Squash seeks mass market in Scotland

AN OLD, disused library in Easterhouse is an unlikely setting for a new sport, but Racquet Wall was launched at the Glasgow venue this month and it is one of three activities marking the 75th anniversary of governing body Scottish Squash and Racketball Ltd.

As part of the 75th celebration, John Dunlop, the chief executive of SSRL, has put together a strategy document, ‘Bounce Back’ and the goal is to widen the appeal of squash by introducing a variety of rebound ball sports.

“We want to hit the mass market,” said Dunlop. “The plan is about increasing participation. We want kids, young women and adults to get involved and we feel it is a refreshing view towards sport in Scotland.”

A second Racquet Wall court has been set up in Glasgow’s east end and, yesterday, youngsters got the chance to try out the sport at the Church House Project in London Road, which officially opens on 9 November.

“It is great to be taking the sport to new places,” Dunlop continued. “We are confident that Racquet Wall can become really popular and lead on to other racquet sports.”

Mini squash in schools and Racketball – an easier version of squash – have already proved successful and Racquet Wall is the latest initiative. It is the same as squash with a softer ball and without the use of side walls.

The other two new sports outlined in Bounce Back are Racketball 3s, which is for teams of three playing on two courts and is aimed at young men, while Racketball 2s is a fitness sport geared towards women.

“At the moment, the most popular activities in Scotland are five-a-side football for men and Zumba for women and these are the people that we want to get into Racketball and Racquet Wall,” explained Dunlop.

The Easterhouse project is linked to a charity, Easterhouse Phoenix Development, run by Richard McShane and aimed at reducing deprivation within the area. Football, table tennis, cycling and badminton have already proved successful activities and Racquet Wall has now been added to the list.

The Racquet Wall, which was up and running just in time to celebrate the SSRL’s 75th anniversary on 2 October, is the initial part of a refurbishment project carried out by volunteers that is set to transform the old library into a community facility.

“It is great to have somewhere for people to go and take part in something,” said McShane. “It is all about providing opportunities and we are delighted to be the first to welcome Racquet Wall.” Ron Pearman, the chairman of SSRL helped paint the first Racquet Wall court, and he remarked: “The new strategy is through an appraisal of the issues affecting participation in sport and squash in particular. I believe the launch of Racquet Wall in conjunction with Easterhouse Phoenix Development is proof of our commitment to encourage everyone to bash a ball against a wall.”

Bounce Back and SSRL’s bid to expand squash has already gained commendation from both the World Squash Federation and the European Squash Federation. “This is a very strong plan and well researched,” said Andrew Shelley, the chief executive of the WSF. “The new variants of Racketball will increase participation and Racquet Wall will raise awareness and encourage trial of our sports.”

Dunlop said introducing these new activities is the perfect way to celebrate 75 years of squash in Scotland. “We could have had an anniversary dinner, but getting Scots to play Racquet Wall is a more exciting development.”