The loyalty of squash players in Ireland has been praised by Ed Dunne, the racquets sports manager of the West Wood chain of six fitness clubs across Dublin.
Interviewed by Squash Player about the fitness club’s plan to open a seven-court squash centre in Leopardstown with an all-glass court equipped to host major tournaments, Dunne highlighted the importance of squash to the West Wood – even though the sport equates to just 2.5 per cent of overall membership.
West Wood’s Leopardstown facility already has three squash courts regularly used by around 300 members at the fitness club, where membership since the pandemic has grown from 7,000 to 12,000.
Management now want to repurpose the existing squash courts. Why? Squash apparently plays a disproportionately significant role in the vibrancy and financial viability of the club.
Dunne said: “When staff are showing potential new members around the club, they start with the squash courts. There are generally people on court having fun and getting sweaty, people in the corridor chatting; it’s a happy, thriving section of the club.
“While squash is buzzing and there is a great atmosphere, you go up to the gym and everyone is on their phones. It’s silent. They do their classes, they leave.
“Squash is a complete contrast, and that is why they love showing it off to potential new members. West Wood (management) look at it and think, ‘It’s a no-brainer!’”
Squash doesn’t feature at the West Wood’s other five locations in Dublin, but the loyalty of its Leopardstown membership is another reason why the club is keeping faith with squash by investing in a new seven-court centre.
According to the Squash Player article, gym members only stay at West Wood for an average of 13 months, so every month West Wood lose 60-80 members and has to employ a sales team to keep new ones coming in. By contrast, most squash members at Leopardstown have been there for years.
“Squash players don’t leave – it’s as simple as that,” enthused Dunne. “It took a bit of time for the club to recognise that, but they see it now. That’s why they are investing so heavily in the new courts. The community, the atmosphere and camaraderie that squash can create is the best advert for the club brand.”
Subject to planning permission, the construction of the €1.5million squash centre at the West Wood Club in Leopardstown will be part of a Racquets Centre of excellence which also includes two new domes for tennis, padel and pickleball.
The new squash centre will feature three glassback courts opposite each other with a communal social area in between and an all-glass court at the end with retractable seating behind the back wall.
