In the 2024 SFN year review, we’re seeing a wave of fresh energy sweeping across racket sports. Squash isn’t just riding this wave—it’s carving out its own space with new kinds of players, fresh motivations, and expanding opportunities. Before we break down the wider ecosystem, let’s take a look at what SFN has achieved in the last twelve months.
SFN A New Era: From Working Group to Independent Network
Originally founded as a working group within the European Squash Federation, the SFN took a bold step forward in summer 2024, becoming an independent network dedicated to advancing squash on a global scale. Since completing its first full year, the SFN has filled a critical gap in the squash ecosystem. By bringing together experts and sharing best practices, we’ve helped facilities become more sustainable, more profitable, and better positioned for long-term growth.
After launching our website in November 2023, we steadily built an active community, growing to around 2,800 subscribers—including facility managers, federations, coaches, and stakeholders—at an average monthly growth rate of 27%.
Adapting to Modern Demands: The Future of Squash Facilities
While racket sports thrive, players’ motivations aren’t what they were two decades ago. The days of simply constructing courts and waiting for players to appear are over. Without a clear strategy—covering community engagement, flexible financial models, clever programming, diversified offerings, targeted social media, and even choosing the right ball—many facilities struggle.
In contrast, those that embrace these concepts can generate annual revenues of up to USD 500,000 per court. The message is clear: it’s no longer about just providing courts; it’s about meeting evolving player expectations and building a true experience.
Market Developments in 20224
It’s been an extraordinary time in the racket sports ecosystem—padel and pickleball are experiencing significant growth, with their success stories resonating across the broader sports landscape. These “zeitgeist” disciplines cultivate communities that find friendly, social gameplay far more appealing than the grind of a solo gym routine.
Communities are the Future: Social connections have become the primary reason people join sports groups. Playing together fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which is increasingly valued in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Furthermore, group activities tend to last longer, as participants are motivated by camaraderie and the collective experience, ensuring higher retention rates and deeper engagement.
Trend Towards Multi-Racket Facilities
This growing emphasis on community and social connections is also driving a significant trend in facility design, where multi-racket centers are becoming the new standard, blending various sports to create inclusive and dynamic hubs. Venues like Nicol New Jersey, The St. James in Washington D.C., The Heights in Minneapolis, Ballers in Philadelphia, and the Belvedere Club in Vancouver integrate squash into a broader racket sports environment, ensuring our sport stays vibrant and visible.
Key Success Factors for Squash Facilities
Beyond global trends, the SFN has identified another critical driver of success for facilities: detailed, customer-focused management strategies. As we’ve showcased in numerous posts, thoughtful planning and community-centric approaches can turn squash facilities into profitable, dynamic hubs.
In areas where squash participation is high, the proportion of commercial facilities is often significant. For-profit operations are naturally inclined to maximize court usage, attract newcomers, and retain players. Complacency isn’t an option.
This drive for engagement and growth aligns closely with two core focus areas that the SFN has explored extensively in 2024: Building a Strong Community and Junior Programmes and School Partnerships. Below is a list of key posts from the SFN on these topics.
1. Building a Strong Community
The social aspect plays a pivotal role in creating a vibrant and engaged community. Through beginner sessions and social events, players connect beyond the court, forming friendships and a sense of belonging. These bonds are further strengthened by regular activities and gatherings, making the facility not just a place to play squash but a social hub where players feel at home.
Daisy Hill Club (Brisbane) exemplifies community-building at its finest.
Kaifu Lodge (Hamburg) thrives on its social core.
Padeldome Club (Vienna) demonstrates how in-house tournaments unite and retain players.
2. Junior Programmes and School Partnerships
Engaging young players through schools and fun introductions to squash paves the way for long-term retention. With qualified, enthusiastic coaches, structured improvement pathways, and graded competitions, children become lifelong players—and often bring their parents into the facility as well. Here is a list of notable Best Practices post in 2024:
The Northern Club (Tyneside),
Scarborough Squash Club (North Yorkshire),
Off the Wall Squash (Essex) in England
JETS Squash (Sydney),
Houston Squash Club (Texas),
1st Squash Club (Dresden),
Hasta La Vista (Wroclaw)
All these facilities illustrate how strong junior programmes deliver lasting benefits.
As we look ahead to 2025, the momentum built this year sets the stage for even greater achievements. With a strong foundation in place and a growing global community, squash is poised to reach new heights. To achieve this, the SFN is planning new projects aimed at fostering innovation, expanding participation, and strengthening connections within the squash ecosystem—together, we can make it the most inclusive and dynamic sport of the future.
SFN New Projects and Focus Areas in 2025
The Squash Facilities Network team has a series of exciting new features planned for our website in 2025. Development is already in full swing, and we’re confident these new services—unprecedented in the global squash ecosystem—will further support the success of squash facilities worldwide.
Stay tuned for the first major highlight: the introduction of the SFN Member Area at the start of 2025. While SFN publications will remain available to all, this exclusive Member Area will offer premium benefits and specialised services for selected members.
In addition, both the SFN Institute and the SFN Marketplace will see further enhancements throughout the coming year.
The SFN Institute
The SFN Institute remains your go-to source for cutting-edge solutions and practical strategies for squash facilities. Through expert-led webinars, specialised training, and comprehensive resources, it empowers facility managers and investors to unlock their full potential. In 2025, the monthly “Best Practice” series continues, kicking off in January with a detailed look at software apps for squash facility management, and in February with guidance on building squash programs for schools—ensuring the next generation of players is nurtured through strong ties with educational institutions.
The SFN Marketplace
Launched in December 2024, the SFN Marketplace continues to be your one-stop shop for products and solutions tailored to the squash community. From cutting-edge court designs and equipment to innovative coaching tools and management solutions, it provides the resources you need to refine operations and elevate the player experience. By connecting you with the latest advancements, the SFN Marketplace ensures you stay ahead in a competitive ecosystem.
We’re looking forward to a promising 2025—Happy New Year!
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