Last week the British Open at The Rep Theatre in Birmingham was one of the most spectacular PSA events ever.
Not only was the stage perfect to showcase the most talented PSA players, but it also provided an opportunity to introduce new faces to squash in the heart of Birmingham and allow people to try it themselves at the activation area set up outside the theatre in Centenary Square.
Across the event, the PSA Foundation partnered with England Squash and Birmingham City Council, to engage with hundreds of schoolchildren and members of the public who had the opportunity to play with a squash coach on the mini-courts and earn a free taster session at a local squash facility.
Additionally, over 250 children from Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) groups had the opportunity to take part of the activities, meet some of the players and watch all the action taking place in the stunning glass court centre stage.
Asma Ajaz-Ali, Community Engagement Manager for England Squash, said:
“It was great to be able to give children from across Birmingham the opportunity to come and ‘try squash’ and ‘watch squash’.”
“The activation zone ‘try squash’ had many of the children and youth, experience Squash for the first time, on a rebound wall! Many of the children had not been to the theatre before so it was amazing to hear from their group leaders about the impact and excitement from the children.”
Adriana Olaya, Head of the PSA Foundation, said:
“We were thrilled to be able to bring this interactive squash setting to Birmingham, showcasing the accessibility of squash and generating interest in the sport alongside one of the most prominent events on the PSA World Tour Calendar is a key objective of the PSA Foundation.
“Activations zones like this are essential in increasing participation in the sport and growing the game at all levels. This is what the PSA world tour is all about. Inspiring people on and off the court to pick up a racket and have fun playing squash!”
“We look forward to continuing building on the legacy of the British Open next year by introducing even more people to squash!”
Thank you to Birmingham City Council, England Squash and PSA World Tour for supporting us in providing this space, we look forward to providing future activation events which grow the games visibility.
