CLUB DEVELOPMENT
GROW YOUR SQUASH CLUB
How to Build a Squash Club
Every club will have a core group of members and it’s a normal aim of the committee to try and increase the membership. There are many areas that a club can look at to improve, and each club will be different. That’s one of the things I’ve learned over the years, is that no two clubs are the same. Something that works in one club won’t necessarily work in anther club – the members, history and expectations can all be very different. However the similarity is that the objectives will by and large be the same, for example, achieving the optimum number of members, increasing the number of women playing, recruiting more coaches.
Here’s our ideas on factors that make a great club – what does your club score?
One of the first areas that a club development plan should examine is the coaching structure in place, both sessions and coaches. Identifying objectives and targets for the project and then draw the road map for achieving them is a good starting point.
Coaching sessions are a very attractive service to offer to both existing and prospective members, and establishing these should be a priority. Aim to develop a programme that has something for all levels of player. Pinpointing any gaps in your membership base can identify the markets you’re trying to appeal to. If your club, for example, has mostly male team players, a programme may help you target and attract more adult beginners.
A Determined Committee
Obstacles to overcome
Court Space: Existing members booking courts at the same time you may want to run new club or coaching sessions.
Membership fees: Offering a trial period may be the right way to hook prospective members.
2. MEMBERSHIP
How many members do you have and what percentage of them are;
Male/ Female
Under 19/ Under 30/ Under 50/ Over 50
Introduction Process
Do you have a system where new members get a form of induction, or buddy up with an existing member?
3. Internal Competition
What internal competitions does your club offer?
Do you have a club schedule up so that members know in advance what the year looks like?
Mini (Box) Leagues
Theses are a tried and tested system in most clubs. The challenge is to keep them active. Do you have:
Player of the Month/ Player of the Year awards – recognising achievement is a great way to motivate and retain members.
Monthly Medal Event
Does your club run a regular internal event for members only? Look to try and make the event as inclusive as possible, by running different formats for each month
Annual Club Championship
Do you hold your annual event to decide who the best male/female player is?
Do you hold different age events?
Do you organise it as a graded event or a large knockout?
Internal Summer League
Can be run like box leagues, or in a mini-team format