Melbourne to Host Blockbuster Week of Junior Squash

Melbourne is set to become the epicentre of junior squash with three major events bringing together the next generation of Australian and international talent for an action-packed nine days of competition.

From 10-19 April, the city will host the 2026 Trans-Tasman Test Series, Australian Junior Open and Oceania Junior Championships at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre where 550 athletes are expected to compete.

Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue said the alignment of the three events presents a rare opportunity for junior athletes to compete and develop on a major stage. 

“This is another landmark moment for junior squash in Australia,” Donaghue said.

“To have three significant events running back-to-back in Melbourne showcases the strength of our pathways and provides our athletes with an incredible opportunity to test themselves against the best from Australia, New Zealand and across Asia and Oceania.”

The week begins with the Trans-Tasman Test Series (10-11 April), where 18 of Australia’s brightest young players will represent the green and gold against New Zealand. Australia enters the series chasing a third consecutive title, following a historic victory in Hamilton in 2025 - its first away series win - after securing the 2024 series in Melbourne.

Aussie Joanne Joseph is one of the captains for the Trans-Tasman Test Match and is also the #2 seed for the U19 Women at the 2026 Australian Junior Open.

“That was my goal. I wanted to be the captain of the Australian team and the event is something I always look forward to, so to be in the position now where I’m the oldest one on the team and I get to be the captain for these younger kids, I’m excited to be a role model.

“I’ve been waiting for my last year of juniors to get this opportunity so I really hope that I will perform to my captaincy duties as well,” Joseph said.

Attention then turns to the Australian Junior Open (12-16 April), the premier event on the Australian Junior Squash Tour and for the first time a part of the 2026 Asian Junior Super Series (AJSS) as a Silver status event (ZONE A). Concluding the week will be the Oceania Junior Championships (17-19 April), where the region’s best young athletes will compete for regional glory.

Both tournaments will attract leading players from across Australia, Asia and the Oceania region, with competition across U11 to U19 age groups.

“The Australian Junior Open is one the highlights of the junior calendar and continues to attract strong international competition,” Donaghue said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our players to compete against global talent on home soil.”

“The Oceania Junior Championships bring together the best junior players in our region and highlight the depth of talent coming through.”