The Train-a-Trainer program–focused on converting squash players into Start Squash Certified coaches in one day–launched its second program nationwide in Los Angeles Saturday, September 17, laying the groundwork for a youth squash initiative set to take place in LA this fall.
Last week, US Squash announced plans to host the 12-week youth program from October through December in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and SoCal Squash, the regional district affiliate of US Squash. The program will be held at two locations as a part of the PlayLA initiative, which provides youth of all abilities access to quality sports available from their local neighborhood recreation center, and aims to inspire and engage the community in the lead up to the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Using already existing handball courts at the Pecan Recreation Center, thirteen local squash players took part in the course and became certified. Later that afternoon, the new trainers introduced sixteen kids to the sport for the first time through a program of drills, mini games and eventually match play.
“It was a special moment seeing the trainers using their new skills to share their love for the game and introducing new players to the sport,” said Sakora Miller, US Squash Senior Manager of Community Programs. “There is tremendous growth potential for squash in Southern California and this is just the beginning. We’re looking forward to seeing more kids enjoying squash for the first time like we did today throughout this fall.”
The programming in Los Angeles builds on the momentum of squash in southern California, where Access Youth Academy, a member of the US Squash Community Affiliate Network, recently opened a major new community squash center in San Diego that will offer the sport to thousands of new players annually.
For more information, contact community@ussquash.org.
