Squash Stars set to roll out across the country

Squash Australia is pleased to announce the launch of its new national participation program which will commence rolling out in the coming months.

‘Squash Stars’ is set to revolutionise squash participation, engage new audiences and attract more participants by introducing Australian children and schools to the sport. 

Rather than focusing on the technical aspects of the sport, ‘Squash Stars’ takes a game-based approach to learning the game which has proven successful when the pilot program was trialled in the school environment.

The program will first be available through schools to primary-aged children, and then be rolled out to clubs and centres as well from 2024. 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.

Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue says Squash Stars will form an integral part of the organisation’s vision to grow the game nationally over the next decade.

“Part of our strategic vision is to have one million participants playing the game by 2032 and our investment in this new national participation program delivers a product that will grow the sport in Australia,” said Donaghue. “Squash Stars will focus on enhancing the participation pillar and fostering greater engagement with the sport.

“We’ve worked alongside ACHPER (SA) to create a program which aligns with curriculum needs while providing essential physical literacy benefits to school children.

“Squash Stars will provide coaches and teachers with tailored resources, including professional learning content, coach development and support for State and Territory staff.

“This project will undoubtedly raise the profile of Squash in Schools, opening further opportunities to promote the sport within more Primary Schools across Australia through an engaging program.”

ACHPER (SA) have supported the development of the program which aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (version 9.0).

“Squash Australia’s Squash Stars program aims to grow participation with explicit educative links through an inclusive approach and recognises the importance of maximising participation in an enjoyable, challenging and educative school setting,” said Carlee Mitchell, Co-President ACHPER South Australia.

“The Squash Stars program is a developmentally appropriate resource that is sequentially based and includes opportunities for teachers to be flexible in their approach and to use their professional judgement based on the individual needs of their students and their school community.

“The Squash Stars program is a wonderful addition to sporting resources available to Australian primary schools and Squash Australia should be congratulated for their vision and commitment to the sporting community through their work with schools.”

Squash Stars will be available for delivery in schools from Term 3, with the next Sporting Schools funding round opening later this month. Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children's participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities.