lobs playing a bigger role, as is often the case as players become more mature. 

What stands out most when speaking about Bryan is his appreciation of the squash community. The atmosphere around the competition is as important as the main event itself, with the camaraderie, shared experiences and connections central to his enjoyment of the sport.

Representing Scotland at this stage in his career clearly still means a great deal. There’s pride in continuing to compete, and perhaps even more so in proving that age is no barrier to performance if you look after yourself and stay committed.

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🟦 Andy Meldrum (O55 Captain) – Experience and Leadership

Andy Meldrum will captain the O55 side, having finished as the No.1 player in Scotland this season. It’s the second time he’s earned this honour – but he was previously denied the opportunity of fulfilling that experience as the Covid pandemic saw the event cancelled.

That makes this year’s achievement all the more meaningful.

Andy’s perspective on squash reflects a lifetime in the sport. He talks about those moments when everything clicks - the ball going exactly where you want it, movement feeling effortless -and how those moments keep players coming back for more.

Over the years, his mindset has shifted. Once driven by winning, he now carries a more balanced approach, able to move on quickly from defeats while still maintaining a strong competitive edge.

Physically, Andy feels his game is as strong as ever, despite being “just shy of 58.” That’s been driven by a conscious effort to maintain fitness, improve endurance, and adapt his training. There’s a resilience to his game - he speaks about never feeling beaten, even when behind - which has become one of his defining strengths.

Off court, he’s equally committed, with a structured approach to recovery that includes strength work, mobility training, and some less conventional methods. He’s still striving to improve, even after decades in the game.

He’s naturally seeking to perform well, but equally he is eager to lead the squad and enjoy the experience with his teammates – something that is integral to Masters squash.

💙 A Shared Thread

While their journeys differ, Andrew, Bryan and Andy share a common thread: a deep-rooted love of squash that has stood the test of time.

Each has adapted their game, found new motivation at different stages of life, and continues to compete for both results and enjoyment. The Home Internationals will bring tough matches and strong opposition - but also the camaraderie and team spirit that make Masters squash so special.

👏 Good Luck from Everyone at the Club

We’re incredibly proud to see all three players representing Scotland. It’s a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the strength and spirit within our club.

We wish Andrew, Bryan and Andy the very best - play well, enjoy the occasion, and do yourselves (and us!) proud 🏴💪