SIX-TIMES city squash champion Steve Hodgson is thrilled by the emergence of Wigginton as a rival to his York team-mates.

But the 40-year-old self-confessed 'veteran' insisted the well-being of squash in York hinged on providing smash-hit training for upcoming talent.

Besides lifting the York title six times Hodgson appeared in the York championships final for a staggering nine consecutive years, but he recognised that the sport had hit a trough in the previous decade largely due to a lack of recognition and sponsorship.

The key to the future, maintained Hodgson, was encouraging youngsters.

"The only way you will get kids getting back now is through families - families playing squash," said Hodgson, whose own training programme has helped the development of the area's current top prospect, Neil Cordell.

"I'm a veteran now - I've been playing squash since I was 12. So I'm trying to put a bit back. To get kids playing, that's the future."

Hodgson however is heartened by the cross-city rivalry that has been sparked by Wigginton's ascent to the premier division. There, they have been able to cross racquets not just with York but against areas boasting far larger catchment areas.

Said Hodgson: "We at York have strength in depth, which is what Wigginton are after.

But having two clubs in the premier division is a boost. I don't honestly believe people outside the sport know what level of standard it is.

"There's some fantastic players performing in the city.

"At Wigginton they are getting 50 to 60 people watching, and that's great. They are trying very hard and they are doing a very good job."

Updated: 11:50 Saturday, December 15, 2001