A TEENAGER has become so passionate about his sport that he has won a grant to spread the word to other aspiring players.

Elliot McLoughlin, aged 16, has been playing squash since he was 12.

The former Lymm High School pupil is so enthusiastic about the sport that he won funding from Sport Cheshire to run his own classes.

The sessions run three times a week at Warrington Sports Club in Walton for students from Lymm High School and Bridgewater High School with more than 150 youngsters taking part.

And Elliot, from Thelwall who now attends Sir John Deane’s College in Northwich, says the sessions are very popular.

He said: “We have set up these sessions from scratch.

“The schools offered them to pupils and many have signed up.

“It is a great sport for keeping you fit and it has a very good social side too.”

Since starting the classes Elliot, who plays for the first team for Warrington, has seen many of his proteges compete at regional and national championships across the UK.

He added: “I am helping with the coaching and finding it very good. It is nice to see the students improve and enter competitions – that is amazing for me and I get lots of enjoyment from that.”

Also volunteering at the sessions are Rob Taylor, aged 29, a pro squash player who has been coaching for six years and Peter Astbury, the Warrington first team captain.

If you want to try one of the training sessions, they happen on Wednesdays between 3.30pm and 4.30pm and Fridays and Saturday from 4pm to 5pm. Call Elliot on 07917 887055.