“We are heading to the best years of squash. Collaboration is key!”
The first ever Squash Summit 2024 got underway during the British Open 2024: with attendees travelling from all over the world sharing their insights on the future of our game.
In collaboration with the World Squash Federation, the Summit provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives to galvanize our squash community. This will help shape the future of squash especially now with the momentum gained by the LA28 Olympic inclusion.
Participants came from all squash backgrounds, from federations to Squash for Development Organisations (SDOs), to club owners and key influencers in the sport.
All attendees took away a renewed positivity surrounding our sport and the key message that we all are a part of this journey towards the LA 2028 Olympics
“The Summit really highlighted so much collaboration and enthusiasm across the community”
A number of Squash legends were involved in the summit, including Nicol David, Nick Matthew and Georgina Kennedy.
On day one of the event, growth, cooperation and community were on the agenda as leaders of the sport, including WSF President Zena Wooldridge, US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein and PSA CEO Alex Gough shared insights into what the future of the sport looks like in the wake of squash’s inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games.
In breakout rooms, attendees learned more about Squash for Development Organisations and shared ideas on how to maximise club facilities and grow membership.
“Things are beginning to change in terms of mindset and being more future focused and it feels good.”
Day two began with a presentation by Markus Gaebel of the Squash Facilities Network, who shared the findings of the Global Squash Report on the squash ecosystem. This was followed by a talk on the challenges and opportunities facing squash, an overview of the work done by the PSA Foundation and an interview and Q&A with England Squash Olympic Programme Consultant Rob Owen.
In the afternoon session, attendees learned about the advancements of technology in squash and the development of equipment and facilities, including an upcoming change to the Dunlop range of balls and the advancement of low-cost outdoor court solutions.
Closing, WSF CEO William Louis-Marie, US Squash CEO Kevin Klipstein and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Sarah-Jane Perry reflected on what had been learned over the last 48 hours and what needs to be done to make the most of the current momentum in the sport.
Thank you to all who attended the Squash Summit 2024, to all of our speakers and to Gowling WLG for hosting the event.
