The Racketball Revolution –
be part of it…
By Justyn Price – National Lead Officer - Racketball
Racketball has been played in this country for over
20 years. There is currently a real ‘buzz’ around the sport as more and more
people are starting to play and really enjoy the game. The appeal is simple –
it’s easy to play, provides an excellent aerobic workout and is great fun!
The growth of Racketball has lead to a demand for new
competitive opportunities. This demand is evidenced by the formation of new Racketball
County Leagues, in counties such as
The National Racketball Championships hosted by
Edgbaston Priory had over 220 entries this year, spread from Men’s and Women’s
Open to over 70’s categories. This fantastic event is being fed players from
the large number of new clubs based Open Racketball tournaments taking place
across the country. Details of upcoming events can be found at www.englandsquash.com
Matt Baker the Area Squash
Manager for the South West region has been piloting Racketball in a number of
clubs, with very positive results.
Newton Abbot Squash Club have also reported similar
increases in demand for court time, which goes hand in hand with the 10% increase
in player base through people joining in Racketball from another
sport, taking up Racketball having given up Squash, or returning from injury. Over
the last 4 months 10 exhibition matches have been run in clubs and leisure
centres across the South West, with each facility forming box leagues as a
result.
Racketball has not just been a success within
existing Squash Clubs, but has lead to leisure centres affiliating to England
Squash and gaining new players. England Squash have work with Pro-Active West
London, Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council and Greenwich Leisure Ltd, to
organise Racketball taster sessions for employees of business within walking
distance of Hammersmith Squash & Fitness Centre. Using a grant from
Pro-Active West London, England Squash delivered 50 minute taster sessions to
groups from Coca-Cola, L'Oreal, Haymarket Publishers, Innocent Drinks and
Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council. The sessions followed up with a
voucher to book free courts at lunchtimes, once a week for six weeks. The
Leisure Centre is now setting up Racketball Leagues and is planning inter
company fun competitions. 100 new players were introduced through 5 days of Racketball clinics.
Racketball is also a mainstay of both Stourbridge and
Hallamshire Squash Clubs. Stourbridge operates over 40 daytime Racketball
Leagues, and Racketball players account for almost 66% of Hallamshire
membership. Racketball has the potential to ignite clubs, increase and lengthen
membership, dramatically improve court use and stimulate profitability via
secondary spend over the bar – it’s a very social sport!
Racketball will contribute significantly to the use
of Squash courts and growth of club and leisure centre court use in the future.
If you would like help with introducing Racketball at your club, or would like
further information please contact you Area Squash Manager, who would be more
than happy to assist you.
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Area Manager- North
East |
Mark Shipley |
07714 226 218 |
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Area
Administrator- North East |
Ian Woodhead |
0113 2666 077 |
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Area |
John Gibson |
07989 940 631 |
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Area |
Nicola Robinson |
0161 438 4308 |
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Area Manager- East
Midlands |
Pete Goodings |
07989 742 944 |
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Area
Administrator- East |
Vacant |
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Area Manager- West
Midlands |
Amy Cleeton |
07989 743 395 |
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Area Administrator- West
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Vacant |
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Area Manager- East |
Mark Williams |
07918 775 423 |
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Area Administrator-
East |
Faye Kowalewsky |
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Area
Manager- London |
Justyn Price |
07989 743 054 |
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Area
Administrator- London |
Barbara Peddy |
01483 689 296 |
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Area Manager- South
East |
Fraser Liversage |
07918 775 422 |
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Area Administrator-
South East |
Barbara Peddy |
01483 689 296 |
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Area Manager- South
West |
Matt Baker |
07989 940 199 |
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Area
Administrator- South West |
Lee O'Donnell |
01392 206 349 |