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A Burton tennis and squash club celebrating 100 years in town this year is aiming to get more people to take up the sports. It is still recovering from a dip in numbers caused when courts were forced to close during the covid pandemic, it says.
Burton Tennis and Squash Club, based in Ashby Road, says people opted to take up other sports during the pandemic and its numbers have not yet recovered. It is now hoping to attract more players by offering free trials.
Despite the medal-winning success of Team England’s squash team at the Commonwealth Games and successes like Emma Raducanu winning the US Open in tennis, figures taken from Sport England show the number of people interested in squash and tennis is declining.
The club has more than 250 members and supports beginners as well as county players who train at the facilities with internal squash leagues and tournaments. England became one of the most successful nations since tennis and squash were introduced.
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Shaun Baxter, Chairman of Burton Tennis and Squash Club, said: “Burton Tennis and Squash Club is celebrating its hundredth year in the town. We wanted to reignite passion for the game by opening our doors to offer free support and coaching for those looking to find out more about the sport.
“Tennis and squash are voted by Forbes as the healthiest [sports] in the world. Squash is a game that can be played at any age or ability. It’s one of the reasons it has been so popular in England. Unfortunately, numbers are falling as covid saw courts temporarily close. Many players have found alternative sports [to play].
“Squash also doesn’t always get as much promotion as other national games such as football or rugby. We want to change that trend and see more people realise not only the health benefits but also the social and fun side of playing the game.”
“It’s crucial, if we’re to continue to see the sport thrive in this country, that we nurture and grow the talent we have here in the Midlands. We want to encourage more people to get involved. Whether you’re looking to play competitively or socially, squash is a fantastic sport and a very enjoyable way of building strength, stamina and cardio fitness.”
Squash is a racket sport widely believed to have originated in England in the 1800s. It’s played in an enclosed room with players alternately hitting a hollow rubber ball across the four-walled court.
In 1998, squash was introduced to the Commonwealth Games and, since then, England has won 38 of the 100 medals. This year, there were more wins for Team England with Georgina Kennedy getting Gold for the women’s singles and an all-English men’s doubles final.
The club is affiliated with England Squash and has four squash courts, including a glass-backed show court, four tennis courts, sauna and shower facilities as well as an award-winning licensed bar where the club holds social events.
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