Christopher Votion hopes this week’s ESF European Team Division 3 Championships can start a new era for squash in Luxembourg.
Votion, who from Belgium and has worked extensively in French squash, was recently appointed as National Technical Director by the Luxembourg Squash Federation (FSL) thanks to funding from its Ministry of Sport.
In addition, experienced Finn Tomi Niinimaki (former coach of German legend Simon Rosner amongst others) was named as Luxembourg’s new national coach.
“A positive picture…”
Votion hopes the ESF European Team Division 3 Championships, taking place at CK Sportscenter in Kockelscheuer (15-18 April), will “paint a positive picture” of squash in Luxembourg, and lay foundations for more exciting developments at both grassroots and elite levels.
“With these championships, we can show the Ministry of Sport what we are capable of,” said Votion.
“Luxembourg is in the centre of Europe so easy to access. Let’s showcase what we can do so we can continue to hold big events here in the future.
“I want to paint a positive picture of squash in this country and make a strong case for further financial support. Of course, if our teams can get to the finals and achieve promotion, it will be the cherry on the cake!”
Votion was one of the coaches at last year’s camp in Malta led by James Willstrop and Laura and Danny Massaro, made possible by Olympic Solidarity Funding. Votion hopes to hold similar events in Luxembourg to develop its own coaches and players.
Votion, 38, studied psychology before beginning his coaching career for Ligue Francophone de Squash (the French-speaking Belgian squash federation) then held coaching and development roles with the French Squash Federation.
He was manager of Squash Du Reves in Nancy when it hosted the World Junior Championships in 2022. There, he coached current European U19 champion Amir Khaled-Jousselin (pictured below). He is also volunteer coordinator of the French squash leagues.
Having played in Luxembourg for many years, Votion has many friends and contacts in its squash community. He will use them to achieve what is his main objective — to “rebuild trust” with the clubs.
“We will focus more on our clubs..”
“In the past, the federation’s vision perhaps wasn’t the same as the reality in the field at our clubs. So, today, we will focus much more on the clubs,” said Votion.
“Everyone is doing their best, but no-one is interacting together. This is my approach. As a federation, you have to work with your clubs and share the same perspective.
“We are not short of courts. What we’re missing is to be more organised with a better structure. There are courts and people motivated to develop the sport. We need better structures and communication. That’s why we want to rebuild trust to work better together.”
Votion plans to adapt the French federation’s coaching development plan to implement in Luxembourg, as well as creating a strong pathway for players wanting to progress from grassroots to elite participation.
All these developments will hopefully persuade the Ministry of Sport and National Olympic Committee to support squash even further in Luxembourg — so that more European and PSA competitions will be attracted to the Grand Duchy and the game can continue to grow.
Follow the ESF European Team Division 3 Championships on European Squash TV
