More than 2,000 people got the once-in-a-lifetime experience to play squash on a stunning all-glass court at Birmingham New Street station from 4th - 11th April.
The eye-catching, modern glass court was installed at the busy commuter station to whet appetites ahead of squash’s starring role at this summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Adriana Olaya, Head of PSA (Professional Squash Association) Foundation said: "Having this court in such a public space was incredible. Every single person that walked through the station this week somehow talked about squash, even if they were just wondering what it was, it made squash stand out.
“We had over 2,000 people stepping on court, from kids who had never played to experienced club players, racketball players, random walkers, station workers - you name it! To top it off, we had the finals of the University of Birmingham Open which is a PSA World Championship qualifying event that also showcased top quality matches. It truly was a celebration of our beloved sport and our squash community."
Mark Williams, CEO of England Squash said: “We’re so proud to have played a part in this brilliant Squash United initiative to bring squash to new and diverse audiences in and around Birmingham.
“It’s been amazing to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds trying their hand at squash at this unique event, the smiles on people’s faces has said it all!
“We’d like to thank Network Rail and our sponsors Aston & Fincher, Gowling WLG and Office Principles for making our vision a reality, along with our partners Rackets Cubed, the PSA Foundation and the World Squash Federation.”
The New Street court attracted a wide range of visitors, from schoolchildren to professional squash players including Birmingham’s Sarah-Jane Perry and World No.8 Joel Makin.
“It’s been really awesome and amazing to see so many people stopping and seeing what’s going on and loads of kids getting involved on the mini glass court,” said England No.1 Perry. “The Commonwealth Games is all about inclusion, it’s known as the friendly games and squash is really a sport that embodies that sense of community and that’s really been showcased here.”
Makin, the Welsh No.1 reiterated the importance of opportunities to take squash to the wider community: “It’s important for squash, the more of this we can get, the better. It’s been great, people have enjoyed it and there’s been good coverage of it this week.”
The glass court is just one of a series of initiatives by Squash United, the collaborative group leading the squash legacy programme which is an official project of United by Birmingham 2022, the community programme for the Commonwealth Games. Spearheaded by England Squash, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Foundation, Rackets Cubed and the World Squash Federation, Squash United’s aim is to take squash to new audiences and make the sport more accessible than ever.
Rackets Cubed founder Michael Hill said: “The event has given us an opportunity to showcase all the incredible community work we are doing. There has never been a more important time to use the power of sport to enhance physical and mental welling - working together we have more impact."
Steven Ireland, Network Rail's head of stations, security, and customer relationship management, said: "It's been great to see so many people of all ages enjoy the pop-up court, with even station colleagues getting involved!
"We can't wait to welcome squash fans back to the station throughout Birmingham's incredible summer of sport.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Squash United
Squash United is the collaborative group leading the squash legacy programme which is an official project of United by Birmingham 2022, the community programme for the Commonwealth Games. Spearheaded by England Squash, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Foundation, Rackets Cubed and the World Squash Federation. Squash United’s aim is to take squash to new audiences and make the sport more accessible than ever. www/squashcommonwealth.com/squash-united/
LEAD SPONSORS
Aston & Fincher
From a single trade counter in Birmingham in 1959 to nationwide coverage today, Aston & Fincher supply hair and beauty salons, professional hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists with all the products they need to deliver the best possible service to their clients. Their mission is to have the leading brands and products in the industry in-stock at all times and at the keenest everyday prices. Their values ensure they keep the business strictly trade only and that their service and product knowledge is industry leading, as they have been for over 60 years. www.astonandfincher.co.uk
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is a sector focused international law firm. With more than 1,400 legal professionals in cities worldwide, they provide clients with in-depth expertise in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. Gowling WLG (UK) LLP is a member of Gowling WLG, an international law firm which consists of independent and autonomous entities providing services around the world. www.gowlingwlg.com/legal
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Office Principles
Office Principles is a leading office interior design company creating transformational environments. From design studios in Reading, London, Birmingham and Manchester, they provide workplace consultancy, interior design and project management services to organisations who value their staff and want to create environments that are highly productive, sustainable and promote inclusivity, diversity and wellbeing. https://officeprinciples.com/