Fun. Friends. Confidence. Movement.
Junior Squash
At Christchurch Squash Club we believe the future of squash starts with juniors having fun on court. Our junior programme focuses on games, inclusion, and building confidence, rather than traditional drills. Kids learn to move, rally, and enjoy the game in a welcoming club environment.
Our junior programmes and activities generally run during school terms, with a break from organised activities during the school holidays. Whether your child is picking up a racket for the first time or already competing, there are opportunities to play, improve, and make friends at our club.
New to Squash?
If your child has never played squash before, that’s completely fine. Many of our juniors start at our club the same way. At Christchurch Squash Club the early focus is simply having fun and getting comfortable on court. Technique, tactics and competition can come later once kids fall in love with the game.
Our programmes use game-based activities that help kids move, rally, and enjoy playing without pressure. All your child needs to begin is comfortable sports clothing, clean non-marking shoes, and a sense of fun.
The easiest way to get started is to get in touch and come along to one of our junior activities. You are very welcome to give squash a go first, and if your child enjoys it, you can then sign them up as a junior member to access our programmes, club activities and facilities.
Free Kids Squash Night
Our free "Give It A Go!" evening is the perfect chance for kids to try squash in a relaxed and fun environment.
Children will take part in fun activities and games on court, meet other juniors, and experience what squash is all about.
Pizza afterwards!
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Time: From 6:00 pm
Spaces are limited, registrations essential.
Squash Stars
Squash Stars is an 8-week beginner programme designed especially for primary and intermediate-aged children who are new to squash.
The programme focuses on age-appropriate activities and games that help children develop movement, coordination, and basic squash skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Squash Stars is the perfect next step for children who attend our Give It A Go evening, or anyone curious about trying the sport.
The programme is:
• fun and beginner-friendly
• focused on age-appropriate games & activities
• designed to build confidence on court
Date: Starting 24 April, Fridays in Term 2, 2026
Time: From 6:00 pm
Junior Club Night
Junior Club Night is a relaxed and social opportunity for junior members to come down to the club and play. These sessions are largely self-led, giving kids the chance to organise games, rally with friends, and simply enjoy being on court.
It’s a great entry point for beginners and new members, and a fun way for juniors to meet others at the club. We also encourage parents to get on court and rally with their child, especially when they are just starting out. Learning the game together can be a great way to build confidence and enjoyment.
Activities might include:
• parents and kids hitting together
• fun games and challenges
• casual match play
• shared supper afterwards!
At this stage it’s all about having fun and building a love for the game, with technique and competition developing later.
When: Fridays 6-7 pm during Terms 1, 2 and 3
NOTE: During Term 2, when our volunteer effort is focused on delivering the Squash Stars programme, Junior Club Night becomes even more informal and self-directed. Courts remain available for juniors and families to organise their own games and rallies.
Junior Equipment
When starting out, the first piece of equipment juniors should purchase is a set of training balls. We recommend either:
• orange foam balls, or
• blue dot balls
These balls bounce more than standard squash balls, which helps beginners develop longer rallies and build confidence as they learn the game.
We also encourage juniors to purchase their own squash racket as they begin to play more regularly. However, to get started, junior members are welcome to borrow one of the club rackets while they first try the sport.
Safety glasses are mandatory for all junior players. The club has a pair that can be borrowed when children are first starting out, but we recommend that parents purchase a pair for their child so they always have them available when playing.
Balls, junior rackets, safety glasses, and other squash equipment can be purchased from:
Anderson & Hill located at the Barrington Shopping Centre. Their team can help recommend the right equipment for junior players.
Junior Interclub
Junior Interclub brings together juniors from squash clubs across Christchurch for regular match play. Rather than being team-based, the competition is organised around individual matches, allowing players to compete against others of a similar level from clubs around the city.
The competition includes multiple divisions, catering for players of all abilities:
• beginners learning to play matches
• developing players building confidence
• competitive juniors
It’s a great opportunity for junior members to gain match experience, meet players from other clubs, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
When: Monday's from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
(Proposed move to Tuesdays 6 pm from Term 2, 2026 -TBC)
Squash Boost
For juniors who begin to develop a strong passion for the sport, Christchurch Squash Club supports opportunities that help develop more performance-oriented players.
Our Squash Boost initiative brings together activities and opportunities that help our developing players grow their skills and exposure to higher-level squash.
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Guest sessions and appearances with some of New Zealand’s top players and coaches, giving juniors the chance to learn from the best
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Opportunities for developing players to train and compete at a higher level
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Clear pathways and support to help juniors progress in their squash journey
