UrbanSquash is a non-profit making organisation that combines squash with homework to develop self-esteem and discipline through academic, athletic and personal achievement.

What are its aims?
To introduce squash to a new generation of kids and show that sport can help build confidence in other areas of life.

What do we hope to achieve?
To develop an after-school squash and homework program that can be rolled out across other locations across London.

What’s in it for the kids?
Making new friends, learning a new sport and developing their confidence in sport and academic life.  

How much does it cost and what do the kids need?
All the equipment and coaching will be provided free of charge, but the kids will need some indoor only trainers that don’t have marking soles. 

Why squash?
Squash is a racket sport that requires physical fitness, a quick wit and patience, all attributes of a successful student and person.

How many kids are in the UrbanSquash project?
Until we expand, UrbanSquash can manage about 8-10 kids per class, spread across two squash courts.

How long has UrbanSquash been going?
UrbanSquash is just getting started, but highly successful projects in the states like this one have been going for over 12 years.

When and where does it all happen?
Both the squash coaching and homework sessions take place at the Sobell leisure centre behind the Emirates stadium.

How old are the kids in the UrbanSquash project?
UrbanSquash is a long-term project so it hopes to recruit secondary school boys and girls aged around 13 onwards. 

What is a typical UrbanSquash session?
Each session combines about 45 minutes of squash coaching and then 45 minutes of homework.

How are UrbanSquash kids selected?
The UrbanSquash project has limited numbers so students must show genuine commitment to the program and complete a month long trial period to be accepted.  Kids are welcome to come along to a class to have a look but everyone has to stay for their homework session.

Do I have to be good at squash to join in?
Not at all!  We don’t care if you have never picked up a squash racket, all we ask is that you show commitment to the program by turning up on time every week!

How is the UrbanSquash staff selected?
Members of the UrbanSquash coaching team are selected by their suitability for the job. They are outgoing, highly motivated with all necessary England Squash qualifications including CRB, public liability insurance and child protection qualifications.

How does the Squash coaching sessions work?
The coaching takes place on a squash court usually with no more than 4-5 kids per courts.

What safety measures are in place?
All kids are required to wear protective goggles, these will be provided.  Suitable indoor trainers in good condition and with non-marking soles need to be brought along by the kids.  All UrbanSquash coaches have full public liability insurance.

How does the homework session work?
As a small project in its infancy, UrbanSquash cannot offer academic tutoring at this stage.  However, the kids must show their desire to mix sport with study so they bring along some homework to do.   Homework sessions will be fully supervised while the kids sit quietly either alone or in small groups while they study. 

What happens if the kids want to take squash to the next level?
The UrbanSquash team has connections with clubs all over London and will be happy to introduce budding squash players into the active county squash system.

Who is behind UrbanSquash?
UrbanSquash is the brainchild of Al Robertson, the league secretary of the Middlesex Squash & Racketball Association, Peter Nicol MBE, former world number 1 and Tim Garner, ex world tour squash professional and events guru.

How do the kids get to-and-from the Sobell Centre?
Until the program expands, the kids will need to get themselves there and back home.

Who endorses the UrbanSquash project?
England Squash who are the national governing body lend their full support behind the project providing equipment, coaching advice and schools liaison.  The Middlesex Squash and Racketball Association which organises squash from juniors all the way up to veterans and vintage in 60 clubs all over London.

How are we funded?
The UrbanSquash project is funded entirely by sponsorship from the public and we are constantly seeking further funding to keep afloat.  Contributions from kids or parents towards running costs are gratefully accepted but not essential.