Squash is an indoor racket sport played on a four-walled court. It is fast-paced, fun and social, and can be played casually or competitively at any level. You don’t need any previous racket sport experience to play squash. Many people start through beginner squash sessions that focus on movement, confidence and enjoyment rather than rules or scoring.

How do I play a game of squash?

The aim of squash is to hit the ball against the front wall so your opponent cannot return it. The ball can bounce once on the floor before being hit back. Players take turns hitting the ball in a rally. If the ball hits the tin (the strip at the bottom of the front wall) or goes out above the top line, the rally ends. Games are usually played to 11 or 15 points, but beginner squash sessions often play without scoring while learning.

Can I play squash as a beginner woman?

Yes. Women of all ages and abilities can start playing squash as beginners. You do not need any experience to get involved. Many women begin squash later in life, return after a long break, or try it for the first time through beginner-friendly women’s squash sessions that are welcoming, relaxed and supportive.

Is squash suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Squash is suitable for complete beginners and is widely taught through beginner squash sessions designed to help new players get started. These sessions introduce the basics gradually, with guidance, encouragement and rest. You are not expected to know the rules or have played before.

Do I need to be fit to start playing squash?

No. You do not need to be fit to start playing squash. Fitness improves naturally as you play. Beginner squash sessions are paced to suit new players, with short rallies and regular breaks.

Are there women-only beginner squash sessions?

Yes. Many clubs and organisations offer women-only beginner squash sessions. These sessions focus on confidence, enjoyment and learning at your own pace, and can feel less intimidating and more social for new players.

Am I too old to start playing squash?

No. You are never too old to start playing squash. Many women take up squash as adults, including later in life or after a long break from sport. Squash can be adapted to suit all ages and abilities, and you can play at your own pace.

Do I need my own squash racket or equipment?

No. Most beginner squash sessions and leisure centres can lend equipment, so you can try squash before buying anything. To get started, you usually only need comfortable sports clothing and trainers with non-marking soles.

Is beginner squash competitive?

Beginner squash is generally not competitive. The focus is on learning, movement and enjoying the game. Many beginner sessions help players build confidence over time, and you can introduce competition later if and when you feel ready.

Can I play squash if I don’t know anyone?

Yes. Many people start playing squash on their own without knowing anyone else. Beginner squash sessions are usually group-based, and coaches or organisers help mix players together, making it easy to meet people and feel included.

How do I find women’s beginner squash near me?

You can find women’s beginner squash near you through local squash clubs, leisure centres, or organisations that support beginner-friendly squash. Searching online for “women’s beginner squash near me” or “beginner squash sessions” is a good place to start, and many venues offer trial sessions or pay-as-you-go options.

My child plays squash — how can I get involved?

Many women start playing squash because their child plays. You can get involved through beginner squash sessions, social squash, or women-only events for new and returning players. Ask at your local squash club about beginner options.

How does Girls in Motion help women and girls get started?

Girls in Motion supports women and girls to start and continue playing squash by connecting them with welcoming opportunities to play. This includes women-only squash events, Junior Meets for girls, and support for female coaches through funding and mentorship via the LeadHER Fund. The focus is on confidence, inclusion and enjoyment.

Girls In Motion | Join the Movement for Female Squash

Who are Girls In Motion we hear you ask?

We are a charity focused on increasing access and opportunities for women & girls to participate in squash across England.

Our charitable activities are aimed at creating real impact in the squash community.

We deliver both our own initiatives, as well as partner with clubs and organisations across the country.

Close-up view of a black single yellow squash ball with a small yellow spot on its surface.

Text on a black background with curved white text listing various sports and coaching events, including 'Events & Junior Meets,' 'Participation & Retention,' 'Developing Coaches & Leaders,' and 'Women's Competitions.'

Much more to come. Join the movement!

There’s a lot happening at Girls In Motion. Keep in touch with our activities through Instagram and help increase the reach and promotion of female squash across the country.

looking for a place to play squash with other women?

