Squash Up! Your Night. – Premiere: Organisers fully satisfied1 week ago

SFN has previously reported on the grassroots initiative "Squash Up!" this article provides an update on the latest developments from Germany.

David Liebmann, Sven Mecklenbeck, and Henrike Münchow were among the individuals involved in organising the event – Photo: DSQV – Lennard Jessen

Hamburg – The premiere of "Squash Up! Your Night.", as one of many event elements of the new DSQV initiative "Squash Up!", took place last Saturday at KAIFU-Lodge in Hamburg. It was a sporty and fun evening designed as a participative event for young adults, aiming to present the fun of squash easily and in a manner suitable for the target audience. A team of several young people organised the event. Six trainers supported the participants, providing numerous tips. After a brief introduction to the rules, the groups quickly moved onto the squash courts. For those with prior experience, a small competition was held. Others learned technical basics from the trainers. Many exciting rallies developed throughout the evening. The availability of drinks and shared meals completed a thoroughly successful evening in Hamburg.

Dunlop Germany provided several racquets and other equipment for the initiative, all of which saw full use yesterday. DSQV expresses its sincere thanks.

From left to right: Ralph M. Faust, David Liebmann, Simon Frenz and Paul Wingelsdorf – Photo: DSQV – Lennard Jessen

"I'm totally happy. We didn't really know what exactly awaited us that evening. The squash hall was nicely filled with around 80 young adults, some of whom had never played squash before. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the hall operator is satisfied. I don't think it could have gone much better! The combination with a DJ also made a difference. It wasn't a tournament but a low-barrier event! It seems to genuinely work; I find that extremely valuable," summarised Simon Frenz, co-initiator of the DSQV initiative Squash Up!.

The Hamburg KAIFU-Lodge was well attended, and all courts were fully booked through the Squash Up! initiative until closing time – Photo: DSQV – Lennard Jessen

"By 10:30 pm on Saturday evening, we expected people would shift more towards the bar area. But everyone was still enthusiastically and actively playing squash. This shows how much fun our sport is once you actually play it!", explained Ralph M. Faust from the Squash Up! initiative. "The next step now is to evaluate this premiere carefully, so we can further improve and learn from any weak spots for future events. Subsequent events might include similar formats in other halls around Hamburg, and then we plan to roll this concept out nationwide!" Faust added.

"We are already exchanging ideas with other regional associations and clubs who are waiting for our results to carry out similar events based on our experiences. Everyone is excited to promote our sport. DSQV President Michael Gäde was here as well, and he was just as thrilled as we are. This is exactly what our sport needs right now!" Frenz explained further.

The coaching team on-site played a significant role in the success of the Squash Up! Your Night. event – Photo: DSQV – Lennard Jessen