Register now for Squash Stars in schools for Term 3 

Squash Australia is pleased to announce that Squash Stars is now available as part of the federal government initiative, Sporting Schools.

Following the launch of Squash Australia’s national participation program last week, the eight-week program will be available to roll out across the country from term 3.

Interested schools have until Friday 2 June to apply for funding via the ‘My Sporting Schools’ portal. Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children's participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities.

Shaun McEachin, Squash Australia National Lead for Sport Development said the program provides an outstanding opportunity for primary-aged children to access a program which was tailor-made for teachers to roll out throughout the school term.

“We’ve put together a program that’s flexible, scalable and developmentally-appropriate which will deliver on physical literacy and all the health benefits we know children and the community in general can benefit from through sport, and in particular, through squash,” he said.

“We would like to see the sport of squash grow to a million participants over the next decade which has required a rethink in the way we attract more people to the sport, engage new audiences and allow them to gain a passion for the game.

“Rather than wait for new participants to find the sport, Squash Stars is a great way for us to take the game to school-aged children in a way which is both enjoyable for the kids, but also delivers on curriculum outcomes as well.”  

One of the pilot schools for the development of Squash Stars was Parkside Primary School in South Australia where teachers found the program easy to deliver and children excelled as the term rolled on.

“The resources that schools receive are really teacher-friendly,” said teacher Kylie Newbold. “The activities use a strong game sense approach where every kid has the opportunity to develop and be challenged.

“We had varying skill levels throughout the classes, but every child managed to grow as a squash player, so that was just lovely.”

Squash Stars was developed through collaboration with the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation South Australia (ACHPER SA) and uses modified equipment, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.

“Looking at research from across the world, we know this is one of the first squash programs which can be delivered inside the walls of a school hall or gym,” said Matt Schmidt, Squash Australia President. “We know that if we can make the sport more accessible to children, then we’re opening up squash to a far greater audience.

“We’re really proud of the innovation and the engagement opportunities we’re creating to see more people pick up a squash racquet, know more about the sport and driving it forward in the future.

The Term 3 funding round for Sporting Schools is now open.

How to bring Squash Stars to your school

1. Check out Squash Stars on the Sporting Schools website.
2. Read through program eligibility and information.
3. Apply for funding through your 'My Sporting Schools' portal. Be sure to select Squash as your sport of choice.
   > More information on booking a coach delivered program
   > More information on booking a teacher-delivered sports package
4. Get in touch with our friendly Squash Stars team at participation@squash.org.au to arrange your equipment pack, program resources and coach.