UrbanSquash is a new after-school program takes place on Wednesday afternoons from 4-5.30pm at the Sobell Leisure Centre and will run through term-time as well as holidays.  Kids that are interested should get in touch with the UrbanSquash team where we take a few contact details and have a chat with both child and their parents to make sure they understand fully what the program is all about.  We then arrange for them to come to their first UrbanSquash session encouraging them to bring their parents.  The UrbanSquash program is looking for kids that will make the most of the opportunity so they are given a four week trial period to show their commitment to the program.  We don’t care how good at squash anyone is, so completion of the trial period is more to do with their attitude towards the program and getting the most out of it.  In charge of the UrbanSquash sessions are a fully qualified coaching team who all have the relevant qualifications including England Squash coaching badges, CRB certificate, public liability insurance and child protection training.  The homework sessions that follow the squash give the kids an opportunity to study quietly and progress with any school work that they have.  During the homework sessions the UrbanSquash staff can help out where possible, although they will not have any formal teaching qualification.  During the holiday times the kids can bring in non-related school work, reading, outside interests or similar as long as it has academic merit.

As the kids progress, UrbanSquash will encourage them to get involved with squash teams and play competitive games against other kids at organised tournaments.  The UrbanSquash team have well established links with the London Metropolitan University, the Middlesex Squash & Racketball Association and the governing body England Squash.  Therefore, kids that want to take either squash or their academic studies, or both to the next level will be given all the support needed to progress in either or both domains.

The UrbanSquash project is more than just after-school squash coaching, it is a life-skills and confidence building program.  Similar programs in the US have shown fantastic results, 100% of the kids graduate from high school and 93% who go on to university get their degree.  Now that’s confidence, so let’s get it started in London.