On the 16th of October, Squash players across the globe woke up to the news of Squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in LA. The City of Angels will host Squash’s first ever time in the Olympic Games. To the outsider, not much has changed, they most likely assumed Squash was already an Olympic sport and feign outrage when corrected, ‘What do you mean it’s not an Olympic Sport!?’. But on the inside, inside the close-knit squash clubs and hubs across the world, this is exciting news. What will the impact of this be on our sport? It’s too early to say but my first thoughts are, this could be exactly what Squash needs.

From LA To Rochdale

Inside one Squash club in Greater Manchester, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, things are already starting to look up. Thanks to the work of volunteers and Squash enthusiasts, there’s been a bit of a buzz at Rochdale Sports Club recently. Our first women’s only Squash group started last week and was very well attended. This follows the success of our mixed ability ‘Improver’ group on Monday evenings, where beginners can get on court with the club player in a coaching setting.

If you’re interested in coming along to either of these sessions, please get in touch with either myself or ask at the club.

Representing The Red Rose

A couple of our emerging Rochdale Junior Squash Academy players, George Bailey and Abdullah Iqbal have been selected to play for Lancashire. This is a great achievement, county level Squash is a high standard and is the backbone of elite junior Squash in England. It’s where you get a chance to see the countries very best young players up close and to be mixing it at this level is invaluable experience. The boys’ under 19 team will play in the first stage of the England Squash Inter County Championships in Northumbria on the 11th November.

Both George and Abdullah train at Rochdale Sports Club as part of our Rochdale Junior Squash Academy.

League Squash

The Squash season is well underway and that means the return of league Squash. Late nights, long drives, hot courts and scintillating Squash. The North West Counties Squash League’s premier division, recently hailed ‘the best league in the world’ by SquashMad, runs every Tuesday night at 7.30pm and features some of the world’s best Squash players. I play for Warrington Sports Club, winner of the league a remarkable 6 times in a row. We are currently sitting top of the table after 5 matches and will meet our closest rivals, Cheetham Hill at their place on the 21st November in what is sure to be a star-studded line up and as always a great atmosphere, it’s free to watch and there’s rumour of a pizza truck so get down to support if you’re in the area. Matches start from 7.30pm @ Cheetham Hill Cricket Club, 21st November

Yorkshire Premier Squash League, Wednesday nights from 7.30pm is arguably just as strong, with current up and coming pros, ex-world no.1’s and local legends making up the teams. I play for Doncaster Ghosts, who are also top of the table after 5 matches. Again, If you’re in the Yorkshire area, it’s a great crowd at Doncaster and free to watch.

The Northern Joe Cup

The next PSA event I’ll be competing in will be the Northern Joe Cup, 20th-26th November. It’s a local event for me, held across Fairway’s Lodge in Prestwich and Cheetham Hill Cricket Club. This year it’s a $9k Men’s and Women’s PSA Event, attracting some strong international competition. It’s always a fantastic event, raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity and this years event runs alongside a ‘Festival of Squash’ – featuring junior clinics, graded competition and team events.

Thanks for reading and supporting me on this journey. Is it too soon to be California Dreamin’?

Lewis