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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 Right Location: The Critical Foundation for Sustainable Racquet Sports Facilities
Location is the single most critical factor in racquet sports facility success. Balancing real estate value with operational needs is essential for sustainability. This article explores demographic alignment, cost challenges, and strategic models—from mixed-use spaces to community integration—that ensure long-term viability across Squash, Padel, and Pickleball projects.
Padel in Europe: a look at France
Padel in France is growing but lags behind Italy, Spain, and Sweden, with only 3,021 courts (54% covered) and 21.5k inhabitants per court. Southern regions like Occitanie lead, while Burgundy-Franche-Comté trails. Key barriers include high construction costs, long permit times, and lower population density (120/km² vs. Italy’s 196). Despite this, recent acceleration shows promise, especially in Île-de-France, which has high density but fewer courts.
Asia: The Next Frontier for Pickleball – UPA Asia and YouGov research Released
Discover Asia's pickleball revolution! Groundbreaking UPA Asia & YouGov research reveals 1.9 billion Asians know pickleball, with 812 million trying it and 282 million playing monthly. Vietnam leads with 152% growth, followed by Malaysia (132%). Young adults (18-35) drive the trend, citing fun (35%), health (33%) and easy learning (31%) as top motivations. With 60% annual growth and India's 178M frequent players, pickleball is Asia's newest sports phenomenon.
Sportpark Nord Nürnberg – A Vibrant Example of Successful Racquet Sports Facility
Sportpark Nord in Nürnberg is a vibrant example of how older facilities can be transformed into modern racquet sports hubs. Built in the 1980s, the center has been successfully revitalized under Markus Sojka, now offering squash, padel, badminton, and fitness in one multifunctional space. With its strong focus on community, innovation, and quality infrastructure, Sportpark Nord shows how combining tradition with forward-thinking strategies creates new opportunities.
Success Factors in Racquet Facilities – Still True After 35 Years
Dr. Kai Haack, former advisor and macroeconomist, shares timeless insights on what makes racquet sports facilities truly successful. From the critical role of location to the underestimated demands of operating leisure centers, his reflections reveal why the fundamentals of squash, padel, pickleball, and badminton haven’t changed—and why future-ready concepts must learn from the past.
The Commercialisation of Racquet Sports: Investment Trends and the Curious Case of Squash
Racquet sports are booming with private investment, media deals, and rapid global expansion. Tennis, padel, pickleball, and badminton have embraced this trend—reshaping how they grow and engage. Squash, despite nearly 10,000 global facilities and presence in major games, remains one of the few sports not yet commercially scaled. Its strong philanthropic base shows impact—but the next step requires visionary investment.
Elevating Racquet Sports Ecosystem Together: Explore the New SFN Website!
Explore the newly redesigned SFN website dedicated to supporting multi-racquet facilities with enhanced tools, insights, and community-driven collaboration. Discover how SFN's updated vision and mission foster innovation, shared growth, and inclusivity across all racquet sports. Recently recognized as the 2025 Sporting Association of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.
Philadelphia’s Specter Center: The US National Squash Hub Built for Growth, Not Profit
Philadelphia’s Specter Center is the U.S.'s largest squash facility and national hub, focused on access, excellence, and community—not profit. Opened in 2021, it blends historic architecture with cutting-edge amenities, hosts elite training and major events, and supports grassroots programs. Built with $27M in donor funding, it exemplifies how mission-driven infrastructure can grow the sport for all.
Is Squash the Most Underrated Sport Aligned with the IOC’s Criterias?
Is squash the most overlooked sport that perfectly aligns with IOC values? Played in 185+ countries and part of major Games, squash champions sustainability, youth, equality, and fair play—yet remains under the radar. Discover why it's time the world sees squash as truly Olympic-worthy.
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.
One Sport, Many Courts: Why Context Matters in Squash Construction
SFN’s deep dive into squash court construction exposes a critical truth: not all courts are created equal. From performance risks to financial fallout, poor planning can cost everything. Prestigious glass courts may look stunning, but can be a disaster in the wrong setting. With global cases like Open Squash NYC and major builds in Riyadh, it’s time for the WSF specs to evolve — or risk holding the sport back.
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.
What Makes Squash Courts Different – Part 4: Flooring, Glass Back Walls Lighting and Climate Control
Part 4 of the SFN series highlights key infrastructure elements that define quality squash courts: flooring, glass back walls, lighting, and climate control. It outlines essential safety standards, planning tips, and technical requirements for optimal performance, durability, and player comfort. Facility operators gain clear guidance to create safe, high-performing environments aligned with international best practices.
What Makes Squash Courts Different – Part 3: Characteristics of Court Wall Types
Discover how different squash court wall types impact acoustics, ball behaviour, maintenance, and long-term performance. A must-read for facility operators, architects, and investors planning or upgrading squash courts.
Inside Squash & Education Alliance: Where Squash Courts Meet Community
Explore how the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) transforms lives through squash and academics. With over $150M in facility investment and $30M raised annually, SEA supports 4,000+ underprivileged youth worldwide. Discover a powerful model where squash courts become vibrant community hubs for education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Over 400,000 players: LTA unveils latest figures on growth of Padel in Britain
Padel is booming in Great Britain: Over 400,000 people played in 2024 – up from just 15,000 in 2019. Court numbers have reached 893 across 300 venues, backed by £6 million in LTA investment. Community outreach is strong, with over 75% of venues offering inclusive programmes.
What Makes Squash Courts Different –Part 2: Outdoor and Demountable Courts
Outdoor and demountable courts challenge the idea that squash is only played indoors or that courts must stay in one place. From glass show courts at iconic outdoor venues to solid courts designed for relocation, flexibility is growing. This article explores the key differences, challenges, and smart planning tips for anyone investing in courts that can adapt to future needs.
Squash and the Asian Games 2026: Central Stage in the Middle of the Action
Squash returns to the spotlight at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October. Held at the modern Nagoya Kinjo Pier Arena, the event marks another major milestone for the sport in Asia. Since its debut in 1998, squash has grown in reach and importance across the continent. With the sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, the Asian Games serve as a key platform to elevate its visibility and impact.
Squash Court Types: Best-Practice Series on What Makes Courts Different
Squash courts aren’t one-size-fits-all. SFN’s new Best Practice series compares indoor vs outdoor, plaster, panel, sand-filled, glass and demountable courts, showing how material choices affect play, cost, safety and sustainability. Follow along and, by series end, grab our practical checklist to pick the perfect court for your club.
Club Governance & Development Toolkit now live on Squash Ireland Website
Squash Ireland has launched a Club Governance and Development Toolkit to support clubs in growing and managing their operations. It offers guidance on key areas like starting a club or junior section, finances, volunteers, governance, marketing, and more. This initiative is part of their 2022–2027 strategic plan to modernise squash and make it more accessible across Ireland.
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