US Squash has released additional details on the Community Affiliate Network and is now welcoming applications. In the coming year, US Squash will add dozens of Community Affiliates across the country, pioneering a model that will bring the sport to thousands of new players and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.
Building off a strong foundation of traditional club and school-based models, squash communities of the future will be grown around multi-purpose facilities which integrate a full range of programming. These community squash centers, featuring both indoor and outdoor courts, will dramatically increase access to the sport and bring an expanding and diverse community together.
Investments in infrastructure are essential to support the efforts of squash leaders nationwide and to create sustainable growth in access to the sport. The US Squash Community Initiative, anchored by the Community Affiliate Network, will stimulate and support the establishment of centers nationally and will be overseen by the US Squash Senior Advisor for Community Programs.
The Community Affiliate Network partners US Squash with nonprofit facilities that deliver programs and advance the goals of the Community Initiative: to provide access and lifelong engagement in squash to people spanning the entire socio-economic spectrum, fostering lasting relationships across generations, genders, races and religions and building a lasting and diverse community rooted in shared values.
US Squash will host a virtual Community Squash Town Hall on Wednesday, December 16 from 5-6 pm EST, featuring US Squash staff and leaders from Community Affiliate Network programs. Learn more here:
Community Squash Town Hall
Currently, Atlanta Community Squash, Portland Community Squash and Access Youth Academy in San Diego have joined the Community Affiliate Network, with many more facilities in the pipeline. The Arlen Specter US Squash Center, opening on the campus of Drexel University in Philadelphia in 2021, will play an essential role as a hub of program innovation, allowing US Squash to share best practices nationally.
Community Affiliate Tiers and Application Process
Community Affiliates are tiered into three levels to allow for the inclusion of emerging programs while recognizing more established organizations and regional leaders:
- Emerging Community Affiliate
- Local Community Affiliate
- Regional Community Affiliate
Each tier has a different set of criteria and benefits, which are detailed on the US Squash website:
US Squash Community Affiliate Landing Page
What resources are available for aspiring Community Affiliates?
US Squash is documenting and will disseminate best practices across the country. Currently, Barrett Takesian, US Squash Senior Advisor for Community Programs, offers consulting services to organizations. Aspiring Community Affiliates include groups that are planning new indoor/outdoor construction, and also those with existing facilities that want to increase access to a broader community.
What are the benefits to becoming a Community Affiliate?
- Inclusion in the Community Affiliate Network
- Use of the Community Affiliate brand and marketing materials
- Programmatic assistance and the sharing of best practices
- Full use of Clublocker software and all support services at best rates available
- Coordination on pilot program implementation (local + regional only)
- Integration with national high-performance Team USA programs (regional only)
- Hosting of major regional and national level competitions (regional only)
How does an organization apply to join the Network?
Established facilities, or those in the planning phase, should submit the Community Affiliate application to the US Squash Senior Advisor for Community Programs. If the organization meets the criteria, US Squash will issue an accreditation and publish a press release. Any nonprofit squash organization is welcome to apply to the Community Affiliate Network. Additional Community Initiative programs will become available for other organization types.
Interested in learning more or applying?
See more detailed information and the full application here:
US Squash Community Affiliate Landing Page
