No site, funding or delivery agreement is confirmed. No organisation has endorsed, approved or partnered with this project.
The opportunity
A first rally. A reason to return.
Explore whether visible, welcoming squash introductions could help people who are not already active find an enjoyable first rally and a realistic route back. Begin with listening and a small activity pilot at a suitable existing venue, while assessing outdoor options separately. A court installation should follow evidence, not substitute for community participation.
Shaped by the community
The borough’s Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023–2028 calls for co-production with residents, particularly those experiencing the poorest health, and action on health inequalities. A squash pilot could be explored in that spirit, with residents helping define the activity rather than being offered a finished programme. No site, local partner, council endorsement or funding is confirmed.
We want to hear from people who may not already play, alongside existing coaches and clubs. New activity should complement local provision and valued public space.
Local priorities, practical proposals
How squash could contribute
Listen before choosing the activity
The 2023–2028 wellbeing strategy puts co-production and health inequalities at the centre of local action. What would make a first session useful for people who do not already play? Residents and community groups could help choose session times, a sociable welcome and ways to enquire without relying on a smartphone. We would ask about cost, travel and confidence rather than assume demand.
A participation pilot, not a promised installation
The council’s June 2025 Physical Inactivity Place Partnership report describes cross-sector work and the need to widen engagement and local leadership. A squash trial could explore loan equipment, beginner-friendly balls and coached introductions at a suitable existing venue. Schools and potential hosts: what space, staff support and safeguarding would be needed? Outdoor visibility, safe surfaces, weather and maintenance would require a separate assessment.
The agreed 2025/26 partnership priorities include health and wellbeing across all ages and enabling residents with a learning disability or autism to live independently with positive health. Disabled residents, carers and local groups could help shape communication, sensory needs, step-free access, toilets, seating and rest options. Which adaptations would make a session welcoming? Suitable formats and specialist support would need practical review, not a blanket promise of accessibility.
The June 2025 report describes a Sport England-supported development phase and a proposed later delivery phase. Those are borough programme records, not evidence of funding available to Squash Dog or earmarked for squash. We do not assume access to council, Sport England or Pride in Place funding. Who could host and deliver a small trial, and how would coaching, equipment and continuing sessions be paid for? We would track first visits, return participation, barriers and costs before considering expansion.
These are options to shape locally, not an available timetable. Facilities and formats remain supplier-neutral and subject to suitability, safety and operating resources.
Dated progress
The discussion so far
An idea for a locally shaped activity pilot
Added to Squash Dog’s London project collection after reviewing the borough’s published wellbeing, participation and inclusion priorities. We invite local input before developing a pilot proposal. No site, local partner, council endorsement or funding is confirmed.
Help shape the next step
Bring your local knowledge.
Schools, community groups, clubs and businesses can help us understand what people need and how a first activity could work.
You can share feedback, discuss possible involvement, suggest a host or explore sponsorship. An expression of interest helps shape the conversation; it does not commit you or your organisation to a programme.
Start a conversation
Tell us about your school, your priorities and the sort of involvement you would like to discuss.
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These links do not indicate endorsement. Project context reviewed 2026-10-15.
Business and delivery
Support a useful programme
Businesses can explore funded access, equipment, coaching or practical expertise. We will develop a costed proposal around community priorities and continuing participation, with capital and running costs considered separately.
Squash Dog is operated by Fagan Consulting Limited, a commercial company. No project-specific fund or sponsorship package is agreed on this page.
