Twenty-eight young squash players from four local primary schools took to the courts at Macclesfield Leisure Centre for an exciting girls junior squash competition for Women’s Squash Week 2026!
Everybody Health & Leisure and the Inspire Squash Academy hosted the event, with funding support from Girls In Motion, aiming to provide girls with the opportunity to get involved with Squash.
The Girls Only Be Inspired Cup saw players compete in two rounds of matches, providing an excellent opportunity to develop their skills, gain valuable match experience and enjoy friendly competition in a fun and supportive environment.
Representing five four different schools, the young players demonstrated impressive determination, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout both days. The competition showcased the growing interest in squash across the local area and highlighted the positive impact that school and community partnerships can have in encouraging young people to get active. The competition is part of a wider and continued partnership between Everybody Health & Leisure and the Inspire Squash Academy to make squash more accessible and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
Chris Ogden, founder & head coach at the Inspire Squash Academy said:
“It was fantastic to see so many young people enjoying squash and representing their schools. This is our second year running the competition and it is great to see the enthusiasm, determination and the bravery of the girls in trying something new and getting stuck in! Events like this are a brilliant way to build confidence on and off court, encourage physical activity and inspiring more young people to get involved in the sport.”
Keith Rogers, Sports Lead, Youth Participation & Volunteering at Everybody Health & Leisure, added:
“It’s fantastic to be working with Chris to help more people enjoy sport and experience the benefits of being active. The enthusiasm shown by all the young people at this competition has been brilliant to see, and we’re really excited about what’s to come through our growing squash programme.”
Building on the success of the event, a range of new squash opportunities will soon be launching at a number of Everybody Health & Leisure Venues, including:
• Junior Squash sessions for young players looking to develop their skills and confidence on court.
• Tots Squash, Parent and child pre-school sessions building fundamental motor skills through fun and engaging activities
• Ladies Squash, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for women of all abilities.
• No Strings Squash, providing a relaxed and social way for adults to try the sport without any long-term commitment.
The successful competition marks another exciting step in growing participation in squash across Cheshire East, with more opportunities on the horizon for local residents to discover the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of the sport.
For more information and to book onto upcoming sessions, visit:
Junior Squash: Junior Squash Academy | Inspire Squash Academy (Multiple locations available)
Tots Squash: Tot’s Squash (Ages 2-4) | Inspire Squash Academy (Wilmslow)
Ladies Squash: Squash 101 Women | Inspire Squash Academy (Macclesfield)
No Strings Squash: No Strings Squash (FREE Taster Sessions) | Inspire Squash Academy (Wilmslow)
Volunteer in squash? Join the volunteering team here!
