Edgbaston Priory is one of the UK’s biggest squash clubs. It hosts some of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments – yet combines this with a strong community and social vibe that is the defining characteristic of so many of the world’s most successful squash facilities.
Situated in a leafy suburb just south of Birmingham city centre, Edgbaston Priory features 10 squash courts (including eight glass backs), as well as 32 tennis courts (eight indoor), one padel court and two more coming soon, gym, indoor and outdoor pools, bar and bistro.
The private members’ club was established in 1885 and has an illustrious heritage, having hosted Davis Cup tennis matches and as host club of the traditional pre-Wimbledon WTA Tour event. It was the venue for squash’s prestigious British Open in 1970 and 71, hosted early rounds of the British Junior Open in January and will host early-round British Open matches this June for the second year in a row. It’s also home venue for the UK Racketball (Squash 57) Championships.
Membership fees are £130 per month, which puts the club at the top end of the leisure market, and yet its success lies in the community feel it creates among its 1300 rackets members. The club’s motto is, ‘Come and Belong’.
“Part of our goal is to make sure that members’ experience here makes them feel like they belong; they’re a part of the club and part of the family,” said Mike Edwards, Edgbaston Priory’s Head of Squash & Racketball.
“For members to feel like they belong to something they need to be part of a group or a social community, so we organise a lot of group coaching for all abilities and ages. We run a very good adult league programme, internal league ladders, club nights. We try to get everyone involved and make it as inclusive as we can.
“We try and link everything into our food and beverage department. I think a big part of our sport is socialising and mental wellbeing, so we make sure that everybody is integrated."
Mike estimates that 70% of the club’s rackets members prioritise the social benefits over aspects such as reaching elite levels of performance (although that is certainly catered for too).
For those that take their squash a little more seriously, Edgbaston Priory has products and services that allow players to excel and improve their game. There are adjustable tins for pros and two cameras on courts one and two which enable live streaming and video capture of matches.
Mike says success for youngsters on the club’s junior programme gives him particular satisfaction, but his ultimate barometer of success will always be smiles on players’ faces. “Putting on events is very rewarding because you get members of all ages and all abilities mixing together and socialising. It's very rewarding because it puts them in a happy place. That’s what the club is about.”
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