THE Northwood Crusaders Squash Club is gearing up for their April league games that will give them a chance to show off their new club facilities, including revamped courts, a social braai area and upgraded changing rooms.
Crusaders Squash Club chairman, Garth Slater, said the club had poured about R500 000 into the improved facilities.
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“Five years ago, we had converted the remaining concrete backed courts into glass backed courts,” he said.
Slater said the club caters to men and women with the men’s league including players of all ages from their youngest player, a Grade 9 learner to their oldest player who is 73 years old.
Slater said the club hopes to attract more women to the sport. Esteni Van Niekerk who has been playing league squash for the last two years said she enjoys the sport and finds it to be an excellent work out.
“The nice thing about squash is that its a high impact sport, it really gets my heart racing and only takes about 45 minutes. You don’t even notice that you’re exercising,” she said.
Van Niekerk added that the Crusaders squash team is the strongest and biggest ladies’ team around.
“We have three teams and about 20 ladies overall,” she added.
For Slater, squash is a versatile and reliable sport for all to enjoy.
“Squash is played indoor and is not weather dependant and can be played at night, its a short game but give you a really good work out and the social aspect is fantastic. It’s perfect for parents with children and doesn’t interfere with family life,” he said.
Slater said he has made lasting friendships playing squash.
“It’s not just about the squash, its also a great way to socialise,” he said.
Secretary of the Northwood Crusaders Club, Gwyn Cross said the Northwood Crusaders Squash Club won the champion club of the year in both the ladies and men’s division in 2017 – the ladies won again in 2018.
“Our goal this year is to win the championship again this year in both the men’s and ladies’ teams,” she added.
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Cross and Slater who were both avid squash players joke that they now play for the ‘para olympic’ team.
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