In an effort to help young women squash players get started on the international circuit, the Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (WISPA) is launching a two-pronged scheme aimed at solving the problem. Called RISING STARS, it will offer maximum encouragement for young players and added prestige for national junior open championships. There will now be an introductory membership category for junior players who are not ready for full membership. Alongside this will be the new opportunity for national federations to register their Under 19 Junior Girls Open championships as part of the programme. These events will be able to offer full World Tour points and so become even more attractive to the players. Any player under the age of 19 can join the new WISPA Rising Stars membership option. It will enable young players who only wish to play Junior Opens to gather points which can then be carried forward if they upgrade membership, and so allow them to begin with a ranking. Any player who is already a full/regional WISPA member may play junior events as well as WISPA Tour events and take ranking points offered at U19 Open events. Starting in September, WISPA will publish three times a year the worldwide WISPA Rising Stars list (1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Sept). This will be compiled from points achieved by all WISPA Full/Regional/Rising Stars members under 19 years of age on ranking publication date. – ENDS – Issued on behalf of: WISPA For further information: Howard Harding Tel: (44) 1737-243333 or (home) (44) 1737-222425 Fax: (44) 1737-222787 WSQ 777 Email: HowHard@aol.com 2 May 2000