Australian Junior Championships returns to Ballarat in 2025

The best young players in the country will head to regional Victoria later this year when the Australian Junior Championships takes place in Ballarat.

The four-day Individual event starts on Sunday 28 September, before the states and territories battle it out in the three-day Teams competition from Thursday 2 October.

The AJC will be staged at the premier Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Centre which last hosted the event 20 years ago. The 11-court venue, including the Show Court, is primed to host Australia’s best junior talent over an action-packed week of competition.

“We’re extremely excited to be returning the Australian Junior Championships to Ballarat after two decades,” said Tamika Hunt, Squash Australia General Manager, Events.

“Under the annual rotation of host states, South Australia was due to hold the AJC this year but as they have been unable to do so, with Victoria next in line, we’re grateful for the City of Ballarat who have brought this event back to regional Victoria.

“It’s always an exciting week which allows players to pit themselves against the best athletes across the country in their own age groups, before pulling on the colours of their states and territories in the Team event.

“Following on from Melbourne hosting the Australian Junior Open, Squash Australia is extremely thankful to Squash and Racquetball Victoria, the City of Ballarat and the State Government for their enthusiasm in supporting the next generation of Australian squash.”

The Australian Junior Championships has been a breeding ground for some of the country’s top players of recent times, with many winning athletes going on to excel internationally including Michelle Martin, David Palmer, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Rachael Grinham, Natalie Grinham, Carol Owens, Ryan Cuskelly, Zac Alexander, Cameron Pilley, Stewart Boswell, Rodney Eyles, Chris Robertson, Chris Dittmar, Jess van der Walt and Sarah Cardwell.

Interested participants are encouraged to register for the event here.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the city was excited to host about 250 competitors, officials and their families from all over the country.

“We pride ourselves as a sports events destination for a diverse range of sports and we look forward to welcoming the best junior squash players in Australia,” she said.

“The Australian Junior Championships promises to be a showcase of some brilliant talent and we are thrilled to be the first regional host of the event in Ballarat.

“For those who might not be familiar with squash, I encourage you to head to the Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Centre and get a taste of the sport.”

The Victorian Government is a strong supporter of Squash and is pleased to see Squash Australia are taking event opportunities regionally.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said he’s excited to welcome the Australian Junior Championships back to Ballarat.

“Victoria is the home of major events in Australia, and the Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Centre will provide the perfect venue to show off Australia’s best young squash players for a week-long exciting competition.”

“The Australian Junior Championships is a fantastic event for regional Victoria, in a magnificent part of our state.”

Juliana Addison, Wendouree MP said “This is a huge win for Ballarat, because not only will our community get to see the country’s best young players in action, but it will also be a huge boost for our local businesses.”

Honour Rolls: Australian Junior Championships | Australian Junior Team Championships.