Squash is the key for mother-daughter duo Frances and Florence

From playing at local clubs in East Yorkshire to family holidays in Scotland, to hitting the courts on Christmas Day, squash is never far from the minds of Frances and her daughter Florence.

Now, the squash-fanatic duo have joined England Squash in supporting Time Together - a Women in Sport campaign which encourages mums (and stepmums, aunties, and grandmas) and their teenage daughters to get active together.

The family stumbled across squash by accident shortly before the first Covid-19 lockdown, after spotting an advert for junior players. Florence and younger brother, Ernie, went on to join Ferriby Hall Squash Club

For Florence, who is autistic, it was love at first sight, and it wasn’t long before her mum was hooked too.

“It’s a big part of my life,” says Florence.

“It’s nice to do a sport where I don’t have to be involved with people. You can play on your own, with family and friends, or on a team, but it’s not demanding on your social skills. I like the repetitiveness of hitting the ball, the structure of the game, and the attention to detail – it plays to my strengths.”

Frances adds: “I’m not one to let the kids have all the fun, so when I could see what a great game it was, why would I sit at the back and watch?

“It’s high energy, there’s no waiting around, and you can squeeze it in in 40 minutes. And when the kids are new to something as well, you’re starting on a level playing field.

The pair get on court together as often as five times a week, playing mini matches, practicing coaching drills or simply rallying for fun. They’ve competed against one another in club summer leagues and recently signed up for the same women’s team at Beverley Squash Club. And on their travels, they love collecting, in Frances’ words, “weird and wonderful squash clubs” and will play whenever and wherever they can.

“If we can fit the bag in the back of the car, then why not? It’s the perfect rainy day activity,” Frances says. “We’ve played on Christmas day in our onesies for several years. You can guarantee the courts are available!”

For Florence, her mum’s support on court is invaluable: “It’s someone to train with who you know also really supports you and wants you to do well. When you beat them, they’re happy for you and she’s similar to my level too. [At tournaments] we can chat afterwards, and she can tell me what she’s seen and what I can do to improve.”

Frances, meanwhile, enjoys their “quality time together” and seeing the improvement in Florence’s self-esteem first hand. But she also has a strong message for her fellow mums about how squash has benefited her and the importance of being a role model for all young girls.

“I don’t only play with Florence. I have my own opportunities to play with adults, play in leagues, and if I’ve improved my squash, that’s fulfilling for me. I keep joking that I want to be ready for the British Masters when I’m 50!” she says.

“Girls drop out of sport at an alarming rate. They’re exposed to all kinds of pressures. It’s my role to set an example. Sport is for everyone who wants to look after their body and their mental wellbeing. As a mum, it’s my job to be a role model. I join in and want to be fit for life, so get out there and get sweaty!”

Inspired to hit the court? Locate your nearest court at englandsquash.com/finder