Creating Opportunity Through Inclusion: Wheelchair Squash Pilot Launches in South Australia
Published Mon 25 Aug 2025
Squash Australia is proud to celebrate the launch of the Wheelchair Squash program in the City of Burnside, South Australia.
Delivered in partnership with the City of Burnside, Squash South Australia and Disability Sports Australia, and supported through the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well Participation Grant, the program represents a significant step forward in making squash more inclusive and accessible.
The program will officially commence this Thursday 28 August 2025 at the Burnside Community Centre Hall. Participants and community members now join in interactive sessions from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm, designed to open squash to more people than ever before.
The initiative uses adapted rules and a reverse inclusion model that welcomes participants of all abilities. It aims to promote physical activity, enhance community connection and improve overall wellbeing. By providing sports wheelchairs, racquets and balls, the program ensures that everyone has the opportunity to be involved regardless of previous experience.
Squash Australia supported the City of Burnside’s successful Play Well Participation Grant application and is providing adapted rules, technical guidance and access to subject matter experts to strengthen the delivery of the program. Coach education is a priority, with resources tailored to the unique requirements of wheelchair squash.
Further capacity building has been delivered through an Accessibility in Sport workshop in Adelaide. Led by Squash South Australia and Disability Sports Australia, the workshop brought together prospective coaches and key stakeholders. It combined theory with a practical session on court using sports wheelchairs, helping participants to understand the specific considerations for delivering inclusive squash.
The program also includes a dedicated wheelchair squash timeslot delivered by a trained facilitator with the support of Squash South Australia. Staff training and community outreach are central features, with the aim of building a sustainable model for growth beyond the pilot site.
“Inclusive sport does not happen by accident. It is built through innovative grassroots programs like this,” said Ayden Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sports Australia. “This pilot shows what is possible when local insight, state support and national strategy come together. We are proud to support partners like the City of Burnside, Squash Australia and Squash South Australia who are rethinking what future participation can look like and acting with purpose.”
“This project exemplifies how targeted investment through Play Well can make squash more accessible,” said Shaun McEachin, National Lead Sport Development at Squash Australia. “It is the second squash initiative nationally to be supported through Play Well funding, following the successful expansion of the Squash Stars program. This program is about more than just participation. It demonstrates that squash is for everyone and is a critical step in building a system that welcomes and supports all players.”
The Burnside program aligns with Squash Australia’s national priorities to strengthen community engagement, foster participation among underrepresented groups and promote diversity in sport. It also contributes to the international wheelchair squash movement, complementing efforts led by organisations such as Squash Canada.
“We are proud to see Australia join the international momentum behind wheelchair squash,” McEachin said. “There is a growing recognition that squash must evolve to be more inclusive. Programs like this are essential to that progress.”
This fun and inclusive program is free to join and open to people of all abilities. All equipment, including sports wheelchairs, racquets and balls, is provided, so everyone has the chance to get involved. No prior squash or wheelchair experience is needed.
Location: Burnside Community Centre Hall, 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore
When: Every Thursday, starting 28 August 2025
Time: 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Cost: Free
Who: People living with disability, families, friends, carers or anyone curious to try something new
Squash Australia acknowledges the leadership of the City of Burnside, Squash South Australia and Disability Sports Australia in bringing this program to life. Together, these organisations have demonstrated how national and local partnerships can deliver meaningful outcomes for communities.
This initiative is a clear example of how well designed and supported programs can create lasting change. Squash Australia will continue to support and advocate for inclusive sport to ensure that all Australians have the opportunity to experience the many benefits of squash.
“Inclusion is not an add on for us. It is a core part of our sport development strategy,” McEachin said. “We will continue to work with partners to deliver programs that reflect the diverse communities we serve.”
For more information and to register, visit City of Burnside: https://www.burnside.sa.gov.
