Ilkley Squash Club has a new professional in 39 year-old New Zealander Robbie Burnett.

Robbie, who comes from the South Island, has been coaching in London for thepast two and a half years and joins Ilkley from the redbridge club.

He has moved north to give Ilkley's squash coaching system a boost.

Ilkley has been without a professional since David Pearson left in January and although the club has continued to tick over with its many talented youngsters club officials are more than happy that a new man has been installed to oversee the squash programme.

It is a programme which in the past has raised rising stars such as Kate Allison and Zoe and Ben Rickaby as well as a host of other talented youngsters.

Robbie will also be turning out for Ilkley's league teams but as he candidly points out - 'You make your money coaching not playing so my playing may be restricted a little.'

Robbie, was ranked in the top 16 players back home in New Zealand and three years ago he played in the World Masters in Melbourne.

'I am here in Ilkley to get squash back on track. My job is to improve the all round squash ability within the club as well as giving a helping hand to those who have already made their mark at a higher level.'

'The long term prospects here in Ilkley are good, particularly with the re-furbishment which will give the club five squash courts with three of them glass backed.'

' A lot of my work will be with the youngsters but I will also be coaching adults and anyone who wishes to improve their game. We have been running free junior coaching days and there have been open nights for adults. We will be setting up some new courses and all in all I am here to give the squash side of the club a bit of a kick start.'

Anyone interested in taking up the game or improving can contact Robbie at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club on 01943 607182.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.