🎉 Nominate now at www.volunteersinsport.ie
🌍 Volunteers from all 32 counties will be celebrated
💰 €200 donation to each county winner’s club
⏳ Entries close December 17th, 2024
The Volunteers in Sport Awards, hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport in partnership with the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, honour the outstanding contributions of Ireland’s 460,000+ volunteers. These heroes dedicate their time, passion, and energy to support sports clubs—including squash—nationwide. Their efforts enable over 1.47 million sports members to stay active and engaged.
🏅 Celebrate a Squash Hero: Shine a spotlight on someone who makes a real difference to your club or community.
💸 Win €200 for Your Squash Club: Each county recipient will secure funds to support their club’s development.
📣 National Recognition: Winners from all 32 counties will be honoured for their vital contributions to sport in Ireland.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport in Ireland, helping clubs thrive, grow participation, and create community spirit. Their collective contributions are estimated to generate €1.5 billion in economic value annually. This is your opportunity to say “thank you” and showcase their incredible impact on squash in Ireland.
🗓️ Nominations are open until December 17th, 2024.
Visit www.volunteersinsport.ie to submit your nomination today.
Let’s celebrate those who are #DedicatedToTheDedicated and give our volunteers the recognition they deserve!
THANK YOU
During this time of immense sadness and sorrow, we would like to express our deepest thanks to each and every one who joined in our heartbreak over the passing of our wonderful David.
Sutton LTC has been a part of our lives for many years and both David and Stephanie have grown up amongst the wonderful members and staff who became part of our extended family. Squash, being at the core of our existence, gave us an opportunity to make lifelong friends and many many acquaintances throughout Ireland.
We have been blown away by the constant kindness, help and heartfelt messages from the community that is Sutton LTC and the entire Squash Community worldwide. We hope you know how much it means to us during this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you
Eoin, Suzanne and Stephanie
Squash Ireland and Ulster Squash are delighted to announce the appointment of Niall Jackman as part of its team of Club & Community Development Officers. This part-time role, supported by Sport Northern Ireland, will see Niall focusing on the growth and development of squash within Northern Ireland.
Niall brings a wealth of experience to Squash Ireland and will work closely with the Squash Ulster provincial association to drive growth in participation across Northern Ireland. As a former Development Officer at Queen’s University, he supported 55 student-led sports clubs and collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to implement the university’s Strategy for Sport. Prior to that, Niall held key sports development roles with the GAA and Ulster Camogie and is a certified Coach Tutor up to Level 2. With more than a decade of sports management and coaching experience, Niall also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Psychology.
Commenting on the appointment, Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said:
“I am delighted to welcome Niall to our growing team. Just 12 months ago, we secured funding from Sport Northern Ireland for the first time in a decade. I am pleased to report that we’ve successfully demonstrated a return on investment and positively impacted squash participation rates, allowing us to secure further support under the Sports System Investment Scheme.
“Together with Squash Ulster, we intend to build on the progress already made, enhancing our capacity to deliver a broad range of club supports, as well as participation and inclusion initiatives.”
Recently elected Squash Ulster President, Judena Leslie, added: “Ulster Squash is delighted to welcome Niall. The Ulster Squash board is committed to working with Squash Ireland to grow and support our clubs. Niall’s expertise and experience will greatly increase our capacity to do this work”
Club & Community Development Team
Squash Ireland is proud to celebrate the launch of the 2024 Volunteers in Sport Awards, a national initiative honouring the remarkable individuals whose efforts ensure that sports like squash and countless others thrive at all levels across Ireland.
Hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships, the awards recognise the unsung heroes who dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to support sports clubs and communities nationwide. Volunteers are the cornerstone of grassroots development, making sport accessible and inclusive for all.
This year’s awards will gather nominees from every corner of Ireland to shine a spotlight on their vital contributions to fostering participation and community spirit. The awards ceremony will take place in Dublin in February 2025, celebrating the people who make squash and other sports possible, from organising tournaments to coaching, officiating, and mentoring players of all ages and abilities.
