Inclusion in sport

Inclusion in sport: more people, more ways to belong.

Explore inclusion in sport across backgrounds, ages, genders and abilities, with practical squash formats, rebound walls and community pathways.

In short

Inclusion in sport means people of different backgrounds, ages, genders and abilities have fair and meaningful opportunities to participate. It involves removing practical and social barriers and creating an experience where people feel welcome, respected and able to progress. Squash offers several formats that can support that aim.

Published by Squash Dog, a trading style of Fagan Consulting Limited. Reviewed 30 September 2026

What does inclusion in sport look like?

A welcoming activity gives people an equal chance to begin, enjoy themselves and keep participating. Age, gender, race, culture, religion, disability, income or previous sporting experience should not become an avoidable barrier.

Equal opportunity may require different arrangements: borrowed equipment, a suitable time, clear language, an adapted activity or help with booking. Listen to the intended participants and design with them, including people who are not currently attending.

Why consider squash?

If your picture of squash is a fast match between two experienced players in a private club, there is more to discover. Solo practice, coaching, group introductions, family play, Squash 57 and adapted sessions offer different ways to start.

The experience can change with the ball, pace, pairing and purpose. Right Ball Squash means choosing for the players and conditions so enjoyable rallies are possible. A first visit should offer a welcome and a realistic next step.

Find a way to play Choose a suitable ball

Match the activity to the people

Beginners or people returning to sport: begin with an introduction, manageable targets and cooperative rallies.
Different experience levels: adjust pairings, pace, equipment or goals so everyone has a useful challenge.
Children, parents and grandparents: use age-appropriate family activities and safeguarding arrangements.
People wanting another racket-sport format: explore Squash 57, with its larger, bouncier ball, across ages and levels.
People wanting company: consider organised group sessions or suitable social doubles, with clear space and safety arrangements.

Mixed-ability squash Junior and family squash Squash 57 Group sessions Doubles squash

Address the barriers beyond the game

Affordability: make the full price clear, explain equipment loans and identify any genuine subsidised opportunities.
Confidence and belonging: show who a session welcomes, introduce the organiser and explain what a first visit involves.
Time, transport and caring responsibilities: ask which arrangements help people attend regularly.
Culture and communication: listen to preferences around language, clothing, privacy and session structure rather than stereotyping a group.
Digital access: make information easy to find and offer a practical alternative when someone cannot use an app or online booking.
Disability access: consider the complete route, facilities, coaching and equipment with the participant.

Explore disability inclusion

Rebound walls: an accessible starting point

A rebound wall can make a first hit visible and approachable in a school, park or community setting. Simple targets and controlled practice let people explore racket skills at their own pace; an organiser can offer a next step into coaching or court play.

Accessibility depends on the approach, surface, room to move or turn, reach, ball retrieval and the support available. Equipment and activity design must suit the participants. Where the wall and site support them, tennis, padel and football activities may help a shared space serve several communities.

Explore rebound wall activities and access

Outdoor squash and local community projects

Visible outdoor squash can help people encounter the sport beyond a traditional club setting. A useful project combines a suitable site with affordable access, equipment, welcoming activity and onward links to local coaches or venues.

Through Let's Bounce, Squash Dog is engaging with local authorities, starting in London, to explore outdoor squash and community participation. The ambition can extend to other parts of the country as local interest, partners and delivery evidence develop.

If you are a council, school, club, community organisation or sponsor, tell us who the project would serve and what prevents them participating today. Consider a rebound wall, an existing court programme and a new outdoor court against that need.

Explore Let's Bounce Plan an outdoor project Discuss a community project

From a welcome to repeat participation

A poster or policy is a starting point. Give someone responsibility for the welcome, check what participants experience and make the next visit easy to arrange. Ask who is missing and why.

For organisations, Moving to Inclusion provides a framework for reflection and continuous improvement. For a local activity, start with a small change, ask whether people felt welcome and could take part meaningfully, and review whether they returned.

Share a useful programme or lesson

Frequently asked questions

What is an example of inclusion in sport?

A beginner session with borrowed equipment, a clear affordable price, accessible booking and activities adapted to the group is one example. The important test is whether participants can enjoy, influence and continue the activity.

Is inclusion in sport only about disability?

No. It also addresses barriers related to age, gender, race, culture, religion, income, confidence and other circumstances. Disability inclusion deserves specific attention within that wider work.

Can squash be inclusive for people of different ages and abilities?

Squash has several formats, including family play, mixed-ability sessions, group introductions, Squash 57 and adapted play. The provider needs to match the format, ball, pace and facilities to the participants.

Does an outdoor court automatically make sport accessible?

No. Visibility can help people discover sport, but accessible participation also depends on the route, surface, facilities, price, equipment, information and programme.

Primary sources

This page addresses inclusion across sport, then offers squash participation and project ideas. Suitability depends on the people, venue and delivery arrangements. Local opportunities must be checked with their providers.

Squash Dog applies general inclusion guidance to practical squash pathways. These examples are programme ideas, not a claim of a current session, completed installation or agreed partnership.