Squash Ireland has published the findings of its 2025 club survey, a 35-page document providing an island-wide overview of trends and development priorities in the sport.
A total of 58 clubs – 50 in the Republic and eight in the North – contributed, and the headlines were adult participation continues to grow, female participation is showing sustained upward momentum, while junior development remains a key national priority.
Several clubs reported increasing demand and some operated at or near full capacity in an overall picture consisting of 3,345 men’s players, 1,056 women’s players and 810 junior players.
With average membership priced at €157.55, it was found that a dozen clubs – an increase from nine in 2024 – were operating at capacity, with more than half of the 58 clubs surveyed stating that they were keen to broaden their participation and inclusion initiatives.
Key points that emerged from the club structure questionnaire included 42 clubs having written constitutions and 50 clubs having established committees, signalling how governance frameworks are now embedded in clubs to support transparency and long-term sustainability.
Challenges that were identified in the establishment of committees included a lack of volunteers, small club size, affiliation under GAA governance and a perceived lack of need.
Eighteen clubs have committees consisting of seven to nine members, with chair, treasurer, secretary and safeguarding roles almost universally filled. There was a view to expand to cover communications, development initiatives and Women In Sport leadership.
It was found that 42 club committees had a male-majority, highlighting a clear opportunity for further increase in female representation on leadership and coaching roles.
Switching to the juniors, it was learned that 30 clubs currently run a junior section – up one from 2024 – and that 15 of the remaining 28 clubs surveyed plan to start a junior section. Six of those clubs said they already had someone willing to lead the rollout of a junior section.
With regard to coaching, the survey found that 40 clubs have a qualified coach and that 15 clubs have four or more internal coaches. It added that there was a clear interest in strengthening access to qualified coaching support and expanding availability, especially for junior, women and beginner sessions.
The survey also highlighted that more than half the clubs – 52 per cent, up from 40 per cent in 2024 – had actively promoted inclusivity in 2025, with women-only sessions and one-day junior tournaments viewed as the most effective and popular inclusion initiatives.
