Manager Russell McLean said in the past two years the club had put an emphasis on showing the community the benefits of squash and racquetball and, in turn, seen an increase in membership. 

He said the growth happening locally had also been reflected in trends statewide, nationwide and worldwide. 

“It’s a very underrated sport,” McLean said.

“Squash and racquetball are still the best sports out there in terms of everything you should be trying to get out of playing a sport, including the inclusiveness of the way it operates to the cardiovascular fitness and all the health benefits of playing.

“The issue is over the last 20 to 25 years, the sport hasn’t been publicised or put out into the community.” 

Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Association prides itself as being one of the first clubs in Australia to introduce racquetball.

“With the lack of the bounce of the ball in squash, people needed another option to get introduced into the sport that weren’t as highly skilled but sill wanting those health benefits,” McLean said.

With racquetball not as hard on the body or as physically draining, McLean said it was also ideal for the club’s most senior members, who might be finding it more and more difficult to play squash. 

“We now have a lot of members in that category that can stick around at the club and still feel included, which is pretty rare,” he said. 

Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Association has the only public facilities in Ballarat with 11 courts available.

As part of rejuvenating the sport’s status in Ballarat, the club has received grants to upgrade its facilities, which have included accessibility, change rooms, toilets, showers and two show courts.  

“The centre has changed a lot over the last two or three years,” McLean said. “So I encourage people to have a look around and just remember what the sport brings and have a casual hit.”

Squash Australia coach of the year Garry Pedersen will be at the centre on Saturday to help run clinics catered to all ages and skill levels.

Free junior sessions take place from 9am-11am, free adult group sessions take place from 11am-12pm and a coaching workshop will be held from 12-1pm.

“We’d like everyone to have the opportunity to at least spend five or 10 minutes with the main man himself in these sessions,” McLean said. “He likes to work with people one-on-one.”

From 1.30pm, Pedersen will be available for individual coaching sessions for either 30 or 60 minutes. These sessions require payment  and booking in advance, contact the club.