Squash Australia reveals plans to get more kids into the game
By ROSS SOLLY – Squash Mad Australian Correspondent
Squash Australia has announced a continuation of State and Territory Association funding for its OzSquash program, as it continues to look at ways to engage and attract juniors to the game.
Up to $40,000 will be available to State and Territory Associations over the next 12 months, depending on the success of the program in each area.
The news comes as the ASC has announced schools can now start applying for term three Sporting Schools funding.
Squash Australia Participation Coordinator, Jordan Till, said there were lots of opportunities to grow squash in Australia.
“All States and Territories have spoken of the importance of exposing and engaging children to the game of squash, and we see OzSquash as our best tool for achieving this.”
The Federal Government has committed to the continuation of the Sporting Schools program until June 30, 2017, and Till said the money being offered by Squash Australia will hopefully boost Squash’s success within it.
“It’s vital we make the most of the Sporting Schools program to get kids involved in squash,” said Till.
“The funding announcement is just one in a series of changes made to reduce barriers to the success of OzSquash, which we are looking to improve,” Till said.
“Other crucial changes include making it easier for teachers to pick up and deliver the program through the use of our new eLearning platform, and vastly reduced costs to schools.”
A recent drop in the price of equipment kits has also been welcomed by Till, who said it should mean more kits will be available for schools and clubs, and that more children will be able to get their hands on a squash racquet.
“With the recent changes, we are expecting to start seeing good growth in program delivery over the next two school terms,” Till said.
The Sporting Schools Project Officer with the Australian Sports Commission, Tim Widdison, also welcomed Squash Australia’s initiative.
“These changes should really help to get more children involved in the OzSquash program in the Sporting Schools landscape, and I’m excited to see future success,” Mr Widdison said.
For more information regarding OzSquash and the Sporting Schools program, visit www.squash.org.au/ozsquash or contact Jordan Till at [email protected].
Picture from social media