Sarah Lavin, double Olympian hurdler and ambassador for the 2024 Awards, acknowledged the importance of volunteers:
“From grassroots to elite competition, volunteers are at the heart of every success story. Their dedication and passion enable opportunities for athletes and communities alike. I’m honoured to be part of this initiative that celebrates their invaluable work in making sport happen for everyone, including the squash community.”
Volunteers have been instrumental in the growth and success of squash in Ireland. Whether it’s organising junior development programs, maintaining facilities, or running local leagues, their commitment is essential. Across all sports, over 460,000 volunteers contribute weekly, ensuring that communities of all sizes remain active, engaged, and connected. Their collective contribution is estimated to provide an economic value of €1.5bn annually while fostering health and well-being across generations.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, highlighted their critical role:
“The goodwill and work of volunteers cannot be taken for granted. These awards are a moment to express gratitude and inspire more individuals to get involved, safeguarding the future of sport, including squash, in Ireland.”
The awards are supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), which help to overcome barriers to participation and promote inclusivity in sport. Phelim Macken, Limerick Sports Partnership Coordinator, explained:
“The LSPs work tirelessly to bring sport and physical activity to more people, and the Volunteers in Sport Awards are a fitting tribute to those who help make this possible. Squash clubs across Ireland have benefited enormously from the dedication of their volunteers.”
Squash Ireland encourages its members to nominate the extraordinary volunteers who make a difference in their clubs and communities. Whether it’s the club manager who dedicates endless hours or the coach who inspires the next generation of players, now is the time to recognise their contributions.
Nominations are open from Tuesday, 12th November 2024, to Tuesday, 17th December 2024. To nominate a volunteer, visit www.volunteersinsport.ie.
Let’s celebrate those who champion squash and Irish sport – the volunteers #dedicatedtothededicated.
Gerry has chaired the Masters Committee since 2019, helping to increase the number of Masters players in our squash community. Under Gerry’s leadership, the Irish Masters Open has become one of the marquee tournaments on both the domestic and European Masters circuits. Siobhan developed the Masters Facebook page, which now has almost 600 followers and serves as a significant part of our Masters social media presence.
The Board has appointed John Dineen as interim Chair of the Masters Committee until the end of the season. Current Masters Committee members include John Dineen (Interim Chair), Brendan Murphy, Neal Pollock, Geoff Wales, Maureen Duke, and Kevin Knox.
The next Masters event is the Leinster Masters Open, taking place on December 6th and 7th at two venues: Fitzwilliam LTC and Leinster CC. We look forward to another exciting tournament, building on the success of last weekend’s Ulster Open in Belfast, led by Neal Pollock and his team.
Squash Ireland, formerly Irish Squash, has published the organisation’s first High- Performance Strategy for the period 2025–2028. The strategy is being released on the anniversary of squash’s formal inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic programme by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Click here to view the Squash Ireland High Performance Strategy 2025 – 2028.
This strategy marks a significant shift in Squash Ireland’s approach to high-performance squash as the sport prepares for its debut in the Olympic Games. Its development was supported by extensive consultation and research, setting ambitious targets at the European, World, and Olympic levels.
A key objective for Squash Ireland is to qualify athletes for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and increase the number of players ranked in the world’s top 100, with a target of four. Securing substantial additional investment in the high-performance programme is essential for implementing the systems and structures necessary to achieve this strategy. Squash Ireland plans to launch a patrons programme and sponsorship strategy to support its high-performance goals and other objectives.
To kick-start the strategy, Squash Ireland is investing in world-class coaching by recruiting a high-performance Head Coach to provide player support and leadership for the high-performance programme.
Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said:
“Ireland has a proud history of competing at the highest levels in squash, reaching as high as number 3 in the world on the women’s side and number 7 on the men’s side. That success has instilled a belief among young players that they too can compete at the very highest level. With the inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, we have a huge opportunity for young players to pursue a career in squash and strive to become Olympians. As a fast- growing and ambitious National Governing Body, we are committed to backing the players and putting the systems and structures in place to ensure long-term international success.”
“The development of this strategy has taken several months, and I want to thank everyone who contributed, particularly the members of the high-performance working group: Angus Kirkland (Chair), Arthur Gaskin, Derek Ryan, Gareth Brown, Eoin Ryan, and Ken Flynn.”
Sport Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Niamh O’Sullivan, commented:
“Squash Ireland has set clear and ambitious targets for its sport over the coming four years. Sport Ireland is encouraged by the National Governing Body’s plans to maximise the potential of its athletes, clubs and coaches. Our vision for international success by athletes and teams is that it is systemic and sustained; and critically, underpinned by high-functioning National Governing Bodies. I look forward to continuing to engage with Squash Ireland as their plans develop over the next cycle.”
As part of the collaboration, DYNAMIK will provide expert technical advice and comprehensive court maintenance services to Squash Ireland and it’s network of affiliated clubs. This support will ensure that squash courts throughout the island of Ireland are maintained to the highest standards, enhancing both performance and safety.
Squash Ireland is responsible for the promotion and development of squash at all levels. The sport has experienced rapid growth in recent times, with membership increasing by almost 20%, the number of affiliated clubs rising from 50 to 60, and several new squash courts and facilities planned for development.
Craig Jack, Managing Director of DYNAMIK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“As we branch further throughout Ireland, sharing our expertise and the work of our professionals, we are more than excited to collaborate with Squash Ireland to help to deliver optimum playing conditions for this fantastic sport. Providing aftercare and maintenance support will allow us to help maintain the condition, longevity and safety of your court so more people can get involved, play safely and grow with squash in Ireland.”
Scott Graham, Squash Ireland CEO, added:
“At Squash Ireland, we aim to provide real added value and support to our affiliated clubs, so I am pleased that we have developed a partnership with DYNAMIK that focuses on just that. DYNAMIK will offer expert technical advice and comprehensive court maintenance services to affiliated clubs and facility owners. Whether you’re planning to develop your squash facility or looking for cost-effective solutions to maintaining courts, Squash Ireland and DYNAMIK Sports Floors are here to help.”
Through this partnership, Squash Ireland will benefit from DYNAMIK’s extensive experience in delivering high-quality sports facilities, further enhancing the playing experience for squash enthusiasts across the country.
Ellie Hewitt
The successful candidate will coordinate and deliver a range of sports development and participation initiatives aligned with the cornerstones of the Sport NI ‘Power of Sport’ Plan, aimed at putting in place the structures and programmes required to increase squash participation in a sustainable manner.
The Club & Community Development Officer will report to the Squash Ireland CEO and work closely with the Strategic Development Officer for Northern Ireland to develop and action a work plan. It will be essential for the successful candidate to develop positive working relationships with the Ulster Squash Provincial Committee, local clubs, coaches, volunteers, and partners such as Sport Northern Ireland, local councils, and university sports development teams to promote inclusive and welcoming squash programmes and initiatives.
The position is initially offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2025, with the possibility of an extension subject to successful delivery of the funded programme and continued receipt of Sport NI funding.
Key Responsibilities
Experience & Competencies
Further Information
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent by email with the subject line: [ATTN: Club & Community Development Officer Northern Ireland]. When applying by email, please include a letter of introduction detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role and your Curriculum Vitae outlining your skills and work experience. Please send these materials no later than the 18th of October 2024, to Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham at [email protected]. Interviews to take place on 21/22 October.
Squash Ireland is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity. If you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you in participating in the employee selection process, please simply let us know.
Squash Ireland are asking you to ‘Step in’ to squash, with a new name and identity for the sport across the island of Ireland.
