Interactive and outdoor courts are a fun theme for World Squash Day 2022

World Squash Day 2022 will bring colour and excitement to the game all over the globe on Saturday.

Multiple events are taking place on every continent as clubs and federations get creative in a bid to attract a new generation of players to the sport.

Interactive walls will be in use in various parts of the world to promote the game to a younger audience.

In Sussex, Crowborough Tennis and Squash Club will be inviting the public to try out the new interactiveSQUASH court that was opened a week ago by England’s three-times world champion Nick Matthew.

Club coach Lee Wicks, who is the UK distributor for interactiveSQUASH, said: “We are delighted to be helping to promote World Squash Day in a unique and exciting way.

“A number of clubs around the globe with an interactiveSQUASH system are promoting not only squash and Squash57 but also the fun, entertainment and general fitness that can be enjoyed on a squash court.

“We are teaming up with interactiveSQUASH partners and their host clubs in the UK, Holland and around the world and will use a new competition leader board to run an international game of ‘Alien Hunt’ for the kids and beginners and a “Figure 8” game for the adults and regular players.”

The town of Crowborough has provided accommodation for a large community of refugees from war-torn Ukraine and Lee added: “We are inviting our new neighbours from Ukraine to come and join us on World Squash Day. All the monies raised by these events will go towards helping the Ukrainian Squash Federation to rebuild their facilities.”

Raising funds for charity is a popular theme for this year’s World Squash Day.

Twenty five miles from Crowborough, Kent club Biddenden is holding a 24-hour marathon to raise funds for the Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food relief for those in need.

The idea was suggested by the club’s thriving junior section and the club announced: “Four of the club’s juniors (Alfie, Earle, Ned and Rachel) have organised the event with their coach and Director of Squash, Tom Swain, with lots of fabulous club members signing up to take part. The event really will be a whole club effort.?

“The squashathon runs from 6pm on Friday 14th to 6pm on Saturday 15th October and includes doubles matches, a team tournament, training sessions, racket tots and an all-night pyjama party with people always on court and lots of fun at a wonderfully inclusive club.

“The club has chosen to support The Trussell Trust because they want to help provide emergency food for those struggling right now.”

Dozens of events are taking place all over the country, supported by England Squash, with clubs opening their doors to welcome and encourage new members.

Outdoor squash is a major opportunity for squash with a number of approaches being championed by England Squash, the WSF and the PSA Foundation.

Bounty Squash Club in Basingstoke will be unveiling their new open-air court to the public on World Squash Day.

The club will be holding a full day of events including free taster sessions both indoors and outside, with Bounty members enjoying a host of fun activities throughout the day.

The court is now up and running outside the club, enabling squash to be more visible in the community.

Project leader Simon Ward said: “We have raised more than £11,000 from our Crowdfunding appeal. Our original target was £10,000 and the CrowdFund is still open if people want to donate, as we will be enhancing the court and maybe building another one.

World Squash Day founder Alan Thatcher said: “It’s great to see so many clubs all over the country responding to England Squash’s call to join in the fun on World Squash Day.

“The Commonwealth Games created a lot of energy and excitement in the game and it’s great to see that energy carried forward into World Squash Day.”

WORLD SQUASH DAY

World Squash Day is an annual event in its 21st year, providing a global platform to support grass roots squash, and is endorsed by England Squash, the World Squash Federation and the PSA Foundation.

For further information, please contact organiser Alan Thatcher:

Email: alan@squashmad.com