Squash Ireland is excited to announce a new partnership with SquashLevels. The collaboration aims to bring the SquashLevels global rating system to players throughout Ireland, offering them the opportunity to track performance, improve their game and connect with other players.
SquashLevels is dedicated to delivering deeper insights for players, making squash more accessible and engaging for everyone across Ireland.
As one of the leading player rating systems globally, SquashLevels provides players with a highly accurate evaluation of their playing level. Whether competing in leagues, tournaments, or playing casually at their local club, results will flow into the SquashLevels platform.
Using its advanced algorithm, SquashLevels calculates each player’s level based on several factors, including opponents’ levels, match scores, and behavioural modelling.
The system adjusts a player’s level based on their actual performance relative to expectations, rewarding those who outperform predictions. This offers a dynamic, evolving measure of progress that reflects a player’s development over time.
Jethro Binns, Co-CEO of SquashLevels, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Squash Ireland. This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity to further extend our reach across Europe and bring the benefits of the SquashLevels platform to a new community of passionate players.
“We are excited to see how this relationship will enhance the squash experience in Ireland and contribute to our vision of a connected, global squash network.”
SquashLevels offers a free basic membership upon registration, with paid premium membership options available, providing advanced features such as head-to-head analysis, match history, match reviews, and club rankings.
Over the next 12 months, Squash Ireland and SquashLevels will work together to integrate the platform at all levels of the game, from local clubs to elite competition, bringing a digital revolution to the sport for players across the country.
About SquashLevels
SquashLevels is a results-driven ranking system that tracks and ranks players based on their match outcomes. As players compete in leagues, tournaments, or casual matches, their results automatically flow into the SquashLevels platform.
The unique algorithm processes these results to calculate a player’s level, making it one of the most advanced rating systems in the world of racket sports. Register for your free account today at squashlevels.com
Squash Ireland is inviting club members across the country to take part in an eight-week online Volunteer Development Programme in collaboration with Badminton Ireland and Table Tennis Ireland.
The initiative is a multi-week programme designed to create a learning environment where volunteers can grow their skills, confidence and leadership through a range of engaging and accessible sessions.
This free-of-charge programme is aimed at chairpersons, secretaries, treasurers, safeguarding officers, other club or committee members who are new to their roles, and anyone interested in taking on a volunteer role in the future.
The goal of the programme is to help people develop in their volunteer positions, which will improve the overall administration and experience of squash across Ireland.
Starting on October 16th, the programme’s focus areas include club leadership and governance, personal development, coaching, volunteering, diversity and inclusion.
Programme tutors include Stuart Garland of Volunteer Ireland, Blue Sky Training, Active Disability Ireland, ShoutOut, Dr Ciara Losty of SETU Waterford, DCM Learning, Dr Lee-Ann Sharp of UUJ and Dr Amanda Ni Gabhainn.
Squash Ireland has outlined ambitious club development targets in the project plan submitted to Sport Northern Ireland:
Club Development
Continue to aid and influence the growth of each of our existing clubs through individual club development planning support and the production of a published club development plan for 2025/26.
Expand upon the regional initiatives that have taken place to establish one newly formed club within NI by 2026.
“Our club development offering will have a major focus on increasing participation amongst some of our most underrepresented groups, including:
Program Development and Delivery
Increase the opportunity to access and participate in squash initiatives throughout Northern Ireland via the delivery of the brand new programmes across squash – Come & Try sessions (x3), 1-Wall Squash (x3) and Disco Squash for Teen Girls (x2).
Use the addition of these new programmes to provide a pathway into club membership, targeting a five per cent increase in club members by 2026.
“Our programme delivery project will target and impact new participants in our more rural communities within Fermanagh, Tyrone and Armagh.
“We will double our programme delivery from last year in relation to our disability squash offering across three separate regions of Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry and Lisburn).
“Our involvement at the QUB PEC summer camp exposed children of all backgrounds to the sport of squash and promoted the sport within the local area.
“We will deliver three growth and retention initiatives across three of Northern Ireland’s most socially deprived areas.”
Squash Ireland has launched a new Patrons Programme, providing an opportunity for individuals or businesses to invest in supporting elite Irish players on their path to qualify for future Olympic Games and win medals at European Championships.
The fundraiser is also committed to growing the game at the grassroots level and fostering a thriving junior squash scene.
“The launch of our Patrons Programme has the potential to be transformative for Squash Ireland and our aspiring players,” explained Scott Graham, the Squash Ireland CEO.
“We have made huge progress in recent years at both high-performance and grassroots levels, but private support will be crucial in helping us take the sport to the next level, complementing the increased government funding that Squash Ireland has secured.
“Contributions from our Patrons will directly support the development of our elite and pathway players as they aim for European medals and future Olympic qualification, while also ensuring that young people across Ireland have the opportunity to discover and enjoy squash.
“We are deeply grateful to our current Patrons for their generosity. Their contributions are helping our top players climb the PSA World Rankings and enabling our teams to compete on the international stage.
“With a newly launched Junior Performance Academy, increased coaching capacity and a proud history of success at the highest levels of the game, we have a great opportunity to build a world-class high-performance programme.
