2024/25 Next Gen Squad announced

Nineteen of Australia’s best up-and-coming players have been announced in the 2024/25 Next Gen Squad, supported by Inform and Salming.

The Next Gen Squad has been developed over a number of years to identify and support Australia’s best junior squash players under the age of 15, who have the greatest chance of achieving outstanding results at future World Junior Championships.

“It’s no secret that our best performances at World Junior Championships have come from athletes who have performed well at national junior events from a young age,” said Lachlan Johnston, Squash Australia High Performance Director. “By identifying talented juniors and giving them the right guidance and support, we are setting them up for the greatest chance of ongoing success.”

Three athletes from the 2023 Next Gen Squad - Kasper Cheung, Marcus Wang & Tina Ma - have made a successful transition to the National Junior Talent Squad, with Kasper’s rapid progress seeing him selected for the 2024 World Junior Championships. 

In addition to equipment support from Inform and Salming, Next Gen Squad members receive guidance from Squash Australia’s National Coaching Team, the opportunity to participate in National and State Performance Pathway Camps as well as invitations to National Junior Tour Groups including the British Junior Open. 

“Salming has long been a supporter of junior talent across the country and Inform is now excited to be associated with the Next Gen Squad,” said Steve Walton, Salming and Inform Australian representative. “In a relatively short period of time we’ve seen a number of players come through the squad and go onto to bigger and better things, and most importantly, enjoying their time in the sport.”

This year’s squad sees 13 athletes returning with six newcomers: Benjamin Boardman (NSW), Kai Dumbleton (QLD), Riyo Kawabata (QLD), Alexander Marsh (WA), Cleo Poulava (NSW) and Teagan Scott (WA).

2024 Next Gen Squad
Boys
Max Aitken (QLD), Benjamin Boardman (NSW), James Boswell (QLD),Kai Dumbleton (QLD), Kaveen Kohombange (VIC), Henry Kross (NSW), Alexander Marsh (WA), Joel Raj (QLD), Thomas Wang (NSW), Kieran Willathgamuwa (NSW).
Girls
Claudi Burger (QLD), Jasmin Dumbleton (QLD), Riyo Kawabata (QLD), Cleo Poulava (NSW), Emilia Scott (NSW), Teagan Scott (WA) Olivia van Zon (SA), Elizabeth Wang (NSW), Lilly Wilson (QLD).