The Squash SA Team wishes all our wonderful members and friends of squash and racquetball a very Merry Christmas filled with joy, laughter, and love.  We wish you an exciting, healthy, and happy New Year in 2026.

As we reflect on 2025, it has been a year of growth, achievement, and excitement for squash in South Australia. One of the major highlights was the refurbishment of The Southern, Squash SA’s licensed venue, which has not only enhanced the space but also increased revenue, enabling us to further promote and develop the sport we love. Another standout moment was the Swarmer SA Open, the largest PSA tournament held in South Australia in many years. The event drew international players and inspired our local community, who turned out in great numbers to witness some outstanding squash.

This year also marked the introduction of a new staff role, the Club Support Officer. With Nathan Tichý joining the team, we hosted a special weekend in September where club committees were invited to send representatives to learn strategies for growing their clubs. The sessions provided valuable insights and left attendees with renewed enthusiasm and energy. On the player front, South Australia celebrated some impressive achievements. Alex Haydon continued her squash journey, finishing the year with a world ranking of 74. Juniors Bryce and Olivia were named in Squash Australia’s Junior Talent Squad, setting their sights on future Autralian Junior Team opportunities. At the Australian Junior Championships, our state proudly brought home one National Title, U15 Girls - Olivia, and one runner-up finish U15 Boy - Kanishk, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from our ranks.

As we close the chapter on 2025, we look forward to building on these successes in the year ahead and continuing to strengthen the squash community across South Australia.

Squash

The Spring Adelaide Squash Pennant season came to a thrilling close with four nights of grand final action across ten divisions.

The Premier League Grand Final was once again a blockbuster showdown, with the Next Generation Beavers and the PAOC Ord Minnet team facing off for the third consecutive season. The rivalry delivered another unforgettable contest, showcasing the very best of South Australian squash.

Many of the grand finals came down to games and some even as little as 7 points between teams. Those who came along to cheer on friends and family were rewarded with thrilling rallies, fierce competition, and plenty of fun. It was a fantastic celebration of squash and community spirit, making for some truly memorable nights.

The season’s finale was a celebration not only of competition, but of community, dedication, and the enduring spirit of squash in Adelaide.

Squash Divisional Premiers

Premier League – Next Generation Beavers

State 2 – PAOC Kent Town Hotel

State 3 – Somerton

State 4 – Campbelltown Spartan Appliances

State 5 – Somerton

Thursday State 4 – Campbelltown Vesuvio’s Pizza

Monday Division 1 – Campbelltown Gray Matters Legal

Monday Division 2 – Campbelltown Robert Jonson Vineyards

Tuesday Division 1 – South Adelaide

Tuesday Division 2 – Campbelltown Robert Johnson Vineyards

Racquetball

The racquetball grand final was a night of fierce rallies, daring shots, and passionate support from the crowd, with Campbelltown Squash Club emerging as the standout champions of the Spring Pennant.  Many thanks to Somerton Squash Centre who hosted the evening.

A Grade Premiers: Campbelltown Gray Matters Legal

Racqueteers Premiers: Campbelltown Mike’s Gang

Grand Final write-up articles are published on our website, read more HERE.

Beyond the big matches of Grand Final week, one story captured hearts across the squash community: Gordon Plant of Somerton celebrated his very first premiership win after an incredible 40 years of playing! Gordon’s joy was infectious, but even more inspiring was his unwavering perseverance and love for the game. His journey reminds us that squash is not only about competition, but also about dedication, friendship, and the sheer joy of playing.

Adelaide squash and racquetball players, the Autumn Pennant season is just around the corner! Now’s the time to gather your teammates and get in touch with your club’s pennant coordinator.

We encourage everyone to reach out to past players, social members, juniors, and of course your friends. Let’s bring some fresh faces into the competition and make this season bigger than ever.

With 10 squash divisions spread across four nights, and two racquetball divisions, there’s a place for every skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to the game, you’ll find a division that suits you.

Let’s make 2026 Autumn Pennant a season to remember—get your team together today!

The countdown is on for the 2026 Australian Open, set to be another unforgettable showcase of world-class squash. Those who went this year know just how spectacular the event was, from the stunning setting at Brisbane’s South Bank Piazza to the thrilling matches featuring top-ranked players, all brought together through the incredible organisation of Squash Australia.

Experience the sights and sounds of the world’s best squash players battling it out at the 2026 Australian Open.

Tickets are on sale NOW.Squash Australia are asking members to check their email to access their MySquashAUS 10% discount code valid on eligible tickets.

How can you and your club get involved?

• Please like and share all of Squash Australia’s social media posts as this creates awareness in our broader communities. 
• Clubs are encouraged to host Watch Parties. Set up the big screen at your club and tune into the livestream, add a few drinks and nibbles and it will be a great night for members and guests at your venue.

As of January 1, the updated WSF rules will officially come into effect, marking an important change for all players, coaches, and referees. Local referee Dick MacKerras has prepared a detailed summary document outlining these changes, which can be accessed HERE. To further support the community, Squash SA has produced a series of video explanations that break down the new rules in an easy-to-follow format, available now on our YouTube channel, Squash Cast. We encourage everyone to review these resources to ensure they are well-prepared and confident heading into the new season.

