Creating Opportunity Through Inclusion: Wheelchair Squash Pilot Launches in South Australia

Squash Australia is proud to celebrate the successful launch of a new wheelchair squash pilot program in the City of Burnside, South Australia. Delivered in partnership with the City of Burnside, Squash South Australia, Disability Sports Australia and supported through the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well Participation Grant, the program represents a significant step forward in Squash Australia’s commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible sport.

“Inclusive sport doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through innovative, grassroots programs like this,” said Ayden Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sports Australia. “This pilot is exactly the kind of innovative, grassroots initiative we need to see more of. It shows what’s possible when local insight, state support and national strategy come together with a shared commitment to inclusion. We’re proud to support partners like the City of Burnside, Squash Australia and Squash South Australia. Organisations that are rethinking what future participation can look like and recognising that meaningful inclusion begins by listening to community needs and acting with purpose.”

“This project exemplifies how targeted investment through Play Well can make squash more accessible,” said Shaun McEachin, Squash Australia’s National Lead – Sport Development.

“It is the second squash initiative nationally to be supported through Play Well funding, following Squash Australia’s own successful grant to expand the Squash Stars program.”

As the national governing body for squash, Squash Australia supported the City of Burnside’s successful funding application and is providing guidance and connection to ensure the project is delivered with the greatest benefit to the community. The organisation’s role includes contributing adapted rules for wheelchair squash and connecting to subject matter experts for the development of quality coach education aligned with the specific requirements of the pilot program.

“By backing local government and state delivery partners, we help ensure that inclusive initiatives like this one are grounded in the community and tailored to local needs,” said McEachin.

A recent Accessibility in Sport workshop, led by Squash SA and Disability Sports Australia and hosted in Adelaide, brought together prospective coaches and key stakeholders to explore the foundations of inclusive coaching. This session was followed by a hands-on component delivered by Squash South Australia, where coaches had the opportunity to experience the use of sports wheelchairs on court. The interactive element of the workshop allowed participants to connect theory with practice, developing a deeper understanding of the unique considerations of delivering squash in a wheelchair context.

The project’s focus is clear: to increase access and opportunity for individuals with mobility challenges. It establishes a dedicated wheelchair squash time slot, delivered by a trained facilitator with support from Squash South Australia. Staff training and community outreach are key components, with the aim of creating a sustainable model that can grow beyond the pilot site.

“This program is about more than just participation,” McEachin said. “It is about demonstrating that squash is for everyone. It is a critical step in building a system that welcomes and supports all players, regardless of their background or ability.”

The broader initiative aligns with Squash Australia’s national priorities to strengthen club and community engagement, foster participation among underrepresented groups and promote diversity in sport. By supporting state associations and local governments in the delivery of inclusive programs, Squash Australia continues to build strong foundations for long-term growth.

The pilot in Burnside not only addresses barriers to participation but also helps shift perceptions about who can be involved in squash. It delivers positive outcomes across physical health, social connection and community engagement, and contributes to the global wheelchair squash movement alongside international efforts led by other national bodies such as Squash Canada.

“We are proud to see Australia join the international momentum behind wheelchair squash,” said McEachin. “There is a growing recognition that squash must evolve to be more inclusive. Programs like this are essential to that progress.”

Squash Australia acknowledges the leadership of local project partners including the City of Burnside, Squash South Australia and Disability Sports Australia. Together, this collaboration demonstrates how national and local partnerships can drive meaningful change in community sport.

This pilot is a clear example of how well-designed and supported initiatives can create real impact. Squash Australia will continue to support and advocate for inclusive programming that ensures everyone can access the benefits of squash, regardless of ability.

“Inclusion is not an add-on for us – it is a core part of our sport development strategy,” McEachin added. “We will continue to work with partners to deliver programs that reflect the diverse communities we serve.”

For more information about Squash Australia’s inclusive initiatives, please visit www.squashaus.com.au