Squash Australia Releases New Participation Plan

Squash Australia is excited to announce the launch of PLAY SQUASH, a national participation plan that sets a clear direction for growing and sustaining squash across the country through to 2032 and beyond.

Aligned with the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well initiative and built around the mission of “More People Playing, More Often”, the plan outlines a whole-of-sport approach that puts players, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and communities at the centre, recognising the many ways Australians engage with squash.

Developed through a co-designed process with insights from the squash community and the broader sport sector, PLAY SQUASH is underpinned by five priority pillars:

• Serve: Access and Inclusion

• Rally: Capability and Delivery

• Drive: Innovation and Engagement

• Reach: Space for Connection

• Bounce: Sustaining Purpose

Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue said the launch marks a significant moment for the sport.

“PLAY SQUASH is the result of genuine collaboration across our entire squash community and the broader sports sector. This plan gives us a shared roadmap to grow participation in a way that is inclusive, innovative and built to last,” he said. 

The plan also places strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with Squash Australia committed to actively reducing barriers to participation for people of all ages, gender identities, cultures and abilities including First Nations people and the LGBTQ+ community.

“We want squash to reflect the rich diversity of modern Australia,” said Donaghue. 

“This plan is our commitment to ensuring that everyone, no matter their background or ability, has a place in our sport and feels welcomed, valued and supported when they walk through the door of any squash club or facility in the country.”

The plan is supported by nationally aligned programs including Squash Stars, which provides a fun and inclusive introduction to squash for children. It is also guided by SQUASH FOR LIFE which creates a clear and connected pathway for players, coaches, officials and volunteers across all stages of involvement. 

Success under PLAY SQUASH will be measured across three key outcome areas including participation growth, workforce and delivery, and sustainability and system. The areas focus on developing stronger clubs, more qualified coaches and referees, and expanding access to squash spaces across schools, hubs and community facilities.

Click here to read the full PLAY SQUASH: A Participation Plan For All.