Check out the events page for womens squash events…

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find a womens league near you…

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Making waves and creating impact in female squash!

GIM platform achieving national reach and promotion

Fifteen women supported through coaching qualifications

30 coaching experience opportunities provided for women

Over 70 squash clubs represented at our nationwide events

Over 250 women connected through GIM supported networks

Over 300 Women and Girls attended GIM activites

What is a GIM Junior Meet?

A Girls In Motion Junior Meet brings together fifty junior girls from the regional squash community to socialise, form cross-club friendships, have a knock with a female pro, and of course play some squash!

It’s the largest junior girls' event of its kind in the country and a popular fixture in the girl’s calendars. Have an explore of the video from our last Meet.

Interested in attending a future GIM Junior Meet?

If you’re interested in attending our next Junior Meet, send us your name, email and phone number via email. We’d love to see you there! Our GIM events provide coaching experience opportunities and mentorship for female coaches, so if you’d like to be involved from a coaching perspective drop us a line too.

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Black and white photo of two young women playing squash on an indoor court during a girls' sports event, with spectators watching in the background.

Interested in hosting your own Meet?

The charity Girls In Motion is volunteer run, and this includes all the events we host too. Our club and volunteer base is primarily located in the Northwest of England, but we’d love to expand our reach and impact across the country.

So, if you’d love to see a GIM Junior Meet in your region get in touch and we can see how Girls In Motion can support you to make it happen!

We have produced a guide to our Junior Meet’s which can be downloaded to the left. Everything we do is charitable, so there are no fees or licencing requirements. All we ask is that to use the Girls In Motion branding and that the minimum criteria are met, so the brand continues to stand for best-in-class inclusive female squash events.

How Girls in Motion Supports Women and Girls in Squash

Girls in Motion helps women and girls start, stay and thrive in squash.

Our work focuses on four key areas that support participation, confidence, competition and leadership — making squash more welcoming, accessible and inclusive for women at every stage.

Children in maroon shirts holding squash rackets, standing in a line facing a female coach with a squash racket, on a pink background with a yellow border, and text reading 'Participation: A Space to Play.'

Four women on a squash court, one woman appears to be coaching three others. Women playing racket sports and having fun.

Two female squash players in green shirts and black shorts playing on a purple background with yellow borders. One is preparing to hit the squash ball, and the other is ready to receive. It is a competitive squash match.

Two women, one older with glasses and one younger, engaged in a discussion, with the older woman holding a paper, against a yellow background with text about leadership and community building. The older women is mentoring the young female coach

What else do Girls In Motion get up to?

We believe delivering change and impact in the female squash community requires a multifaceted approach. To reflect this our charitable activities have been developed as the Four Pillars of Girls In Motion. These are:

Increase real opportunities for female Participation in squash and support clubs to increase and retain their female Membership base.

Host significant female squash Events and Junior Girls Meets, and using our platform to increase the reach and promotion of other organisation’s events.

Support females in the development of their Coaching and Leadership skills and provide opportunities to gain experience in these roles.

Host, support and develop a range of Women’s Competitions that provide more inclusive access to competitive squash, and work with existing women’s leagues to increase participation.

Our Lovely Sponsors…

Our Friends In Squash…

Girls In Motion is is proud to announce a new partnership with OLIVER UK. Ahead of the upcoming event at the National Squash Centre on October 5th, OLIVER UK will provide prizes for participants and offer a special discount code, GIM15, where customers receive 15% off everything, and 10% of all sales will be donated directly to Girls in Motion to support our ongoing initiatives.

Want to talk squash? So do we!

We love talking squash, in fact the only thing we love more than that is making an impact in female squash. So, if you want to speak to us about any of our activities just drop us a line and we’ll get the conversation started. We are always looking for like-minded individuals & organisations to collaborative with. Come join the movement!