Squash SA is proud to announce that Di Rewell (formally Davis) has been awarded South Australia’s Hall of Fame membership as a Coach.

Growing up in Perth, Di was an exceptional squash player, achieving a world ranking as high as No. 11. She was first recognised in Western Australia for her playing career before moving to South Australia, where she has built a remarkable legacy as a coach.

Since relocating to Adelaide in 1994 to join the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), Di has made an enduring impact on squash. Her contributions include serving as a Squash SA Board Member, Australian selector, and AIS scholarship coach.

On the international stage, Di coached and managed Australian women’s teams at the World Titles in 1992, 1994, 1996, and 1998, each team returning home as World Champions. She also guided Australian Junior Women’s Teams in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999, proudly leading them to World Championship victories in 1993 and 1995.  Her record as a world championship winning coach (6) is unbelievable and hard to beat in any sport in Australia.

In 1998, Di partnered with Geoff Hunt to become the inaugural Commonwealth Games Squash Team coach, further cementing her place in the sport’s history. Locally, she coached South Australian junior teams from 1994–2000, inspiring the next generation of players.

Many past players across South Australia have admired Di for decades, and now it’s time to celebrate her extraordinary achievements. Join us in honouring Di Rewell at the 2026 Squash SA Awards Dinner as she receives this prestigious Hall of Fame award.

Tickets available NOW! TICKETS

Saturday 16^th May 2026, The Arkaba

Ticket sales close 1^st May.

Why Junior Membership Matters

Junior membership is the lifeblood of a squash club. By welcoming young players, we’re not only growing the sport but also ensuring the club remains vibrant, competitive, and community-focused for years to come.

• Player Pathways: Juniors are tomorrow’s champions. Early involvement helps them develop technique, fitness, and confidence on court.
• Club Legacy: Young members carry forward the traditions and spirit of squash, keeping our club culture strong.
• Energy & Enthusiasm: Juniors bring excitement to training sessions, matches, and social events, inspiring senior players too.
• Community Connection: Families often join through their children, strengthening ties between the club and the wider community.

Benefits for Juniors

Joining as a junior member is about more than just playing squash, it’s about personal growth.

• Access to structured coaching programs and mentoring from experienced players
• Opportunities to compete in junior interclub and tournaments
• Development of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship
• Friendships and memories that extend beyond the court

Benefits for the Club

Investing in junior membership ensures the long-term success of the club.

• A strong pipeline of future senior players and potential state or national representatives
• Increased volunteer and supporter involvement from families
• Enhanced reputation as a welcoming, inclusive, and community-driven club
• Long-term sustainability through continuous membership growth

How Squash SA supports Juniors

• Supporting Junior Club Programs with financial rebates and coach development opportunities 
• Running, and supporting clubs to hold tournaments and events
• Coordinating and financially supporting the State Junior Development Squad where keen and talented juniors come together twice a month to train and often tour to interstate tournaments
• Financially support players and officials that are selected to represent SA at the Australian Junior Championships

A Call to Action

Every great squash club is built on the strength of its juniors. By encouraging junior membership, we’re not only developing skilled athletes but also shaping leaders, teammates, and ambassadors for the sport. Let’s continue to welcome, support, and celebrate our juniors.They are the heartbeat of our club’s future.

Squash SA’s Club Support Officer, Nathan Tichý, recently led eight of our talented Junior Development Squad members on a four-day regional tour, joined by coach Justin Beard. The journey took the group to four clubs, Port Pirie, Whyalla, Arno Bay, and Port Lincoln, bringing city and country squash communities together.

At each stop, local juniors and adults joined in for fun training sessions with their city mentors, while Nathan worked closely with committees to explore tailored plans for strengthening governance and operations. The tour’s goal was clear: harness the passion and skill of our juniors to inspire clubs to engage local players, connect with media, and energise their committees.

The juniors embraced every moment while building friendships, sharpening their skills, enjoying a Saturday morning Parkrun, and competing in matches against regional players.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the club committees for their hospitality, to Nathan and Justin for their guidance, and to our juniors for representing Squash SA with enthusiasm and respect.

It is with sadness that we announce Deb will be leaving Squash SA. Before her departure, she has ensured the next Pennant season will be well prepared and has arranged a smooth handover to the incoming Competition Coordinator.

Deb will continue to be in the office for the next two months, supporting the transition. We anticipate being able to introduce the new Competition Coordinator in our January Newsletter, who will take on the role of managing competitions moving forward.

This month we have a special Christmas gift! A very short article, but also the "complete works of AnonTheMouse" all in one convenient file. If you've ever missed any articles, or just want to relive your favourites from history, they are now compiled into a single file. Enjoy!

Please note that the author's opinions are his own, and all articles are written in a light-hearted, humorous style.

A Christmas Tale

Complete Works - A Chaotic Collection of Dubious Squash Wisdom