Competitive Squash Bounces Back with Record Number of Tournaments

Competitive squash in Scotland surged back in popularity in season 2022/23 with a record 41 sanctioned events held across the country. Various tournament formats, such as mixed graded, women’s only and doubles events saw opportunities available throughout the season and overall entry levels on the rise.

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The introduction of the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Masters competitive pathway in the 2017/18 season paved the way for players to compete at their comfort level, with players of similar ability and/or age, and progress in competitions at their own pace. Scottish Squash then introduced the BounceBack tournament structure in 2020-21 during COVID-19 to keep competitive opportunities available under strict sporting guidelines.

In the first full season since BounceBack competitions concluded, Scottish Squash can report that over 1800 tournament entries were made across the 41 competitions held since August 2022. At the Senior level alone, tournament entries more than doubled that of 2021/22. These positive figures also include a significant increase of participation in two key areas of development: juniors, and women and girls.

The hugely popular Women in Scotland Playing Squash (WISPS) calendar has helped bring record numbers of women together on court at social competitions around the country. Organised by Elaine Inglis and Jenn Saldanha, the growing community of WISPS players welcome all abilities and have more events planned this summer – keep an eye out for entry information! Inverness Tennis & Squash Club also successfully ran two female-only tournaments, with women and girls squash thriving at the home of the Scottish Women’s National League Champions. An increasing spread of Junior Bronze events around Scotland, led by local organisers and volunteers, also contributed to a total of 23 Bronze sanctioned events being held in season 2022/23, more than double that of 2018/19 (pre-COVID figures). These flexible tournaments focus on fun, social squash with those of a similar ability and have been an ideal opportunity for beginners too. Welcome to any new players out there!

Looking ahead into the new season, Scottish Squash are as committed as ever to supporting regions and venues in hosting competitions, with annual targets focused on engaging more clubs and communities in local competitions, and increased support for first time tournament organisers. The competitions calendar for season 2023/24 includes a new, fourth Senior Gold event to provide more opportunities at the higher level as well, after 2022/23 saw a strong revival of the Gold series with over 270 entries. We also have a full season of Platinum competitions to look forward to at our confirmed venues, with national titles on the line once again.

– – Don’t miss out! Applications are open until 9 th July for clubs to host Gold sanctioned competitions in season 2023/24 – –

The first Junior Bronze sanctioned event of season 2023/24, hosted by Grampian squash at Aberdeen Squash & Racketball Club, is already open for entry. More competitions, including entry for Junior and Senior Gold events, will open over the coming months. Keep an eye on the Scottish Squash SportyHQ calendar for all upcoming competitions and follow the official Scottish Squash Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular competition updates and announcements.