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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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Squash Summit 2025: Cairo, 13–14 September
Squash Summit 2025 takes place 13–14 September in Cairo during the Egyptian Open. Hosted by the Squash United Foundation, this non-profit, two-day conference unites federations, clubs, coaches, players, and partners to share strategies as squash builds toward its LA28 Olympic debut. The 2025 theme explores the secrets behind Egypt’s success—from grassroots to pro. Speakers include leaders from WSF, ESF, and legends Ali Farag, Karim Darwish, and Raneem El Welily.
LA28 Awards Venue Naming Rights for First Time in Olympics Games History
For the first time in Olympic and Paralympic history, LA28 introduces venue naming rights, unlocking a new commercial model for the Games. Comcast Squash Center at Universal Studios will host Squash’s Olympic debut, while Honda Center in Anaheim retains its name to host Volleyball. These groundbreaking partnerships with Comcast and Honda mark a milestone in LA28’s mission for privately funded, innovative Games. Additional partners are expected as the countdown continues.
Racquet Sports at the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta
The 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta strategically features squash due to its logistical fit and sustainable venue use. Badminton, historically significant but requiring greater resources, is excluded temporarily. Emerging sports like padel and pickleball await wider adoption before potential inclusion, reflecting careful strategic decisions balancing tradition, sustainability, and local capabilities.
Exploring the Future of Pickleball and Padel Facilities: IAPPF 2025 Conference Preview
The 2025 IAPPF International Conference & Expo will be held in Austin from October 1–4, gathering global professionals in pickleball and padel. Led by industry pioneer David Johnson, the event offers educational sessions, targeted networking, and insights into growth trends like multi-sport facilities. With decision-makers in attendance, it serves as a key platform for suppliers, operators, and investors shaping the future of racquet sports venues.
From School Squash to Student Nights: SquashUP Reenergizes the Sport in Germany
The Squash Up! initiative is reigniting interest in squash across Germany through school partnerships and social events for university students. Led by former champion Simon Frenz and supported by the German Squash Federation, it combines teacher training and lively “Squash Up! Nights” to engage new players. With pilot programs in Hamburg and Norderstedt showing strong demand, the initiative aims to expand nationally and rebuild the sport’s grassroots base.
Elevating Racquet Sports Ecosystem Together: Explore the New SFN Website!
Explore the newly redesigned SFN website dedicated to supporting multi-racquet facilities with enhanced tools, insights, and community-driven collaboration. Discover how SFN's updated vision and mission foster innovation, shared growth, and inclusivity across all racquet sports. Recently recognized as the 2025 Sporting Association of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.
Inside Squash & Education Alliance: Where Squash Courts Meet Community
Explore how the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) transforms lives through squash and academics. With over $150M in facility investment and $30M raised annually, SEA supports 4,000+ underprivileged youth worldwide. Discover a powerful model where squash courts become vibrant community hubs for education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Squash and the Asian Games 2026: Central Stage in the Middle of the Action
Squash returns to the spotlight at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October. Held at the modern Nagoya Kinjo Pier Arena, the event marks another major milestone for the sport in Asia. Since its debut in 1998, squash has grown in reach and importance across the continent. With the sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, the Asian Games serve as a key platform to elevate its visibility and impact.
Club Governance & Development Toolkit now live on Squash Ireland Website
Squash Ireland has launched a Club Governance and Development Toolkit to support clubs in growing and managing their operations. It offers guidance on key areas like starting a club or junior section, finances, volunteers, governance, marketing, and more. This initiative is part of their 2022–2027 strategic plan to modernise squash and make it more accessible across Ireland.
LA28: Why the Athlete Quota Was Reduced – And What It Means for Squash
The announcement that the athlete quota would for Squash be set at just 16 players per gender (down from an initially proposed 32) has prompted intense discussions within squash circles about the implications of this reduced allocation.The SFN takes a closer look at the International Olympic Committee’s strategic framework—particularly the IOC Agenda 2020—to better understand the reasoning behind this decision.
Update: IOC Confirms Final Athlete Quotas for LA28 – Squash Draws Reduced to 16 Players Per Gender
IOC confirms 16-player draws for squash at LA28, reducing the expected quota and reshaping the qualification path for squash at LA28.
What Can Squash Learn From RacquetX?
Squash must modernise quickly to thrive alongside booming padel and pickleball. RacquetX shows what's possible—lessons we need to learb
Squash and the Road to Brisbane 2032: A Comprehensive Look at a Sport on the Rise
Explore squash’s rise to Olympic inclusion, its Australian legacy, and how LA28 paves the way for a hopeful Brisbane 2032 debut.
Squash and the Olympic Games: From LA 28 to Brisbane 2032 – Opportunities and Challenges
Explore squash’s journey from LA 28 to Brisbane 2032, the challenges ahead, and what it takes to secure a permanent place in the Games.
Openings of New Facilities in Pittsburgh, Portland, and Lawrence Celebrate Major Milestones
Three SEA member programs reached milestones with the openings of new or expanded facilities, setting the stage for enhanced programming...
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.
Squash Ireland: New Branding and Initiatives to Drive Squash Forward
Squash Ireland's modern rebranding, new programs like HIT Squash & Social Squash Tour. Innovative plans to grow the sport across Ireland.
Back to the Future - Opportunities of Squash in Sweden
Swedish squash clubs met to boost growth, attract new players, and create thriving club environments with insights from int. experts.
Building squash courts and developing juniors... in the midst of war
Dimitry Scherbakov is building new squash courts and developing juniors - in the middle of the Ukraine-Russia war.
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