Squash club returns with world class courts

SQUASH has returned to Ballina with a new purpose-built facility featuring two all-glass courts and ambitions to help develop athletes targeting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Northern Rivers Squash Club relaunched this month after volunteers and community members worked to revive the sport following the closure of the club’s previous venue in November last year.

The relaunch event was attended by former Australian player and national coach Ryan Cuskelly, who joined local players and supporters to mark the occasion.

The facility includes two all-glass courts, a rare feature in Australia, and the club hopes the venue could eventually serve as a training base for elite players.

The club’s previous venue closed in November 2024, leaving an estimated 60 to 70 regular weekly players without a local competition base.

In response, players and community members formed a not-for-profit committee to explore options for a revival.

Club president Ryan Beavis said the reopening was the result of sustained volunteer effort and determination to preserve the sport in the region.

“To be back up and running in that short time with a brand-new facility, you do sort of pinch yourself how it all came together,” he said.

“When the old court shut, there was still about 60 to 70 members playing weekly in Ballina, and suddenly there wasn’t a viable alternative to keep playing.”

 

Initially, the group explored council-supported shared spaces before ultimately securing a site on Ascot Road.

Alongside competitive fixtures, the club is introducing private coaching and beginner programs aimed at rebuilding participation and attracting new players.

A strong emphasis has also been placed on junior development, which Beavis said would be critical to the sport’s long-term future.

“The key to any sport is growing juniors, and that’s going to be our focus for the next few years,” he said.

“We need to build that junior group so there’s a next generation coming through and it doesn’t just fade out with us.”

The club is also exploring opportunities to host professional events and exhibition matches, alongside adapted formats such as doubles and timed competitions to maximise court usage.

Beavis said the region had a strong squash history and welcomed the return of elite talent to support the reopening.

“We’ve had great squash players come out of this area,” he said.

“Ryan Cuskelly is originally from Evans Head, he came back to help us open the courts and played an exhibition match. It’s really special to see those connections still there.”