There have been too many online petitions to help save the Squash provision of the sport both in the UK and overseas – this makes many enthusiasts wonder what is going on with the local sports development departments in terms of promotion of the sport.
Recently on Twitter, our friends Squash Mad posted an online petition to save the squash provision at the University of Essex:
Squash Mad – Tweet (@SquashMadDotCom)
Now, this is a cause for concern in terms of why is a university trying to do away with a sport that has both a great competitive and social angle with students of all cultures, let alone the local community.
Online petitions to save Squash are on the rise
Let’s not forget the online petition to save Squash courts at Bath Leisure Centre and just last year the case of the Squash courts in Singapore – the Kallang Squash Centre; a venue steeped with a rich history of showcasing a number of junior exhibitions, and senior tournaments.
This brings about the question, are the local sports development units working with Squash governing bodies to promote the sport? On the other hand, putting other sports before Squash?
The simple answer is YES!!
Nevertheless, there could be an issue with getting the local community interested in Squash, or the restricted access to Squash courts could be as a result provision is only available to those private clubs that are managed by committees.
Looking at the UK Squash is (hopefully still is), a priority sport alongside Football and Rugby; but still has no major television coverage.
Ways to make strategize Squash
To combat this issue and to make Squash a priority sport in sections of the world, the following can be done, to boost participation:
- Invite school children to Masterclasses with Squash pros at local clubs
- Make World Squash Day begin with a day only for children in midweek
- Exhibition matches as fundraisers for local charities each quarter
- Get Squash on the school curriculum
These may be ideas in the place, but they can be heavily enforced by the local sports development units in local authorities.
If it is a funding issue, then why get a local business to sponsor it and have their employees perhaps volunteer too, as it will help the sponsor with meeting Corporate Social Responsibility goals – something that could help improve their brand reputation.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Squash is a sport that has a number of health benefits and thus can be a tool to improve the health of those people who have medical issues and help combat obesity too.
Let us hope there are no more online petitions calling for saving courts but instead calls to increase Squash courts in a local community.
