Tom Ford is urging squash players to keep the first weekend in June free.

That’s because on 2nd and 3rd June, he will be hosting his annual doubles tournament at East Glos in Cheltenham and is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved.

It is the fifth year that 24-year-old Ford has organised the tournament, having resurrected it in 2014.

“I’m hoping to make it even bigger and better this year,” said Ford, who is a very good player himself.

“The ethos of the tournament is to include everyone regardless of age, gender and standard.

“It gives amateur players the chance to go on court against higher quality players and test themselves against some of the best.”

And that’s not all because there is something for the up-and-coming players as well. Ford, a member at East Glos, is offering junior players the chance to have a hit with the professionals on the Saturday of the event.

“There are 20 slots available between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on the Saturday,” said Ford. “Any youngsters wanting to take part should contact me and book a slot.”

And on the competitive side, Ford is hoping that 32 pairings enter this year’s event – it’s an open event so pairings can be men, ladies or mixed.

And there will be new winners this year because last year’s champions Jonny Harford and Jaymie Haycocks are unable to take part in June.

Ford will be among the pairings competing in a couple of months’ time and he has teamed up with his long-time pal Mark Broekman with whom he has played a lot of squash over the years.

He’s very much looking forward to it, of course, particularly as his squash has had to take a back seat in recent times.

“I’ve had health issues and they had to become my priority,” he said. “I’ve been suffering with severe fatigue.”

It forced Ford off the professional circuit at the start of 2016 and in November he stopped playing altogether.

He’s on the mend now, focussing on training daily but with less intensity, to slowly build up his system again.

“I’ve made huge improvements but there isn’t an overnight fix, it’s going to take time,” said Ford, who is playing a few times a week at East Glos to aid the recovery.

“I don’t know how long because it’s not like an injury but I’d like to think with the progress I’m making that I could be playing professionally for a team at the start of the new season in September.

“But I accept that it could take the entirety of this year.”

When he does recover Ford, who has moved back to Cheltenham and was once ranked in the top 60 in the world, would definitely like to get himself back on the pro tour.

In the meantime he has a doubles tournament to organise and that is going to keep him plenty busy over the next few weeks.

Anyone wishing to enter the tournament or wanting a hit with the professionals on the Saturday should call Ford on 07805 307937 or email tomfordsquash@gmail.com