Squash courts at Limerick Lawn Tennis Club were filled with energy, movement, music and laughter this week as 15 teenage girls took part in the DISCO Squash HER MOVES programme.
Organised by club squash coach Avril Cairns in collaboration with Squash Ireland, and funded by Sport Ireland’s HER MOVES initiative, the programme welcomed girls aged 13-16 who were completely new to squash.
Over the five days from Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 4, they enjoyed a blend of squash skill-building sessions mixed with fun, creative and confidence-boosting activities such as Zumba, aerobics, yoga, crafts and Tabata workouts.
The week finished on a high with the squash court transformed into a glow-in-the-dark discotheque with UV lights, fluorescent decorations, neon balls, rackets and the girls’ custom-designed T-shirts made earlier in the week.
They played matches under the lights to the beat of their self-chosen playlist, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of the programme.
The DISCO Squash programme is rooted in the HER MOVES pillars, which aim to:
Every part of the week in Limerick was designed with these values in mind – from the inclusive games on court to the arts and movement sessions that brought the group together.
This programme was about more than just squash. It was about fun, freedom, friendship and giving girls a chance to shine.