A Welcoming First Step Into Squash
Squash Girls Can is aimed at making squash feel accessible, supportive, and enjoyable for women and girls who may be trying the sport for the first time or returning after time away.
Women and girls participation
Squash Girls Can
Hampshire Squash has been awarded England Squash funding to support six clubs in delivering a 12-week Squash Girls Can course designed to bring more women and girls into the sport.
The programme is about creating welcoming, beginner-friendly sessions that build confidence, enjoyment, and long-term participation rather than expecting people to arrive with matchplay experience.
What Squash Girls Can Is
Built Around Confidence and Community
The format works best when clubs create a friendly environment, introduce the game progressively, and give participants a clear pathway into ongoing club activity once the course ends.
Why It Matters
Lower the Barrier to Entry
New players are more likely to stay involved when sessions feel social, structured, and beginner-centred rather than immediately competitive.
Create a Better Club Pathway
A successful course can feed women and girls into follow-on coaching, social play, membership, internal ladders, and local leagues.
Strengthen Club Culture
Clubs that widen participation build a healthier, more sustainable playing base and become easier to promote locally.
Funding Opportunity for Hampshire Clubs
Hampshire Squash will award funding to six clubs to run a 12-week Squash Girls Can course. We are looking for clubs that can offer a welcoming venue, suitable coaching or session leadership, and a realistic plan for converting participants into continued activity after the course ends.
What We Want to See
- A clear target audience for women and girls in your area
- A plan for a 12-week beginner-friendly course
- Named support from a coach, organiser, or club lead
- A pathway into continued participation after week 12
Good Delivery Ideas
- Women-only starter groups
- Introductory coaching and social hit sessions
- Bring-a-friend sessions
- Simple offers into membership, follow-on coaching, or social box leagues
Apply for Club Funding
Submit the application form below. Applications will be reviewed by Hampshire Squash to identify six clubs ready to deliver a strong 12-week programme.
Official Programme Inspiration
This Hampshire Squash page is informed by the broader England Squash Squash Girls Can initiative and its focus on accessible, confidence-led, inclusive participation. Clubs looking for wider programme context should also review the national campaign.
View England Squash campaign