As of October 2006, Frank van Loon has been appointed vice-president of the World Squash Federation. Born in 1964, physical and mental activities became inextricably linked for Frank at an early age. He already was an avid sportsman in the fields of kayaking, athletics, strength sports and alpine skiing, when he first encountered squash in 1980, and immediately fell for the game’s psychological dynamics and energetic challenges.

After a career in international marketing and as an integral safety manager at a number of military facilities, he slowly shifted towards his true vocation, in which he could combine his interests and expertise: coaching. In the 1990s, Frank became a qualified squash coach and is currently drawing interesting parallels from the world of top sports, in which passion, courage and discipline take centre stage, in his occupation as a businessman, career and personal coach.

In 1996, the Dutch Squash Coach Platform discerned a worrying trend: although the Netherlands was still doing reasonably well at the highest level, there was a shortage of young talent for a decent follow-up. As a coach, Frank took up the gauntlet, and between 1997 and 2000, he guided seven youngsters, six of whom were girls, towards the gold in the national youth championships. From 2000 until 2006, he served as the CEO of the Dutch Squash Federation. He was also elected chairman of the Royal Dutch Strength Sports and Fitness Federation in June 2006.

In his function as vice-president of WSF, Frank aims to extend his activities beyond his immediate areas of attention, by striving to lift the game towards the Olympic status, and by dedicating himself to the further professionalisation of the World of Squash.