About us

We boost squash's presence and profitability

An independent association of experts

Your Go-To Partner in the Squash Ecosystem

The SFN is an independent association of experts—facility operators, designers, consultants, and coaches—who have been successfully involved in the squash facility sector for decades.

The shared motivation of SFN experts stems from a deep passion for squash and a strong belief in its potential as a financially successful investment. Driven by this, we are dedicated to supporting both existing and new facilities, helping them thrive and unlock their full potential.

We are not reinventing the wheel but rather adapting successful strategies from other areas of the leisure industry to squash, based on scientific studies.

Our Vision

We aim to strengthen the sport of squash while sustainably increasing the profitability of squash facilities. The SFN brings together top experts to provide comprehensive support, insights, and innovative solutions worldwide. Our goal is to establish squash as a central component of the leisure and racket sports industry and to enhance the sport's economic profile.

Our Mission

Through our unparalleled expertise, we strengthen the global squash community, promote investments in squash facilities, and ensure sustainable long-term returns for investors and operators. To close the gap in professional management practices, we continuously expand our market understanding through in-depth analyses and benchmarking.

The SFN Team

Expert: Facilities / Courts

Markus Gaebel

Markus has extensive experience in the squash industry, dating back to 1979, with key roles in PR, Bundesliga League Management, and organizing PSA tournaments. He has played a pivotal role in the international sale of squash courts, contributing to the global growth of the sport. Over the course of more than three decades, Markus has been involved in selling nearly 3,000 squash courts across 70 countries. His experience includes successful projects on all continents, where he was actively involved in the planning and implementation of squash facilities. He is a strong advocate for the sport’s potential and highlights the vital role of squash within the leisure industry.

Expert: Facilities / Community

Bradley Hindle

Vincent Bradley has been the owner at the highly successful Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club in Brisbane, Australia, since 2018. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he was awarded Squash Australia's "Squash Manager of the Year" in both 2022 and 2023. As a former professional player, Bradley claimed seven PSA Tour titles and achieved a career-high ranking in the top 60 worldwide.

His coaching career has been truly global, with high-profile roles across various countries. Bradley has served as Australia’s National Junior Coach and represented Malta as both Head Coach and player in three Commonwealth Games.

Expert: Facilities / Community

Vincent Bradley

Born in Ireland, Vincent Bradley began his career as a professional squash player. He played for the Irish National team. In 1982, he moved to Bochum, where he has since been a driving force at Oase Health and Sports Club, Bochum.

As Managing Director, Vincent has led the organization to become German Club of the year twice in ten years. With his extensive experience in health management and cooperative business models, he is promoting a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing. Vincent’s commitment to innovation in the wellness industry aligns with SFN’s mission to unlock new opportunities for squash facilities worldwide.

Sports Science Advisor

Dr. Andreas Franke-Thiele

Andreas starting playing squash as a schoolboy at a small, mono-sport facility in Hamburg-Bramfeld. Since then, squash has always been part of his life, as a sports teacher at the Kaifu-Lodge and as a racquet sports lecturer at the University of Hamburg. As part of his PhD thesis, Andreas studied the development of sports culture in Germany in Professor Naul's (Essen) doctoral group. Andreas has worked at the European Media and Business Academy (EMBA) as an accredited university lecturer in the field of fitness training and event management. In training theory, he has concentrated on coach training and currently works as a sports science advisor and department head for athletics and fitness at the Academy for Sports, Health and Nutrition (ASGE).

SFN Institute

Isabel Zschabran

Isabel is a former heptathlon athlete who began playing squash while studying sports at the University of Hamburg. Her coaching career has taken her around the world, with stints in the USA, France, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Since 1999, she has been coaching athletic fitness, yoga, and Pilates at Kaifu-Lodge Hamburg, seizing every opportunity to play squash.

Isabel has been a sports teacher since 2016 and earned a master's degree in 'Management and Quality Development' from the University of Kiel, Germany. With her background in teaching and coaching within schools and the fitness industry, Isabel offers invaluable insights into the emerging new generation and a broad perspective on sports development.

SFN Website

Mike Dale

Mike writes our posts for the SFN website and is a lifelong squash player and experienced sports journalist. He is Head of Content and Communications for the European Squash Federation and also writes for Squash Player magazine and Squash Mad.

He was Squash Specialist for the media team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

He is also editor of ThePadelPaper.com and Pickleball52.com and is Content and Communications Manager for the UK charity Panathlon.

SFN Data Analyst

Rachele Gaebel

Rachele is currently pursuing her studies in Economics, Management, and Computer Science at Bocconi University in Milan. Her specialization is in Data Analysis, with a strong focus on uncovering valuable insights in the global leisure market. Rachele is dedicated to delivering reliable, data-driven assessments to support SFN members in making informed strategic decisions.

Her analytical expertise enables her to track squash’s growth trends and market dynamics worldwide, identifying new opportunities for expansion and development.

Your Go-To Partner in the Squash Ecosystem

If you have any questions or need guidance regarding the squash ecosystem, SFN is the right partner for you. We are committed to providing expert assistance tailored to your needs. Click Book a video call | Squash Facilities and we'll discuss how SFN can support you on your specific topic.

Consulting and Strategic Planning: We offer customized consulting services to develop sustainable business models and effective growth strategies tailored to your needs. Our team collaborates closely with you to identify opportunities, address challenges, and create a strategic roadmap that ensures long-term success for your squash facility or association.

Market Analysis and Benchmarking: We conduct comprehensive market analyses to provide you with valuable insights into the squash ecosystem. By examining industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer behaviors, we establish important benchmarks that help you measure performance and make informed decisions. Our data-driven approach ensures you stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Training and Education: We organize specialized training sessions and workshops for coaches, players, and administrative staff to elevate the quality and professionalism within your organization. Our programs are designed to enhance skills, promote best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, empowering your team to achieve excellence both on and off the court.