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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.
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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.
From Gold Medals to Grassroots: Yes—Sport Policy Is Pivoting
For decades, sport policy meant funding elite athletes to chase Olympic and major games medals. That model is cracking. Governments from the UK to Australia and Canada now prioritise grassroots participation, health, and inclusion. The IOC’s own reforms—gender parity, citizen events like the “Marathon Pour Tous,” and school programs—underscore this shift. International Federations that embrace participation will thrive; those stuck on medals risk losing funding, hosts, and pu
From Court Time to Well-Being: Why Racquet Clubs Should Double Down on Wellness
Wellness is no longer a spa add-on but a growth driver for racquet clubs. The Global Wellness Institute’s microtrend report shows younger players seek social recovery, better sleep, and mental fitness alongside court time. From social sauna culture to sleep-smart facilities and evidence-based recovery, wellness widens reach, boosts loyalty, and smooths utilization. For tennis, squash, padel, and pickleball venues, the post-match experience may be as decisive as the match itse
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.
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.
Eighteen Minutes: Sport’s Fight for Fan Attention
Sport is competing in the attention economy. Red Torch finds fans give roughly 18 minutes of daily social time to sport while hundreds of thousands of accounts fight for it. Passion doesn’t equal consumption; relevance must be earned. The winners create participation through authentic communities, agile club partnerships and culture-led events, and by entering the wellness conversation. Measuring minutes of attention becomes the benchmark for sponsorship value and long-term g
Padel and Pickleball: A new systematic review examined the affect on mental health
Padel and pickleball are more than trending racket sports—they offer distinct mental health benefits for players. A 2025 systematic review highlights that pickleball boosts life satisfaction, happiness, and social connection, particularly in seniors. Padel enhances self-confidence and reduces anxiety among competitive players but increases mental fatigue. Club operators can leverage these findings to optimize programs and improve member wellbeing.
Elite Squash as a driver of squash development: Victor Crouin’s perspective
French No. 1 Victor Crouin shares how high-level squash can drive the sport’s growth. From inspiring youth and families to leveraging media visibility, he stresses the role of passionate coaches, strategic promotion, and outdoor courts. For Crouin, elite squash isn’t a magic fix, but a powerful tool when used wisely — creating a virtuous circle between grassroots participation and top-level performance.
LA28 Awards Venue Naming Rights for First Time in Olympics Games History
For the first time in Olympic and Paralympic history, LA28 introduces venue naming rights, unlocking a new commercial model for the Games. Comcast Squash Center at Universal Studios will host Squash’s Olympic debut, while Honda Center in Anaheim retains its name to host Volleyball. These groundbreaking partnerships with Comcast and Honda mark a milestone in LA28’s mission for privately funded, innovative Games. Additional partners are expected as the countdown continues.
Racquet Sports at the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta
The 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta strategically features squash due to its logistical fit and sustainable venue use. Badminton, historically significant but requiring greater resources, is excluded temporarily. Emerging sports like padel and pickleball await wider adoption before potential inclusion, reflecting careful strategic decisions balancing tradition, sustainability, and local capabilities.
PSA Squash Tour Prize Money Up 18% to Record $12.5M Following 2024-25 Season
The PSA Squash Tour hit a historic high in 2024-25 with $12.5M in player compensation, marking an 18.4% rise from the previous season. This follows the rollout of a new tour structure aimed at long-term stability ahead of squash's LA28 Olympic debut. With 1,019 events across 70 countries and balanced earnings between top male and female players, the season reflects PSA’s commitment to global growth, financial equity, and athlete opportunity.
Sport Shops in Racquet Facilities: Adapting to the Online Challenge
Sports shops in racket facilities face challenges due to online competition. Shaun from Oliver emphasizes competitive pricing, honest advice, product testing, efficient service, essential accessories, profitable restringing services, and brand partnerships as crucial for success.
The Social Club Revolution in Racquet Sports
Racquet sports like padel and pickleball are booming not just for fitness, but for their social appeal. This article explores how the rise of “social clubs” is reshaping the racquet sports industry by combining sport, hospitality, and community. From facility design to programming and member experience, it outlines how true social value—not just branding—will define the next generation of racquet clubs.
Exploring the Future of Pickleball and Padel Facilities: IAPPF 2025 Conference Preview
The 2025 IAPPF International Conference & Expo will be held in Austin from October 1–4, gathering global professionals in pickleball and padel. Led by industry pioneer David Johnson, the event offers educational sessions, targeted networking, and insights into growth trends like multi-sport facilities. With decision-makers in attendance, it serves as a key platform for suppliers, operators, and investors shaping the future of racquet sports venues.
From School Squash to Student Nights: SquashUP Reenergizes the Sport in Germany
The Squash Up! initiative is reigniting interest in squash across Germany through school partnerships and social events for university students. Led by former champion Simon Frenz and supported by the German Squash Federation, it combines teacher training and lively “Squash Up! Nights” to engage new players. With pilot programs in Hamburg and Norderstedt showing strong demand, the initiative aims to expand nationally and rebuild the sport’s grassroots base.
Paradigm Shift in Government Sports Policy: From Elite Focus to Mass Participation in Racquet Sports
G20 governments are shifting from elite sport funding to policies promoting mass participation for public health. Racquet sports—tennis, badminton, squash, table tennis, padel, and pickleball—are well-positioned in this new era. Their health benefits, inclusivity, and rising popularity offer strategic opportunities for facilities to partner with public sectors, engage underserved groups, and access infrastructure funding to thrive within the evolving policy landscape.
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.
Padel Court Construction – Quick Implementation Checklist
In the final article of our Padel Court Construction series, we provide a detailed checklist to help you review every key aspect of your project before completion. Building on Part 1 (planning and permits) and Part 2 (construction and materials), this practical guide ensures your court is fully compliant, functional, and ready for play. Whether you're finalizing fencing, lighting, or surfacing, this checklist keeps your project on track.
Elite Squash: A Lever to Develop the Sport?
Rémy Mabillon, a businessman with no squash background, became a key sponsor of Annecy’s top squash team. His passion lies in discipline, excellence, and supporting athletes in reaching their potential. Though elite squash brought limited visibility, he saw value in human connection and long-term impact. Through clubs and his RM Academy, he promotes access to sport, especially for youth, aiming to foster values beyond competition.
Build the Future of Squash in the US Together - Courtwall Seeks U.S. Partner
Courtwall International , a global leader in squash court construction since 1984, is looking for a dedicated U.S. partner representative...
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