Boston, Massachusetts, one of the largest centers of squash activity in the USA is already home to Squashbusters, the original model for all other urban youth squash programs now spreading across the US. Also Boston is home to a large clump of private squash clubs boasting some 80 mostly new squash courts.

But Satinder Bajwa (known throughout the squash world as "Baj") thinks he has found an unmet demand for squash in the middle ground. He is busy pursuing this opportunity from his base at Harvard University's Barnaby Squash courts.

If one were to visit Harvard University’s Murr Center on a Saturday morning, chances are you would find a flurry of squash activity generated by young energetic players. These players attend KidSquash, Harvard’s community squash program that focuses exclusively on squash, unlike its counterparts such as SquashBusters which incorporate academics.

According to Bajwa, "Kidsquash educates youngsters through sport rather than education itself." There is already a model for programs that use squash as vehicle to provide education but none that just provide completely open access to squash itself. Harvard University has been very supportive of this initiative, in terms of open access to the institution's facilities.

Kidsquash participates engage in relay races under watchful eye of Renato Paiva, Kidsquash instructor,  photo © 2006 Tariq Mohammed..

KidSquash was founded in 2004 by Satinder Bajwa, Harvard’s Men’s and Women’s Coach (supported by Renato Paiva and Tariq Mohammed) who after several conversations with local squash enthusiasts determined that the Murr Center’s squash courts at Harvard could be used more productively, by providing access to youngsters in the Boston community \ who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play the sport.

Bajwa notes that, “while there is a provision for the haves and the have nots, the middle class (the core of the population in the United States) is left uncatered to. This is not the case in a country like the United Kingdom where many member clubs do allow open access to juniors interested in playing the game.” By making squash more accessible to this sector, he feels there is a better chance for organic growth of the game.

KidSquash leverages the playing and coaching expertise of Harvard’s varsity and junior varsity squash programs. Both men’s and women’s college varsity players volunteer their time to give back to the game to help youngsters from the ages of 7 – 18 who otherwise wouldn’t get a chance to play.

William Broadbent, Captain of Harvard’s Men’s Team and four-time All American says, “KidSquash comes as no surprise to me.  Unlike other community-based squash programs, Kidquash does not have a lengthy application process; rather, it has an open door policy for kids of all economic backgrounds (rich, poor, and middle-class).  As a result, the program attracts almost a hundred players a week.  This has helped expand the game locally, while at the same time has given Harvard Squash Team members a chance to become more involved in squash based community service."

The concept of Kidsquash is to introduce the rules and etiquette of the game and basic stroke production; accelerating the process of getting youngsters ready to play and enjoy the game as soon as possible. According to Coach Bajwa having had the chance to play and experience the game, they can then worry about the finer details of it at a later stage.

Based on the initial success of Kidsquash in the first two years of operating just once a week on weekends, 2006 – 2007 aims to offer more clinics during the week for those interested in furthering their skills. To that extent, Kidsquash plans to offer subsidized clinics in smaller groups for beginners and intermediate players during the week.

Some of the youngsters, like Kylie Lucas who has been regularly attending Kidsquash for one and a half years say that, “Kidsquash is a great opportunity to learn about the game and play against kids of the same level.” Kylie who attends the private Winsor School adds, “I like to come to KidSquash to have fun, play in a relaxed environment and learn from great coaches.” Sarah Lucas, Kylie’s mother adds that “when Kylie first became interested in squash, we found that unless you belong to a club or have a parent who plays (we don’t play) it was very difficult to get any exposure to the sport. In contrast, KidSquash is a fantastic way to get started if you have no connections to the sport. It is totally inclusive and provides everything you need to get started as a beginner and continue playing as you gain more skills.”

A group of Kidsquash participants follows a demonstration for their next activity,  photo © 2006 Tariq Mohammed..

As Satinder Bajwa, notes Kidsquash is a community squash program, “today for tomorrow.” The Kidsquash concept epitomizes this by facilitating the introduction of the game and in the process finding those who have the passion to pursue it thereby becoming the players for tomorrow.

Tariq Mohammed says, "As an active player and promoter of Kidsquash, I’m looking forward to seeing the youngsters play in their first Kidsquash tournament. It promises to offer a unique format that will incorporate competitive play, fun games and specific-squash related challenges scheduled for March 24-25, 2006 for all participants. In short, the future of squash looks brighter."