Every October, World Squash Day is a huge event in the squash world, bringing people together to celebrate the sport we all love – thus 2024 edition was equally as important as the message was boosting grassroots Squash.
Kasha with Bianco (BKS Club), national champions from the DRC
But beyond the matches and celebrations, it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of squash—especially when it comes to junior players.
For young squash enthusiasts, this day is a great opportunity to get involved, have fun, and maybe even fall in love with the life game.
World Squash Day isn’t just about playing squash—it’s also about community. Many junior squash programs leverage WSD to foster social engagement among young players. Events such as parent-child doubles, team-based activities, or even squash clinics hosted by local professionals or top-ranked players give juniors a sense of belonging to a larger squash family.
Photo credit: Squash Republic
This focus on community can be especially powerful for younger players who are just getting started. Participating in fun, social events with peers of the same age not only helps build friendships but also motivates children to continue playing. This sense of camaraderie makes squash more than just a sport; it becomes a shared experience that juniors want to be part of.
Why Grassroots Matters
Grassroots squash forms the foundation of the sport, where young players, enthusiasts, and local communities first encounter the game. While professional squash has its allure, the vitality and sustainability of the sport depend on the growth and support of squash at the community level.
Kasha (DRC) future champion (Photo credit: Freddy Nzama – BKS Club)
Grassroots squash brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork and encouraging players from diverse backgrounds to unite around a common passion. Moreover, it can act as a vehicle for social mobility, offering opportunities to young people who may not have access to other sports. For grassroots squash to thrive, it needs resources, infrastructure, and visibility. This is where World Squash Day can make a tangible difference.
Empowering Through Inclusion
Diversity in squash starts at the grassroots level. By making a concerted effort to ensure that the sport is open to everyone, regardless of background, ability, or gender, we can foster a more inclusive squash community.
On World Squash Day, we can shine a light on women in the sport by hosting women’s squash exhibitions, offering free sessions for girls, and featuring inspiring stories of female players who have made an impact at both the local and global levels.
It is important to have Initiatives to involve people with disabilities in squash, but there’s much more that can be done. Inclusive programs that provide adaptive equipment and specialised coaching for players with disabilities can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to play. World Squash Day is the perfect platform to highlight these efforts and push for wider adoption of inclusive squash programs.
When it comes to age, participation in other words Squash for all ages is often thought of as a game for the young and physically agile, but it can be enjoyed by all ages.
Encouraging older players to stay involved through social squash events, mixed-age tournaments, or even volunteering in local clubs can help extend the benefits of squash to every generation.
The Impact of World Squash Day 2024
The 2024 edition of World Squash Day was a real game-changer for junior squash. This year, the focus was even more on youth, with loads of events designed to attract kids to the sport. Clubs around the world put together junior-friendly activities like family fun days, “try squash” sessions, and friendly tournaments that cater to all skill levels.
Army Squash hosted a fundraiser on World Squash Day 2024
A big part of the success in 2024 came from how clubs and organisations embraced digital tools. They used social media, live streaming, and online sign-ups to make it super easy for parents to get their kids involved. This led to a much bigger reach, pulling in families who might not have even thought about squash before.
Lichfield Squash Club hosted taster sessions
World Squash Day 2024 didn’t just boost numbers for a day; it’s helped lay the foundation for long-term growth in junior squash. By getting more kids excited about the sport, we’re likely to see more young players joining clubs, signing up for coaching, and maybe even aiming for the top levels of competition in the future.
Having access to role models and mentors is a key factor in the development of young athletes. During World Squash Day, clubs often invite professional players or top-level juniors to host demonstrations, clinics, or Q&A sessions. Seeing the success and skills of these players in person can inspire juniors to take their squash journey seriously.
With the right coaching and dedication, juniors begin to see themselves as future squash champions, motivating them to participate more regularly and seriously.
Many of the clubs that took part in World Squash Day will soon notice more juniors signing up for regular programmes, which means more internal competitions and a bigger sense of community among the young players.
Final Thoughts
The future of squash rests in the hands of its youngest and newest players. Creating a sustainable ecosystem for grassroots squash requires ongoing investment in infrastructure, coaching, and outreach. On World Squash Day, the global squash community can commit to nurturing the next generation of talent while ensuring the sport remains accessible to all.
One way to ensure this sustainability is through volunteer-led initiatives. Many grassroots programs rely heavily on volunteers, from coaches to organisers. Investing in volunteer training and support can help these initiatives grow and flourish.
Additionally, building partnerships between local businesses and squash clubs can create new sponsorship opportunities, providing much-needed financial backing for grassroots efforts.
As more clubs and communities join in celebrating World Squash Day, the ripple effect is clear: more juniors are stepping onto the court, discovering a love for the game, and ensuring that squash thrives well into the future.
For junior squash, World Squash Day is a great stepping stone towards a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport. If we can keep up this momentum, we’ll be seeing the benefits for years to come.
