VIDEO: Save the Boksburg Squash Club from closure

Admittedly, squash is slowly dying out in Ekurhulen, with many clubs closing, but the Boksburg Squash Club prides itself on being among the few clubs that have so far proved more resilient.

While the club managed to stay afloat, it was not spared from the global phenomenon of dwindling numbers of people participating in the sport after the racquet-sport cousins, including padel, emerged and drew away members.
Ian Pearson, a long-time member of the almost 50-year-old Boksburg Squash Club, said the club is still alive and, despite its many challenges, intends to remain a lifeline for the sport in the area.
However, Pearson said the only way to avoid the club’s demise would be to get more potential members to join and participate in sports and social activities.
All you need to play the sport is the correct gear, including non-marking shoes and a racquet.

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In the mid-80s, there were 600 playing club members, but that number gradually dwindled to the current 60 members.
The club will need at least 120 or 150 new members to give it a good go.

“Among our missions is to get all the local squash players, who, after their clubs closed down, thought there were no squash clubs anymore in the region, to come and partake in our social or business leagues here. Some activities allow non-members to play.

“If we don’t do something now, this club might soon find itself in the same situation as those forced to close down because of diminishing support and membership.
“Things since Covid-19 went from bad to worse. How we have managed to survive is by the business league mechanism and the sale of refreshments at the club, but you still need more people to support that,” explained Pearson.

In Ekurhuleni, many sporting facilities have gone to the dogs because of vandalism, neglect and a lack of security and maintenance.
However, this six-court squash club still stands strong because of the protection it gets through active membership and security.

“We have people onsite all the time. I think if you leave it like any other club, they [intruders] will get in once they know no one is there. We have seen the demise of the Sunward Park Club on Kingfisher Avenue in the last four years, the 12-court squash club in the middle of Kempton closed down in the past few years, ERPM is long gone, and Actonville is also gone.

“The only existing clubs among the main clubs in the East Rand now are the Kempton Country Club, the Benoni Country Club and the Lake Country Club – and they are all attached to the golf clubs. I know they get financial support from the greater golf community to have the ability to survive.

“Having been around for about five decades, the facility, which I don’t think has received proper maintenance over the last 15 years, needs some attention.
“The council and the club have identified that the roof needs attention, and the club would appreciate it if someone out there could show support for the painting and roofing,” Pearson said.
Tour

Pearson took this publication on a brief tour of the facility, which he described as one of the best squash facilities in the province. For a glimpse of its interior, visit the Boksburg Advertiser’s website.
The iconic facility built on valuable land boasts a well-kept and safe environment, steam rooms, showers, toilets, changing rooms, a bar and lounge, a braai facility, historical artefacts and more.
For more information on the club, call Pearson on 083 324 3226.

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