Date posted 21 Apr 2022
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The Manchester squash community programme began a partnership with Rackets Cubed in January 2020 to deliver squash across the city. Rackets Cubed is an educational charity that uses squash to provide the opportunity for children from local primary schools to learn a new sport and receive educational support. Both Rolls Crescent Primary School (at Moss Side Leisure Centre) and Resurrection Primary School (at the National Squash Centre) have been engaged in the 2021/22 academic year. Both schools visit their relevant centre, and the children split into two groups. One group receives squash coaching whilst the other has a lesson with the teacher. The groups then swap; afterwards, they all come together for a healthy meal before the parents collect the children from the centre. BoxCo based on Hulme High Street provides the food for the programme.

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) Foundation recently filmed at the National Squash Centre to showcase the partnership with Rackets Cubed to a global audience Link HERE. During the PSA Manchester Open, Resurrection Primary School watched a professional match and met England no. 1, Patrick Rooney, on the all-glass show court.

Further highlights of the partnership include;

  • Approximately 60 children play squash per week.
  • Children from both programmes attend the after-school squash programme and school holiday squash camps at Moss Side and the National Squash Centre.
  • A child has been talent ID and invited to the Manchester Squash Academy sessions.
  • Further discussions are taking place with more schools to grow the programme.

To get involved with our junior squash programme at Moss Side Leisure Centre, Hough End Leisure Centre and the National Squash Centre, please contact Head Squash Coach Thomas Fairhurst at tom.fairhurst@gll.org

Book on to our junior squash beginner sessions HERE