“We aim to further develop our Patrons Programme over time with special events and recognition for those who give so generously to squash.”
Squash Ireland’s Patrons Programme
Squash Ireland has launched a new Patrons Programme, providing an opportunity for individuals or businesses that share our values to make a meaningful contribution to the future of squash.
As the National Governing Body for squash on the island of Ireland, Squash Ireland has developed rapidly in recent years, including being shortlisted for National Governing Body of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.
Several exciting programmes are being rolled out at both high-performance and grassroots levels, and government funding has increased considerably, serving as a welcome endorsement of Squash Ireland’s strategic direction.
That said, financial gifts and donations will have a transformative impact, helping to elevate the sport to the next level.
Tax Relief on Donations
Talk to us about the potential for tax relief on donations to the Squash Ireland Performance Programme, including direct grants to elite players. Contact Squash Ireland CEO, Scott Graham, at [email protected]
Join Our Patrons Programme
We currently offer two programmes for those who would like to support Squash Ireland as Patrons. Your contribution will be hugely appreciated. Ideally, we are seeking multi-annual donations to allow for improved programme planning.
1) Senior Elite & Junior Performance Academy Programme
Support elite Irish players on their path to qualify for future Olympic Games and win medals at European Championships.
Your support will provide high-potential players with access to world-class coaching and services, enabling them to compete in crucial international events, develop as elite players, and ultimately secure their place at the Olympics and medal at the European Championships Division 1.
The Squash Ireland High Performance Strategy 2024-2028 outlines our ambitious targets in this area.
Funds raised will go towards:
2) Squash Ireland Junior Participation Programme
Squash Ireland is committed to growing the game at the grassroots level and fostering a thriving junior squash scene.
This programme aims to safeguard the future of squash by developing the next generation of players. Your support will help Squash Ireland to appoint squash activation officers focused on growing junior participation by introducing squash to clubs, schools, third-level institutions, and community groups.
Funds raised will go towards:
Find out more or donate:
Speak with Squash Ireland CEO, Scott Graham, [email protected] / 086 021 1146.
Irish Squash Federation
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Eight clubs have already completed the 2025/26 affiliation process, taking advantage of the early bird rate €120/£110 before the October 1st deadline.
There is a key change this year for players – you must have a valid competitive membership to participate in any Squash Ireland-sanctioned leagues or tournaments.
This regulation comes into force from October 1st, and players can affiliate through their clubs or directly themselves via SportyHQ.
Squash Ireland said: “By affiliating your club and yourself, you gain access to important benefits like insurance coverage and funding eligibility for clubs and discounted training courses for players.
“Complete your affiliation today to ensure your eligibility and to secure all the benefits for the upcoming season.”
Squash Ireland is participating in X4 Rackets, a combined four-racket female sports event in County Cavan on September 27th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
It’s a unique leadership and participation event for women and girls of all ages hosted by Cavan Sports Partnership in collaboration with Squash Ireland, Table Tennis Ireland, Badminton Ireland and Tennis Ireland.
The Ballyconnell Community Centre meet-up is a Women-in-Sport-funded four-sport initiative. It will hear from several guest speakers on topics related to leadership, self-empowerment and volunteering.
There will also be an opportunity to try out all four racket sports and connect with like-minded coaches, players and volunteers. Signing up in advance is essential, and a goodie bag will be provided.
Breanne Flynn will be the lone Irish interest in Friday’s IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open quarter-finals following Thursday’s round of 16 matches.
Seeded No.3 for the 16-player PSA Satellite tournament, Flynn needed just 17 minutes to run up a 3-0 win over fellow Irish player Shriya Drawid to get her campaign up and running.
She now faces Polly Clark, a 3-0 winner over Zoe Yeomans, who represented Ireland at the recent World Squash Junior Championships in Cairo.
There were six Irish players in total at the start line, and the remaining three – Hannah McGugan and Lydia McQuillan – all made 0-3 exits.
Seven of the eight round of 16 matches at the Fitzwilliam went to seeding, with the only upset result being the 1-3 defeat for the No.7 ranked Ana Munos by Robyn McAlpine, the former Irish Junior Open winner from Scotland.
PSA Satellite IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open – Round of 16 results
Elise Romba [1] WON 3-0 (11-1, 11-3, 11-3) v Francesca Whyte
Ellie Breach [6] WON 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-7) v Hannah McGugan
Ana Munos [7] LOST 1-3 (9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 7-11) v Robyn McAlpine
Erin Classen [4] WON 3-0 (11-2, 11-2, 11-3) v Lydia McQuillan
Breanne Flynn [3] WON 3-0 (11-6, 11-0, 11-2) v Shriya Drawid
Polly Clark [8] WON 3-0 (11-7), 11-4), 11-3) v Zeo Yeomans
Karolina Sramkova [5] WON 3-0 (11-1, 12-10, 11-4) v Tereza Siroka
Isabel McCullough [2] WON 3-0 (11-4, 11-0, 11-4) v Ella Walsh
Quarter-final fixtures
Romba [1] v Breach [6] – Friday, 1:45pm
McAlpine v Classen [4] – Friday, 1pm
Flynn [3] v Clark [8] – Friday, 1pm
Sramkova [5] v McCullough [2] – Friday, 1:45pm
The Federation of Irish Sport, the voice of Irish sport, has called for a decisive Budget 2026 commitment from Government to secure the role of sport in Ireland as a driver of health, community, and economic growth.
