Matthew targets England call-up

Matthew Sidaway

MATTHEW SIDAWAY is one of the brightest young prospects on the national squash circuit.

A Year 10 student at Failsworth School, he is ranked England’s number two at under-15s level.

The talented teenager, who was hooked on squash at the age of six after watching a game at his local sports centre, is setting his sights on representing his country at the European Championships in Barcelona in May.

“That’s my goal,” said Matthew, who trains at the National Squash Centre based at Sportcity and Lancashire Health and Racquet Club in Middleton.

“I try to play every day of the week and if I keep working hard and improving, hopefully I’ll get selected.”

Matthew (14) reached the third round of the British Junior Open in Sheffield earlier this month, losing in four games to Pakistan’s Ali Bokhari.

He made it to the last eight of the British National Championships in February of last year, going out to Oliver Holland, from Nottingham.

And he is no stranger to pulling on England colours after playing against against Scotland and Wales in a team event.