During the prestigious Manchester Open, the PSA Foundation and Manchester Active will be introducing over a thousand schoolchildren to squash with their activation sessions.
The structure of these activations is that they play squash at the same venue as the Manchester Open – the National Squash Centre – then watch the best players on tour, such as World Champion Ali Farag and England No.1 Sarah-Jane Perry.
These activation sessions will give children a practical intro to squash, including use of the spectacular electronic Multiball Wall.
Activation events are important in inspiring the next generation of players and giving access to the sport which many have not previously had.
All the children attending will also be given the opportunity to access free introductory local junior sessions in their area, where they can continue to play.
Head of the PSA Foundation Adriana Olaya said: “Activation 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.”
National Squash Centre Head Squash Coach Tom Fairhurst said: “The PSA Manchester Open is a fantastic opportunity to showcase world-class squash to Manchester residents.
“The best squash players in the world, competing in the National Squash Centre on the same courts that the Manchester community program and schools play on weekly, is aspirational.
“MCRactive have always been big supporters of squash across the city, including supporting the recently launched Manchester Squash Academy Scholarship.
“Thank you to Sport England for enabling this event through grant funding and to the staff of MCRactive for supporting these sessions.”
