Olympic Squash & Family Membership at RVLC

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

Email:

newsdesk@thechronicle.uk.com

Tuesday 14 October 2025 9:16

WHAT can mum or dad do for up to an hour when their kids are in the swimming pool? Why not try the newest Olympic sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

'Dads & lads' / 'Mummies & cuddies' mentoring gives families an opportunity to learn squash as part of their family membership at Roe Valley Leisure Centre. A very sociable sport, squash requires repetitive movement skills specific to playing a ball with a strung racquet to win a point against an opponent within a standard court room of four walls on a wooden floor. It has to be said however that when learning it is so important to use the correct ball for at least six months before advancing to the next.

One should use a large bouncy ball for beginners which doesn't require too much heat or effort and yet remains accessible to hit numerous times. Whether it bounces more than once or not is not really important for the novice players, but rather putting in the hours to develop a good technique including grip and set-up of a good strike position.

Improvers over time & with mentoring to learn the rules of the game will choose a ball where increased confidence, skills and fitness are appropriate. Like judo and its belt colour divisions, the colour code within the squash ball used is an indication of the intensity & skill anticipated for the match.

In short, if a player(s) cannot get to the ball readily during a rally then that ball is too slow (too advanced for those playing) see insert.

Novices should also be advised to wear protective eyewear /goggles and especially when children are on court. Children should use shorter racquets than adults due to proportion and encouraged to use the softest ball available if not balloons to start. Anyone interested to learn more should contact through Facebook initially - limavadySquash or WhatsApp 07764499495

Northwest League 25-26

Regional squash competition resumed in October with Limavady getting a win two weeks ago against Ballymena. This week they face defending champions Foyle away at Derry's Brooke Pk this Thursday for a much anticipated derby where supporters are especially welcome.

The national governing body Squash Ireland have launched an ambitious target supported by Sport NI to develop more clubs in Northern Ireland driven mainly by the uptake in participation over 18 months associated with new competitive leagues and social structures.