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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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Open Squash, New York – a blueprint for mission-driven, financially viable “community squash”
Open Squash, a non-profit with two Manhattan clubs, redefines urban squash by combining scale, inclusivity, and personalised member engagement. With a mission-first model, tiered pricing, and strong community outreach, the club proves that squash can be both financially viable and socially impactful—even in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Sportpark Nord Nürnberg – A Vibrant Example of Successful Racquet Sports Facility
Sportpark Nord in Nürnberg is a vibrant example of how older facilities can be transformed into modern racquet sports hubs. Built in the 1980s, the center has been successfully revitalized under Markus Sojka, now offering squash, padel, badminton, and fitness in one multifunctional space. With its strong focus on community, innovation, and quality infrastructure, Sportpark Nord shows how combining tradition with forward-thinking strategies creates new opportunities.
Philadelphia’s Specter Center: The US National Squash Hub Built for Growth, Not Profit
Philadelphia’s Specter Center is the U.S.'s largest squash facility and national hub, focused on access, excellence, and community—not profit. Opened in 2021, it blends historic architecture with cutting-edge amenities, hosts elite training and major events, and supports grassroots programs. Built with $27M in donor funding, it exemplifies how mission-driven infrastructure can grow the sport for all.
The Sportwerk Hamburg: A Traditional Squash Facility with Ambitious Plans for the Future
Sportwerk Hamburg, Germany’s largest squash venue, combines tradition with ambitious renovations and major tournaments.
Squash Montmartre: A Hidden Facility Where Parisian Charm Meets a Lifelong Passion for the Game
Discover Squash Montmartre – a cosy, vibrant club in Paris where squash, community, and culture come together in a truly unique setting.
The rise of Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club into one of Warwickshire's premier Padel clubs
At SFN, we love spotlighting clubs that embody community spirit, expand the squash ecosystem, and champion best practices for growth....
The Saffrons story: “We’ve built a new business model around padel”
The Saffrons in Eastbourne has revitalised its 139-year-old sports club by introducing four padel courts, breathing new life into the...
Tres Cantos: Spain’s Largest Squash Facility Takes Centre Stage
Spain’s largest squash facility, Tres Cantos, boasts 8 courts, a top-tier glass court, thriving leagues, and hosts the Women Spanish Open 25
A Multi-Racquet Facility for Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Pickleball: Wolfgang Denk’s Vision at the Racket Center Graz
Explore Wolfgang Denk’s Racket Center Graz—a multi-racquet hub for tennis, squash, padel, and pickleball.
The Rise of Multi-Racquet Sport Facilities: A New Era for Squash and Beyond
The SFN is currently observing a significant trend towards large multi-racquet sport facilities.
How the St. James in Washington D.C. is becoming stunning squash hotbed
Josh Taylor is a squash coach and innovator with pedigree. He has found his perfect match at The St. James in Washington DC.
Squash & Padel Nederland: How Squash can Thrive in the Netherlands
We ask Job Richter from Squash & Padel Nederland about managing squash facilities, attracting new members and the shifting sports landscape.
Nicol Squash: Lessons from Our Squash Facilities Journey
Peter Nicol MBE and wife Jessica Winstanley share lessons they've learned on their squash facilities journey so far.
Frans Otten Stadion - a family-run Mecca for squash
Glass Court of the Frans Otten Stadion The Frans Otten Stadion in Amsterdam is one of the world's largest squash clubs. With 20 glassback...
Is this the only UK squash club with a waiting list?
Towers Health & Racquets Club is one of very few squash facilities in the UK that has a waiting list to become a member. How have they...
Steel City Squash typifies American market's focus on youth
Steel City Squash in Pittsburgh unveils a new $11.1 million facility focused on youth development through squash and education. This center
How can squash facilities attract funding for their programmes?
Funding is a regular headache for anyone running squash programmes. How can you 'sell' the benefits of your programme to potential...
Membership or pay-and-play? 'A mixture is the best way forward for squash'
Irishman Vincent Bradley ( pictured above ) has been head squash coach and part of the management team at OASE sports and fitness club in...
Jahanzeb Khan on Houston’s Squash Boom and Fulfilling World Juniors Dream
This article originally appeared on the WSF World Junior Squash Championships 2024's official website, covering event in Houston, Texas....
The 1st Squash Club Dresden and its Successful Youth Work
Since its founding in late 1999, the 1st Squash Club Dresden has been dedicated to promoting the sport of squash, with a particular focus...
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