In its 2026 pre-budget submission, the Federation of set out the case for sustainable investment to safeguard and grow the sector.
The primary ask of Government is for a 10 per cent Compound Increase in Core Funding from 2025-2028. The National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) are the engines of citizens’ engagement with and continued participation in sport.
A multi-annual increase in Core Funding will provide stability and financial clarity for NGBs and LSPs to plan for long term development. This will have a direct impact on improving public health and well-being and foster social inclusion, while also driving economic growth and increased tax revenues.
The second key Ask for Sport in Budget 2026 is for a government commitment to research and publish a report on an additional one per cent betting levy for sport. The creation of an additional one per cent levy would yield approximately €40-50million extra per annum for sports.
The Federation is calling on Government to undertake a formal assessment of the proposed additional one per cent levy, with a view to designating the additional revenue specifically for participation and community sport.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Government has the power to make a meaningful impact on the sports sector in Ireland by recognising Sport’s social, health, and economic value and to prioritise core funding for long term impact. Return on investment is clear: for every €100 invested in sport the return is €209.
“While investment by Government in Sport and Physical Activity has increased significantly over the lifetime of the National Sports Policy, it is time for sport funding in Ireland to be in line with our European counterparts and match the EU average.
“With the current National Sports Policy in its final two years, we want Government to recognise Sport as a public good within national policy going forwards. Backing sport means backing communities all over the country.”
The Federation of Irish Sport – the voice of Irish sport – represents 110 member organisations, comprising over 13,000 clubs. There are an estimated 2.09m active participants in sport and physical activity and the value of Sport to the Irish economy is €3.7bn (GVA).
Squash Ireland has published the 2025/26 international season selection policies for senior and junior players. The selection panels are seeking to select the strongest possible team for international representation. Here is an overview:
Junior Selection Policy
The selection panel consists of the Head Coach, Junior Performance Coach and Junior Development Coach.
There is no requirement to have competed on the Irish tour for two or more seasons to be eligible for selection.
The U23 National Championships has been added to the compulsory tournament list for U19 players seeking World Team Championship selection. This provides the selection panel with an opportunity to assess the players’ form closer to the World Championships.
Playing up an age group is again permitted. However, it will require written permission from the selection panel. The selection panel has a strong desire for players to compete within their own age group, so the number of players permitted to play up will likely decrease.
Senior Selection Policy
The minimum age for selection to a senior team has increased from 14 to 16 years of age. While there is no specific minimum age for squash at the Olympic Games, this change aligns with Olympic selection policy norms.
The number of compulsory domestic tournaments for top-ranked PSA players has been tiered depending on PSA ranking. Top 100-ranked players are only required to compete at the National Championship, for example.
This encourages top-ranked players to prioritise improving their PSA World Ranking and is aligned with the High Performance Strategy. Essentially, we want more players ranked inside the top 100 of the PSA World Rankings and are encouraging players to pursue this.
The Head Coach has been added to the selection panels and will chair both the men’s and women’s selection panels. Other members of the panel remain unchanged.
(Various sections have been added and updated, including anti-doping, communication to be directed to staff, and reasons for de-selection. These are largely mirrored in both the Junior and Senior policies)
The full line-up has been confirmed for this week’s IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open, with Irish trio Shriya Drawid, Zoe Yeomans and Ella Walsh added to the three-day event starting this Thursday, September 4th.
When the draw was originally published for the 16-player, $3,000 PSA Satellite event, three vacancies were left for wildcards in the bottom half of the draw, and they have now been filled.
Belfast BC player Shriya Drawid will take on event No.4 seed Breanne Flynn, the PSA No.129-ranked player from Sutton, at 7:30pm on Thursday, while two of Flynn’s clubmates have also been added to the draw.
Zeo Yeomans, who represented Ireland at the recent World Squash Junior Championships in Cairo, will play No.8 seed Polly Clark, the PSA No.178 from England, at 7:30pm Thursday.
Meanwhile, Ella Walsh, another of the Irish contingent from the Junior Championships in Egypt, faces Isabel McCullough, the PSA No.141, who is seeded No.2 at the Fitzwilliam. That match will start at 8:15pm on Thursday.
Elise Romba, the PSA No.121 from France, is seeded No.1 in Dublin. She begins with a round of 16 tie at 6pm Thursday against Francesca Whyte, the PSA No.283 from England.
Awaiting the winner is a quarter-final clash on Friday against whoever comes through the tie featuring Hannah McGugan, the PSA No.253 from Ireland, and Ellie Breach, the PSA No.155 from Wales.
Elsewhere in the top half of the draw, Lydia McQuillan, the 2025 U19 Italian Open winner from Lisburn, will play Erin Classen, the PSA No.162 from Australia, who is seeded fourth in Dublin.
