Squash for Development Organisations (SDO’s) are using squash as a vehicle for social change, alongside academic tutoring, nutrition support and much more to help underserved populations around the world.
As the charitable arm of the PSA Tour, we partner with these non-profit programs and provide resources and support they otherwise might not have.
We want every child to have the opportunity to play our sport, and the option to aspire to play on the biggest stages of the PSA Tour, no matter their background.
Over the next couple of months and beyond we are highlighting that these SDO’s provide more than just opportunities to squash, and each organisation utilises the sport to make a positive difference in a number of ways.
They All Play Squash in Different Ways
SDO’s really showcase the variety of innovative ways you can play squash, and the adaptability of the sport.
Squash Para Todos champion outdoor squash, and are a great example of how accessible the sport can be by taking it outdoors.
Squash Urbano Colombia make use of their idyllic location, using their local beach for fitness sessions to create some variation away from the squash court.
Squash Sin Limities in Argentina use sports halls and adapted spaces to provide squash in places where some wouldn’t think it was possible.
Just like their organisation name, squash is without limits.
Canadian Inclusivity Squash Program (CISP) adapt the game for people with a mental, emotional, or physical disability.
Wheelchair Squash Players recently got the chance to play on the glass court that will host the Canadian Womens Open, with players using a bigger racket and a bigger, bouncier ball (Squash57)
The bounce means there’s time to get to the ball, so expect a lot of fun as you get engrossed in a long rally.
More recently, they worked with the Canadian Institute for the Blind to adapt their program to include players who are partially sighted.
Rackets Cubed use professional facilities to raise aspirations of the children they support, such as university facilities and PSA Tour tournament venues.
They recently gave 40 plus children the opportunity to play on the Canary Wharf Classic Glass Court, and hit with World Number 10 Joel Makin and World Number 1 Mostafa Asal.
These experiences are fundamental in not only engaging the next generation of squash, but also giving them key role models within the sport and outside the sport.
Calder Community Squash (CCS) utilise rebound nets within their squash sessions, a fun and inclusive way to take the sport to different communities that don’t have access to traditional squash courts.
CCS believes squash is a sport that for a long time has been difficult to gain access to, and they are committed to changing that. CSS do a lot of outreach work using portable squash gear, offering a clear pathway to then get involved on at their nearest squash club.
We are currently fundraising to send the world’s best squash players to visit these programs, to help inspire these children who otherwise would not have access to the role models from the PSA Tour.
While we are visiting these programs, we will also be filming a documentary series to raise awareness of their amazing work and highlight how vital squash is within these communities.
Any level of monetary support is appreciated. Donations are tax-deductible for donors in the U.S. Email foundation@psawordltour.com for any donation-related queries.
