Sparx flying at squash and racquetball

AS members of the Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Association works to grow the popularity of their sport, they’re also building up the skills of the next generation.

Every Friday evening from 4pm during school terms, the Junior Sparx program is held at the Dowling Street courts welcoming children and teens under the age of 19 to try squash and racquetball.

Two coaches lead the two-hour sessions, and centre manager Tara Pilven said they aim to keep the evenings enjoyable and interactive.

“We do some skills with them, especially if they’re a beginner. We run through the rules, teach them how to serve, how to hit forehand and backhand, and then we play some games at the end,” she said.

“We do keep score, but we don’t post a ladder because we just want to keep the kids involved, fit and happy.”

Ballarat used to have three squash and racquetball centres and over 2000 members, but currently the Association has one site with about 120 to 140 participants.

Ms Pilven said these days the sport is one many young people may not have ever been exposed to, but if they give it a go, she expects they’ll have a lot of fun.

“The ball bounces everywhere within the court, and you can hit it as hard as you want. It’s indoors, so you can play it at any time during the year,” she said.

The Association offers free trials, and then each session is $6. Adult pennants are held Monday to Thursday with snacks and drinks afterwards.

“The sport is not mainstream, or as popular as it used to be, but we’re trying to get ourselves back up and running, especially after COVID,” Pilven said.

“The sport does still have a good following, and our club is a very social one.”