Insights Library — All Posts by Category

Explore the Racquet Sports Institute Insights Library—a single place for decision-grade analysis, benchmarks, and practical playbooks. Because no courts, no players, our content keeps facilities at the center while connecting market signals to design and day-to-day operations. You’ll find deep dives on ecosystem trends and country developments, proven facility models, smart management (planning, community, programming, operations tech), architecture that turns strategy into built performance, updates on our forthcoming AI.

The Quiet Revolution: How Kanzy El Defrawy is Reinventing Squash in the UAE

After an injury ended her pro career, Kanzy El Defrawy arrived in Dubai seeking anonymity and found a city full of squash courts but no system. She built The Flying Daf Academy from scratch, pushed for federation pathways, educated parents, and expanded to 12 sites. Next comes a true home: a seven-court hub inside the green-financed AllSports Arena in Al Quoz, opening Dec 2025/early 2026—uniting training, leagues, and national ambitions.

Country Reports

New Insights Redefine the Future of Padel in the United States

The 2025 State of Padel in the US Report highlights the sport’s rapid rise and unique U.S. trajectory. While infrastructure lags behind Europe, growth is accelerating with indoor-first expansion, smart club models, and surging equipment sales. Unified competition structures and the World Padel Rating are bringing order to the market. Yet challenges remain—especially coaching gaps and risks of overbuilding. For investors and operators, disciplined strategy is key.

Country Reports

Michelle Martin’s Vision: Squash for Everyone in Australia

Australia’s squash revival hinges on shifting from aging, privately owned courts to council-run, multi-sport hubs. Michelle Martin shows how advocacy through state bodies unlocks funding and access. Case studies: a like-for-like rebuild at North Manly (still just three courts) and a push for Willoughby’s private centre to become a community racquet hub. Aligned with ASC’s Play Well strategy, plans should prioritise informal play, modular design and 4–6 court clusters.

Country Reports

Jack Wang and Tengfei Squash Club: A Case Study of Squash’s Rise in China

Squash is booming in China, led by Jack Wang’s Tengfei Squash Club (FSC) in Shanghai. A former national champion, Wang built FSC into a multi-branch hub with elite coaching, youth focus, and global ties. With squash joining the Olympics and national support growing, FSC is poised to shape the sport’s future in China.

Country Reports

England’s 10-Year Health Plan: Impact on Racquet Sports Facilities

England’s 10-Year Health Plan will inject £400 million into community sport infrastructure. The SFN analyzes how this public investment impacts racquet sports facilities, especially Squash, Padel, and Pickleball. Opportunities include visibility and school integration, while risks arise from subsidized competition. Public-private cooperation is key to sustainable growth.

Country Reports

Spotlight on Austria: The Story Behind the Austrian Squash Challenge

Discover the inspiring story behind the Austrian Squash Challenge, led by 19-time national champion Aqeel Rehman. From grassroots outreach to hosting a PSA tournament in a busy Salzburg mall, this initiative is redefining squash in Austria. With kids’ programs, public engagement, and long-term vision, it’s a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can revive a sport — one court and one community at a time.

Country Reports

Squash "will enter the Olympics" for the first time, and the Chinese team will start from scratch

China is investing in cross-discipline talent, hiring top coaches, and integrating squash into sports schools, clubs, and campuses. With long-term planning and grassroots development, the country aims to build a competitive team and boost national interest in the sport.

Country Reports