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Insights, Ideas & Best Practices
Welcome to the SFN Blog – your go-to source for relevant knowledge, practical tools, and fresh perspectives on planning, building, and managing racquet sports facilities.
Here you’ll find curated content that covers every angle of the business: from strategic planning, architecture, and operations, to community building, programming, and technology. Each post is designed to help facility operators, investors, and partners navigate the evolving landscape of squash, padel, pickleball, and badminton.
No buzzwords – just experience, insight, and ideas that work.
Dive in, stay inspired, and let’s shape the future of racquet sports together.
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One Sport, Many Courts: Why Context Matters in Squash Construction
SFN’s deep dive into squash court construction exposes a critical truth: not all courts are created equal. From performance risks to financial fallout, poor planning can cost everything. Prestigious glass courts may look stunning, but can be a disaster in the wrong setting. With global cases like Open Squash NYC and major builds in Riyadh, it’s time for the WSF specs to evolve — or risk holding the sport back.
What Makes Squash Courts Different – Part 4: Flooring, Glass Back Walls Lighting and Climate Control
Part 4 of the SFN series highlights key infrastructure elements that define quality squash courts: flooring, glass back walls, lighting, and climate control. It outlines essential safety standards, planning tips, and technical requirements for optimal performance, durability, and player comfort. Facility operators gain clear guidance to create safe, high-performing environments aligned with international best practices.
What Makes Squash Courts Different – Part 3: Characteristics of Court Wall Types
Discover how different squash court wall types impact acoustics, ball behaviour, maintenance, and long-term performance. A must-read for facility operators, architects, and investors planning or upgrading squash courts.
What Makes Squash Courts Different –Part 2: Outdoor and Demountable Courts
Outdoor and demountable courts challenge the idea that squash is only played indoors or that courts must stay in one place. From glass show courts at iconic outdoor venues to solid courts designed for relocation, flexibility is growing. This article explores the key differences, challenges, and smart planning tips for anyone investing in courts that can adapt to future needs.
Squash Court Types: Best-Practice Series on What Makes Courts Different
Squash courts aren’t one-size-fits-all. SFN’s new Best Practice series compares indoor vs outdoor, plaster, panel, sand-filled, glass and demountable courts, showing how material choices affect play, cost, safety and sustainability. Follow along and, by series end, grab our practical checklist to pick the perfect court for your club.
It's Time to Develop the Next Generation of Squash Glass Courts for LA 28
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Discover why LA28 is the perfect moment to rethink squash glass courts and push for innovation in design, safety, and spectator experience.
The Technical Evolution of Squash Glass Show Courts
Evolving from 1950s windows to advanced printing, show glass courts globally redefine match visibility for spectators and broadcasters today
Installing the Right Flooring for Squash Courts: A Practical Checklist
Learn how to select the best squash court flooring with this practical checklist: standards, wood, grades, installation, sustainability.
Outdoor Steel Courts: An Interview with Robert Gibralter
Discover the journey behind the innovative outdoor steel squash court, co-created by Robert Gibralter, attracting players worldwide.
The Impact of Court Walls in Enhancing Squash for Beginners
Discover how squash court wall types impact beginners' experiences. Learn key factors to consider when choosing walls to enhance play and im
World's first collapsible court to open up access to squash in Stockholm
The world's first collapsible squash court launches in Stockholm, increasing access for local youth and promoting community and health.
Squash Glass Courts: A Perspective from the Top with Ashraf Hanafi
In a detailed interview with Ashraf Hanafi, a renowned figure in the world of squash, the Squash Facilities Network (SFN) delved into the...
Renovation of Squash Court Walls
After the squash season is drawing to a closmany facilities are beginning to plan for court renovations. Based on numerous inquiries, the...
Outdoor squash: is Rik Zwikker's fresh air court the best solution yet?
Outdoor squash is gaining traction, offering unique al-fresco experiences with innovative court designs.
Lee Beachill's Vision for All Glass Courts
In an enlightening discussion with Lee Beachill, the Chief Operating Officer of the Professional Squash Association (PSA), the Squash...
Optimizing Squash Court Floor Maintenance for Cost-Effectiveness
Squash court floors, by virtue of the unique demands of the sport, face more challenges than typical sports flooring. Unlike many wooden...
Secrets of Show Glass Courts - Contra Vision Technology and its Application in Squash Show Courts
Explore the revolutionary evolution of all-glass squash courts, featuring advanced Contra Vision® technology.
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