Frank Goossens: “This squash tournament is the most important tournament of the year for me”
UvA student Frank Goossens (24, master’s program in logic) will participate in the annual National Squash Championships in the Frans Otten Stadium coming weekend. “For me, it's the most important tournament of the year.”
Who is allowed to participate in the NK Squash?
“Everyone who is a member of the squash association may participate. Depending on your level you will be placed in men’s and ladies 1 to 9. Marco van Basten once competed in men’s 4 or 5. I will participate in men’s 1; if you win there, you become Dutch champion.”
How long have you been playing squash?
“Since I was eleven years old. Since I was fourteen I have been competing in the NK and since I was eighteen I have been competing in men’s 1. I notice that I used to have more energy on the squash court and always went full steam ahead. By now I have become a bit better in the mental aspect and deal more cleverly with the pressure and my energy on the court.”
How do you rate your chances?
“Last year I finished eleventh out of sixteen. Then I lost just before the quarterfinals. This year I hope to improve and make the quarterfinals.”
Can you make a living from squash?
“I play squash on a semi-professional level, so I can’t make a living out of it. At the tournament, I mainly play against other squash players who are also studying. The number of squash players I play against who do it professionally can be counted on one hand. There is not a lot of money in the sport. ”
Is the Netherlands a squash country?
“Yes and no. A lot of Dutch people play squash occasionally. On a professional level, the Netherlands is not really a squash country. We are among the better countries in Europe, but we are not among the top in Europe and certainly not in the world. Squash is typically an English sport. Among the world’s best are the United Kingdom and all the countries that used to be in the Commonwealth: Pakistan, Malaysia, and Egypt - Egypt is by far the best in squash.”
How important is the NK Squash for you?
“I only play professional tournaments in the Netherlands and the NK is the most important tournament of the year for me. If you perform very well at the NK (top 5), you get to join the Dutch team and play in the European Championship in May. The Netherlands does not often participate in the World Squash Championships, simply because the Dutch team is not strong enough to really make a mark.”
Can students come and watch?
“Yes, definitely! For a lot of people who do it recreationally, it is great fun and educational to see it at a high level. There are some simple things you can see right away that you can learn a lot from. With 21 squash courts, the Frans Otten Stadium is by the way the largest squash center in Benelux. And admission is free.”
From Thursday, February 9 to Sunday, February 12, the NK Squash takes place at the Frans Otten Stadium, ijsbaanpad 43, Amsterdam. Frank Goossens plays his first game on Thursday at 9:30 p.m.
