Simon Boughton
Edinburgh Sports Club's legendary Head Coach, Simon Boughton, is your go-to for mastering squash, tennis, and padel – a true champion and an inspirational mentor!
About
If you're ever near the Scottish Museum of Modern Art in the west end, you absolutely have to hear about Simon Boughton at Edinburgh Sports Club! This seasoned squash guru, with an incredible 28-year coaching journey, is the heart and soul of the club's thriving squash scene. He's a true insider, having developed players from juniors to masters, and even if you're just starting, his passion for the sport is infectious. You'll find him not only coaching but also smashing it on the squash, tennis, and padel courts himself – he's a four-time Scottish Masters National Champion, no less! It's a fantastic spot, tucked away by the Water Of Leith, offering a real community vibe with superb facilities, including the only hardball doubles squash court in Europe. Simon's dedication to developing talent and fostering a love for the game is simply brilliant.
Coach
Simon Boughton is a prominent squash coach based at Edinburgh Sports Club for over 20 years, with a coaching career spanning 28 years. He is passionate about the sport, enjoys working with people, and finds satisfaction in introducing children to squash and seeing them continue to play for years.
Gym
A gym and padel courts have been added to the six squash courts and three tennis courts at the club.
Padel
Edinburgh Sports Club features padel courts, and outdoor padel is available for play.
Squash
The club features six squash courts, including the only hardball doubles squash court in Europe, and provides a comprehensive coaching program for all levels of players.
Tennis
Edinburgh Sports Club features three outdoor tennis courts.
Full Bio
Simon Boughton is a prominent squash coach based at Edinburgh Sports Club, where he has been for over 20 years. His squash coaching career spans 28 years, which began accidentally in Milan in the 1990s. He initially travelled to Germany for practice with a friend and then went to Milan, where he was offered a job as a club coach despite not speaking Italian. He learned Italian squash phrases and coached at Poli Squash Club in Milan for a year, maintaining connections and returning to play in Italian leagues for Milan, Florence, and Turin, as well as conducting coaching weekends. Prior to his move to Italy, Simon grew up in Nottinghamshire and had a promising playing career, reaching England Under-16 top 10 status and representing his county at senior level. He did not pursue a professional playing career due to a lack of "single-mindedness." After his experience in Italy, he enrolled at Brunel University London for a degree in Sport and Leisure Management. Following his graduation, he moved to Scotland, coaching at Bridge of Allan Sports Club for two years before becoming the Head Coach at Edinburgh Sports Club. At ESC, he trains players at all levels, including Juniors, Seniors, Performance, and Masters. He particularly enjoys introducing children to squash and seeing them continue to play years later. Simon, who is 48 years old, continues to play competitively for ESC in the East and National Leagues. He is also a four-time Scottish Masters National Champion and was part of the ESC squad that won bronze at the 2019 European Club Championships. Edinburgh Sports Club, located in the west end of the city near the Scottish Museum of Modern Art, is surrounded by trees nurtured by the Water Of Leith. The club started with six squash courts and three tennis courts 33 years ago, and has since added a gym and padel courts. It also uniquely features the only hardball doubles squash court in Europe. During lockdown, when he couldn't coach or play squash, Simon started a fitness blog on the ESC Instagram account, showcasing various circuit training routines. He also played tennis and padel outdoors at the club.