For some, squash will not even feature on their top-10-sports-to-try-out list, while for others it is an easy game despite it being one of the hardest sports to play well.
For many, squash is not as popular as rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey, netball and even boxing. Some may even ask what is the point of smacking a rubber ball against the wall of a court surrounded by more walls? What are the chances that you would invite friends over for a braai and to watch the 5pm squash match on a Saturday? In fact, how often does squash feature on television?
Despite squash probably not being among the most popular spectator sports in South Africa, Francois Naudé, a squash coach at Maragon says that squash is the only other sport besides swimming that gives you a full body workout.
He also pointed out other positives about the game.
“Besides squash giving you that full body workout, it is not affected by weather conditions and you can play the sport whenever you like.
“It is one of the few games you can play when you are older. Age does not matter when you play squash and you can play against a younger or older player with the same skill set. It’s a very social and unique sport.
“Yes, there is the perception, especially in Afrikaans-medium schools, that boys should play rugby and girls should play netball. Squash is more popular among pupils in English-medium schools. I think that to a large extent, parents influence their children’s choices and decisions.
“In the end the choice is the child’s; my job as squash player and coach is to develop those playing the game and who are interested in the sport.”
Steve Hawyes, part owner of the Western Rackets Squash Centre who has been playing the game competitively for some time now added, “Squash is a very strong, growing and developing sport on the West Rand. Our schools league is an example that the sport is healthy.
“The schools league, which came to a close in early October, saw more than 240 players on our 12 courts at the centre each week, every day. It shows that youngsters are keen to play the game and try something different.
“There is more to it than wanting to get people fit, in shape and involved in the sport. It’s not all about winning but enjoying the game and having fun. Of course you have your more serious players and ultimately they will be rewarded by being chosen for the provincial sides and major competitions.
“We have a philosophy to have a family centre, not just a sports centre, where the whole family gets active, play against each other and watch each other grow. It’s not just about how good you are but how you enjoy it.”
Squash has featured at many multi-sporting events and is recognised as a possible future Olympic sport, narrowly missed being included in the London 2012 Olympic Games and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games when golf and rugby sevens got the nod. Word is that there are efforts to make squash part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The first squash court was built in England in 1864 and today there are around 50 000 squash courts in more than 185 countries, according to the official World Squash Federation (WSF) website https://www.worldsquash.org/.
The fact that the world’s greatest player is said to come from Pakistan where hockey and cricket are considered the most popular sports, shows that the squash bug can bite you anywhere, any place, any time.
Should you feel that you have what it takes, contact Steve on 079 517 7222 or email them at westernrackets@netspace.co.za.
