Scarborough Squash Academy in North Yorkshire, England, has completely turned its fortunes around with investment, school partnerships and a passionate coach
Back in 2016, squash had almost died entirely in the Yorkshire seaside town of Scarborough. The local council had closed its courts and only two remained - tucked away and barely used in a dingy corner of the local rugby club.
Today, those two courts have doubled to four - and they are occupied morning, afternoon and evening by hordes of smiling children and super keen adults engaged in a variety of daily programmes. Squash has become a focal point for not just the rugby club but the whole town.
Scarborough Squash Academy, as it's known, is flanked by two new outdoor padel courts, a large multi-use sports hall, the state-of-the-art Barons Fitness Centre and Hartley's Cafe which provides an ideal social space.
The venue's incredible rejuvenation has occurred thanks to a combination of business acumen, community engagement, high quality coaching and a little bit of luck.
The club's redevelopment was initially funded by donations from the McCabe family - Scott, his brother Simon and father Kevin - all lifelong squash players.
Together they head up Scarborough Group International, a large property development company. The family is perhaps best known for an eventful 20-year period as owners of Premier League football club Sheffield United.
Back in 2016, the McCabes and other donors developing the two under-used courts into a £750,000 state-of-the-art four-court facility with underfloor heating, powered by environmentally-friendly air-sourced heat pumps. The squash academy is owned and operated by the rugby club and operates as a commercial facility.
But the infrastructure was only part of the puzzle. "Initially it was a bit of a slow burner," admits Scott McCabe. "We had a lot of 'ghosts' - players who came in, played the same opponent each week and left without ever becoming engaged in the club at all."
The arrival of coach Lewin Marsden changed all that - and he discovered the club purely by chance.
He was an Army squash player and coach, before working at Germany's famous Paderborn club, then Newcastle University (his home town) and in roles in Denmark, Canada and India.
He had moved to Scarborough for 18 months before the pandemic. The rugby club operated as a Covid vaccination centre and after having his jab, Lewin walked towards the exit and noticed four empty squash courts. He called director of racket sports Scott McCabe the next day and he was soon given the job as head coach.
He soon set up partnerships with local schools and colleges, including Scarborough College, an independent day and boarding school. All of its 560 students visit the academy on a daily basis for three-hour sessions in groups of at least 16 as part of an extended programme.
For those showing most promise, the college is now offering squash bursaries (scholarships) with all training and matchplay taking place at Scarborough Squash Academy. The college is now entering teams in the national schools leagues for the first time and have quickly become very competitive.
Lewin says: "Scarborough College's headmaster, Guy Emmett, is an ex-squash player and was keen to promote racket sports to the pupils. So all students come through our doors - and many become members of the club and join our academy, training and playing in their own time."
The academy is flourishing. Sessions take place every day with the emphasis on fun. Lewin's ebullient, passionate and caring nature puts smiles on everyone's faces. The kids wear club t-shirts covered with logos from local sponsors. Many have gone on to win trophies in Yorkshire county competitions and play in adult leagues.
"The junior programme has become self-generating," says Lewin. "The kids go back to school and tell their friends how great it is. I give them free introductions and after the first session, their parents come in and want to sign up because they've enjoyed it so much." Sessions don't always involve rackets - they can include frisbees, throwing games and even Malteser eating contests!
The enthusiasm rubs off on the parents, who enjoy the convivial atmosphere and eat and drink in the adjacent cafe. Many have become squash players themselves. The internal box leagues have almost 150 players, many of whom discovered the game through their kids.
Word has spread far and wide. Players have come from as far away as India and Uganda to spend months training by the Yorkshire coast. One of them, Prithvi Singh, now plays in the prestigious Yorkshire Premier League with stars such as former world No.1 Nick Matthew, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Joel Makin and England international Declan James.
"I engage with everybody who comes through the door," explains Lewin. "If I see a new face, I'll introduce myself. It's all about making everyone feel included and important.
"Before, we had too many 'ghosts' who had no input and nobody paid them any attention. I now make sure that there is a programme for everybody - social sessions, beginners' session, ladies' night and more. Many other clubs I visit just aren't inclusive enough, but we're engaging everyone and making them feel worthwhile."
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