Formerly, Irish Squash, the national governing body has updated its name and will now be known as ‘Squash Ireland’. This changeover is currently taking place across all digital platforms, including a new mobile-optimized website, and will be rolled out across tournaments, participation programmes, and national squads in the coming weeks and months.
To coincide with this name change, we are very proud to reveal our new brand identity and our ‘Step in to squash’ brand manifesto.
The brand has been developed with renowned sports creative specialists, Branding Sport, to capture a more modern, energetic, youthful side of the sport. A series of newly developed participation programmes and coaching guides will be unveiled over the coming weeks and months, bringing the Squash Ireland brand to life and encouraging more young people to enjoy squash in fun, new ways.
Our players and volunteers were active participants in the brand development process and the ideas and inspiration for the new brand came directly from our community.
Squash Ireland President, Rosie Barry, believes the new identity marks the start of a period of great opportunity for squash on the island of Ireland, “It’s a very exciting time for us as we are already looking forward to squash’s inclusion at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. On top of that, our new brand is an indication of our commitment to promote and grow the game even further, with a major focus on recruiting new, young players to the sport. As we ‘step in’ as an organisation to a new era of growth and ambition, we decided to put the sport of squash front and centre in our name, as we strive to deliver more for our vibrant squash community and appeal to new participants in this exciting sport.”
CEO of Squash Ireland, Scott Graham, says the new identity is a key part in the organisation’s strategic planning; “I was very keen to update the Squash Ireland identity to reflect the energy, the fun and the community at the centre of the sport. The process we worked on with Branding Sport has really delivered on that objective and will help us to grow the game on a number of fronts.”
Branding Sport MD, Patrick Murphy, gives some more insight into the brand design and development; “The players, staff and volunteers at Squash Ireland contributed some very rich insight when it came to developing the brand and we were keen to deliver on that input. ‘Sport in 3d’ was a key idea and something we tried to capture in the new logo – the squash ball travelling in front, behind and all around the player and the court. For the eagle-eyed out there, the dimensions of the lettering and the logo are very deliberate and intended to reflect the dimensions of a squash court itself, while the overall identity has been created to appeal to a youthful audience and to really come to life across social media and digital platforms.”
Step in. Always step in.
In to the forehand, the backhand.
In to your local squash club.
In to the club comp… and the club night out.
It’s a game that suits us.
Chaotic and full of energy.
Sweat and tears. And laughs.
Indoors. Makes sense.
You might not see them,
But they’re all around.
Great Irish squash clubs.
Great people, great fun.
Step in to Squash.
Scott Graham, Squash Ireland CEO.
[email protected]
Applications were submitted in September 2023, with announcements on equipment funding published in May 2024, and capital funding made today.
The biggest beneficiary was Athlone Squash Club, which Irish Squash was pleased to provide a letter of support for the facility, which could act as a regional hub for squash in the Midlands although a significant funding shortfall remains.
Glenville Squash Club was awarded €15,045 for club and court upgrades, while Freshford Squash Club received a similar amount of €15,695.
Speaking on the news, Irish Squash CEO Scott Graham said:
“I am delighted for the clubs that were successful with their applications and have been awarded significant investment. Increasing and enhancing squash facilities across the island of Ireland is an important factor in continuing to grow the sport and make it more accessible and enjoyable to be a part of.
“For any clubs that did not apply or were unsuccessful, there will be more opportunities through future rounds of the Community Sports Facility Fund or local schemes managed by councils and local sports partnerships, such as the recent Local Enhancement Programme or Community Recognition Fund.”
“We will continue to highlight capital and other funding opportunities as they arise and are available to assist clubs where possible.”
If you missed Irish Squash’s recent webinar, facilitated by 2into3 on ‘How to Develop Local Club Facilities,’ please contact [email protected] to receive a recording of the webinar.
Click here for more on the Community Sports Facilities Fund.
