New schools programme set to transform how children discover squash

We’re excited to announce the launch of Ready, Set, Squash – our brand-new schools programme designed to open up the game to thousands of primary school children nationwide.

By opening up access through schools – one of the most powerful gateways to sport - Ready, Set, Squash has the potential to transform how children discover the game. Through fun, inclusive sessions, pupils can try something new, develop physical literacy, build confidence, and gain valuable movement skills. Thousands will experience squash for the first time in a positive environment, laying the foundations for healthy, active lives – while helping connect schools to wider club and community opportunities.

Squash packs more into every minute – fast, fun, and loved by children. It builds agility, confidence, and coordination, while being inclusive, adaptable, and easy to deliver in halls, playgrounds, or multi-use spaces.

The programme equips teachers and coaches with everything they need to bring squash to life in schools. With free online training, ready-made lesson plans and discounted equipment, it saves valuable preparation time and makes delivery simple. Fun and flexible, the resources are quick to pick up, easy to use and require no squash court or prior experience.

Developed with insight from teachers and coaches, Ready, Set, Squash has been shaped to fit the realities of busy school life. Every resource is curriculum-aligned, adaptable for different abilities and spaces, and designed to give confidence from the very first session.

Joanna Rowbottom, Head of Partnerships and Communities at England Squash, said:

“Ready, Set, Squash is a hugely exciting step for our sport. Schools are one of the most influential entry points into participation, and this programme gives teachers and coaches the confidence and tools to introduce thousands of children to squash.

"If we want to grow the game from the grassroots up, we must inspire the next generation where it matters most.”

Kirsten Todd, Participation Manager added:

“We encourage coaches to seize this opportunity to make a real impact. By bringing squash into primary schools, they’re not just delivering fun, engaging sessions - they’re creating positive experiences of PE and the game itself, opening doors for children who might never otherwise pick up a racket. With Ready, Set, Squash, everything is in place to make squash part of school life and build a legacy that lasts well beyond the classroom.”

Jules Silvera, Head Squash Coach at the Northern Squash Club, Manchester said:

“Ready, Set, Squash is a great way to deliver easy, fun squash sessions in a school. I'd really recommend it to other coaches as it can help them build a relationship with the school, build a pathway from the school to the club, and get more children in the game at a grassroots level.”

Adam Moore, Year 4 teacher at Our Lady’s R.C School in Manchester, said:

“Ready, Set, Squash really stands out because it can be adapted to the group size, space and ability of the children. The video tutorials are fantastic and the lesson plans are clear and easy to access, which makes it simple to bring into the classroom.”

Teachers and coaches can access the free training and resources today at: readysetsquash.com