AZSRA conducted a virtual online meeting to share with the community the work it had been doing for almost two years to set up the organization and to easily prepare it for volunteers to assist with its activities in growing the sport of squash in Arizona. Below is a summary of the evening’s meeting. We greatly appreciate those who attended live, and we hope this summary will inform those who are interested but couldn’t attend.
Meeting Summary
Arizona Squash Racquets Association – Introduction
The meeting focused on introducing the newly formed Arizona Squash Racquets Association (AZSRA) organization. Mallard “Mal” Owen, president and treasurer of AZSRA, led the discussion along with Heewook Lee, secretary of AZSRA. The group discussed the formation of the state association, which had been in development since 2023. Brian Donaghy from US Squash joined the meeting remotely and was mentioned as being very helpful in the process of establishing the new district. The meeting was recorded for those who could not attend, and participants were encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback on the new organization.
Arizona Squash District Formation
Mal discussed the formation of an official Arizona Squash district organization, outlining its purpose to grow the sport in the state, bring players together socially, and strengthen the squash programming. He reviewed the progress made, including the creation of bylaws, formation of an initial board with Heewook as secretary, securing non-profit status, and establishing a website at www.ArizonaSquash.org. The organization has also started receiving a portion of US Squash membership dues from Arizona members to support operations.
U.S. Squash Program Overview
Brian Donaghy, Director of Squash Programs at U.S. Squash, explained the organization’s role as the national governing body for squash in the United States and discussed the importance of districts in promoting the game. He outlined various national championships and events managed by U.S. Squash and emphasized the need for districts to help grow awareness and participation in squash. Brian encouraged the audience to join U.S. Squash and register their play through Club Locker to help facilitate more programming in the region, noting that while membership currently costs $149, a new package with additional benefits will be introduced in the fall.
AZSRA Launch and Growth Strategies
The meeting focused on launching the Arizona Squash Racquets Association (AZSRA) and discussing strategies to grow the local squash community. Mal and Heewook outlined next steps, including recruiting volunteers and board members, encouraging players to set up their free Club Locker accounts, and organizing tournaments and leagues. Mal mentioned that he was traveling to Tucson that weekend to conduct squash clinics for both the University of Arizona and the Tucson Jewish Community Center. Suggestions included decentralizing efforts by involving club representatives to connect with grassroots players and exploring ways to allow non-Village members to participate in leagues. Brian from U.S. Squash provided insights on leveraging the organization’s support and tools to facilitate collaboration with clubs. The group discussed challenges, such as promoting events beyond the Village Health Club & Spa chain (metro Phoenix) and ensuring proper use of Club Locker for tournaments and leagues. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback and volunteer to help advance the association’s goals.
Next Steps for Current Players, New Players, and Squash Enthusiasts
- If not already a US Squash member, players should go to this link to sign up for their free Club Locker account. This account not only informs and assists with communications to players about local, regional, and national events, but it also is a requirement for sanctioned ladders, leagues, and tournament play. Plus, all play recorded on Club Locker helps create player ratings, which are then used by players and organizers to create more enjoyable and competitive matches/events. For more information about Club Locker’s features and capabilities, click here to go to the US Squash website.
- Submit your interest for becoming a volunteer and/or with your ideas for squash programs by emailing AZSRA at [email protected].
- Share your passion for squash with others! Let them know about the game, AZSRA, US Squash, and especially about the fact that squash will finally be in the Olympics in Los Angeles, CA, in 2028 (LA28)!! Have them reach out to us via our website form or email us at [email protected]