Squash from the Mosque

Two in five people from ethnically diverse communities feel they have fewer opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity than someone from a white background.

England Squash has teamed up with Calder Community Squash, a community-based not-for-profit organisation in West Yorkshire, committed to making positive changes within society through health and wellbeing. Calder Community Squash are working alongside England Squash to bring community-focused programmes to more squash clubs and venues, and enhance diversity in the sport.

How Squash from the Mosque started

Based at Old Crossleyans Squash Club in Halifax Aron from Calder Community Squash wanted to open the doors to the community and break down the barriers to help more people get involved and playing. After approaching the local mosque, Madni Mosque Halifax, the set up the carpark with bounce back nets and got the young people playing. When the weather turned the sessions moved to Old Crossleyans Squash Club.

"Old Crossleyans Squash and Racketball Club has not only seen a renewed interest in general but it has been rewarding to see the enthusiasm in the junior section shown by the 'Squash from the Mosque' programme by Aron. To see the smiling happy faces who are obviously keen to continue and learn by the fact they have not lost their interest a year down the line."

Why clubs should deliver Squash from the Mosque

To become more representative of the local community
Attract new members
Get a feel-good factor spreading amongst your membership with new faces and renewed enthusiasm

"We're very grateful for this opportunity, squash is a sport only a few have access to, so to have been given this opportunity is great for the sport, physical and mental health of our children and also the opportunity it presents our community to integrate with the wider community. Thanks to Aron, Julian at Markland Hill Racquets Club to facilitate this and Squash England for their support."

Mohammed Ismail, Vice President, Masjid-e-Noorul Islam Bolton

Get involved

Club and venues in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire have been working with Calder Community Squash to bring Squash from the Mosque to their local community. Both Calder Community Squash and England Squash support the clubs to help them set up the programme and deliver their sessions.

Clubs currently delivering the programme are: