City of Manchester Squash Club crowned Club of the Year

City of Manchester Squash Club has been crowned Club of the Year at the 2025 England Squash Awards, recognising their commitment to growing female participation and strengthening the squash community across Greater Manchester.

Based at the National Squash Centre, the club has turned Manchester’s ever-changing population to its strength, creating an inclusive and thriving environment for permanent residents, university students, and short-term visitors alike.

The entirely volunteer-run club has seen its membership increase by nearly 24% over the past 12 months, catering to a diverse crowd with sessions including women only coaching, inclusive social sessions welcoming all skill levels, and racketball and padel socials – all of which are available at accessible drop-in prices to provide greater flexibility - as well as fielding strong men’s and women’s teams and hosting bi-annual graded tournaments.

Their women’s section, in particular, is booming, with 44 female players among their 110+ membership. 10-20 players regularly attend women only coaching, 40% of players at the increasingly popular Club Night are female, and the club fielded two additional women's teams in 2025 to cater for demand.

“Being volunteer-run, you might think it would feel like the wheels are going to come off at any minute, but it doesn’t! That’s down to the incredible commitment of our members – people who step up to coach and organise. We’ve just got people who are happy to get stuck in,” said chair Steve Hempstock.

“The increase in female membership and the camaraderie they’ve developed is great to see. Women’s captain Sally Archibald has been instrumental in that, particularly helping us get some people who shied away from league games into competitive squash by creating a friendly environment.

"The ultimate goal is to get a 50:50 gender split. It’s not going to be quick but we’re in a good position"

Not content with just supporting their own club, City of Manchester have also developed close relationships with neighbouring clubs, scheduling socials and friendlies, offering access to sessions, and even lending a hand in a crisis.

"We’ve had friendlies and socials with Cheetham Hill and because we share facilities with Northern Rebound, an LGBTQ+ club, we cross-pollinate. Our members can attend their sessions at member prices and likewise for their members.

"A little while ago, Moss Side were without their courts due to flooding, so we offered access to our session. We reach our where we need to.”

With growing membership and a thriving volunteer base, City of Manchester Squash Club is well set to continue its mission: making squash accessible, inclusive, and community-driven for years to come.