Robert Baird with Squash students -- LNN

By Dori Modney and Photojournalist Brandyn Montgomery

Sport of Squash thriving in Lethbridge

Lethbridge Squash Association offers successful junior squash program

Jan 22, 2020 | 10:52 AM

LETHBRIDGE — It was a sport that had a significant following in the early 80’s and some may think it quietly faded into the background. But, that is not the case.

Lethbridge Squash Association (LSA) President Robert Baird explains the sport is thriving in the city and making in-roads with some very enthusiastic youth.

So much so, that Baird says the LSA has started a junior squash program where we provide an open space, drop-in program for kids to come an play squash.

Baird notes that the front desk recreation manager at Lethbridge College is Ryan Boorsma, who is also one of the squash coaches. Boorsma has more details on it and can be reached at LethbridgeSquash.ca or you can contact him in the College recreation department at 403-382-6903.

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Baird explains the Squash Association was formed four years ago and it committed to making sure the program is strong and will continue.

“So we’ve done things like introduce new leagues to the college, in addition to a box league, we have he Two-guys and a Pizza place ladder league on Monday’s. We also have the junior squash program on Saturdays and one thing we started a few years ago was a professional program, where we bring 16 players from about 12 countries in the world, with some pretty good world rankings, that come and play for about a $10,000 prize purse.”

“That’s a big tournament that draws more attention and kind of caps off our year.”

Saturday morning junior squash — LNN

Baird also says, “In addition to building off of the leagues that we have, and this junior squash, we’ve had three or four kids who have moved on to other levels. So, we opened up a junior squash block in our Wednesday Box League, or open box league, for juniors to fit in, so there is a fill-in program to support them as they get better.”

“Coming up in March, we have our Pro-Am Tournament and we’re looking for billets and volunteers for that, as we have 16-players coming in from other countries and one of the services that we do to help them connect with our community is billeting, versus hotels. It keeps them a part of the culture of the program and it’s been a great program, so we do need more billets for this coming March and we do need volunteers for the tournament – if you’re interested, feel free to reach out to any Lethbridge Squash association member or Ryan Boorsma at Lethbridge College.”

The junior squash league is every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:15-am. “So come down and bring your kids to play squash.”

A successful lesson — LNN