Here is a suggested programme of events that can take place at any squash club, anywhere in the world
PLANNING
1: Make room in the club calendar for a day of activities to attract new female members to your club.
2: Prints fliers and posters (download here soon!). Promote the events in schools, colleges, gym clubs and sports shops. Invite wives and girlfriends to join in.
3: Register your event on the World Squash Day website (www.worldsquashday.com)
4: Make sure you staff up for the whole day to stage all of these events.
5: Make sure the club is clean and welcoming to women of all ages. If your courts are grubby and dirty, NOW is a good time to clean them up. You could even buy some flowers for the club lounge!
6: Lay on healthy snacks and free drinks all day. Make sure the tea and coffee is nice and the cups are clean!
7: Show squash videos on the club TV so your members and guests can see and enjoy top-level women’s squash
8: Arrange follow-up coaching and fitness classes so your new members can instantly join a programme that will keep them involved.
9: Most importantly, arrange crèche facilities for young mums to attend
ON THE DAY
Welcome Classes: Free drinks on arrival
Introduce Squash and Fitness to your new class
Coaches hold a quick exhibition to demonstrate the game
Warm-up: Invite the girls on court to stretch and jog
Split into small groups for each court
Coaches should feed easy shots for the newcomers to hit
Gradually make the rallies longer
Introduce some fun games so that the girls are playing squash within a few minutes of entering the court
Quick tactics talk
Make sure plenty of fresh water and sports drinks are available (FREE) all day long
Finish each session with a Play The Pro Challenge
Q and A session on court
Give prizes or gifts to everyone
Fashion and Fitness: Arrange special offers on the day for squash shoes, rackets and clothing
TOP TIPS:
1: You could repeat the above programme two or three times during the day
2: Invite everybody back for a party in the evening to promote the social side of our great game
3: Make sure that everyone has a fun time and wants to come back for more
4: Make sure there are free follow-up classes
