Ever wondered what Squash clubs are like in Solihull? The neighbouring market town of Birmingham and the history of two of its Squash clubs are hosting Squash matches as part of the 2023 British Juniors Open; well let us digress about the market town in the West Midlands…
Credit: Visit Solihull
With Solihull, it is an interesting area when it comes to sports and even education – we know this as our founder spent two years studying at Solihull College & University Centre back in the late 1990s from which he learnt about the local sports provision in the town as apart of his HND Leisure Studies (Sports & Recreation) following a visit to some of the leisure centres and health clubs.
Now if you are someone who looking to play Squash in the market town, know this you won’t be disappointed as the provision is very much community focused and affordable too.
Squash on your doorstep
As we all know most Squash clubs are operated by committees, hence in Solihull if you are looking to be a part of a club which very much member-driven look no further than The Solihull Arden Club.
Credit: Solihull Arden Club
Established in 1873, this club is located on Sharmans Cross Road, which is not very far from Solihull train station and Solihull College & University Centre; this club boasts 6 Squash courts, alongside 13 Tennis Courts and 3 Padel Courts – plus there is a spacious open plan fitness suite, and a bespoke exercise studio known as the R-Den One Fitness Studio, along with Sauna and Steam rooms.
Squash at the Solihull Arden Club (credit: Facebook)
When it comes to Squash provision, the Solihull Arden Club has an extensive Squash programme from which Squash players of all abilities can help with their game performance too – note; Chris Ryder is one of the resident Squash coaches at the club.
Furthermore, the six Squash courts at the club are LED-lit, which two glass-back courts, one of which is a 50-seater exhibition court.
In terms of Squash social, well just like any Squash club, the Solihull Arden Club has weekly social squash and racketball during the day and evening, it really is the perfect place to develop your skills.
Ironically one of our founder classmates was a member there and often spoke highly about the club’s comprehensive social calendar, including food & hospitality provisions at the club – something that is excellent for squash members alike.
The Solihull Arden Club prides itself on offering a friendly member experience, which is an inviting, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
West Warwickshire’s finest sport club
If you know your geography, you would that Solihull comes under the border of West Warwickshire.
Nevertheless, if your family is looking for a multi-sports club that has everything look no further than the West Warwickshire Sports Complex (WWSC) is in the heart of Solihull.
The venue’s roots are traced back to 1888 with Olton & West Warwicks Cricket Club and 1898 with Olton & West Warwicks Hockey Club.
The WWSC became an established charity in 2005, with the objective of providing the best multi-sports facility to the local community.
When it comes to Squash, the club was founded the West Warwicks Squash in 1970 and has gone on to become one of only five England Squash Performance Hubs in the UK, the main one being in Manchester.
When it comes to famous alumni who have played at the club, these include England’s Jonah Barrington, 6x British Open Champion, current stars Paul Coll (New Zealand), and local star Sarah-Jane Perry (England).
Champ Sarah-Jane Perry (credit: Squash Mad)
Overall, the West Warwick Sports Complex is very a community-focused sports club and if you are someone who comes from down south, you would compare this club to any club in Kent or Surrey in terms of provision.
Squash and more
If you looking to play Squash and other types of sport, look no further than the Silhillians Squash and Racketball Club, which is a part of the thriving Silhillians Sports Club and Conference Centre located in Knowle.
The club is run by a committee of volunteers for the benefit of the membership and organises the internal competitions as well as looking after the regular maintenance of the courts to keep them in first-class condition.
We aim to provide a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome awaits new members of all ages and abilities.
In addition Squash, Silhillians Sports Club & Conference Centre has other sports on offer for members to participate in Rugby, Hockey, Rifle, and Junior Football.
Just rackets
If you are someone who just enjoys playing Squash, the Knowle & Dorridge Racquets Club is for you. As one of the largest clubs in Solihull, the club has 125 senior squash/racketball, 100 juniors and 100 social members.
In terms of provision, two squash courts with LED lighting. Court lighting, squash and racketball balls are all provided free to members.
As a small club, it operates internal leagues and annual handicap and open tournaments for both Squash and Racketball. There are also teams competing in local inter-club leagues and junior and adult coaching.
There is also a social session every Friday evening, alternating between squash and racketball.
Squash all over Solihull
For market town, Solihull has plenty of Squash court provisions for local residents to access and participate in whatever their playing ability.
It is worth mentioning that there is a David Lloyd Leisure Club in Shirley, Solihull – which has 3 Squash courts alongside its other racquets provision; nevertheless, for a market town, Solihull boasts a considerable amount of squash courts.
Purely from a Squash perspective, you would love it.
As a town, Solihull is like any other market town in the UK; both friendly and welcoming – who says it is not is lying or never spent enough there.
To sum up, we reckon that Solihull too will also benefit from the Commonwealth Games Squash legacy given the history of most of their squash clubs and sporting landscape.
It would be good to see another Squash tournament in the West Midlands at one of the mentioned Squash clubs – thus making it 3 tournaments in the county, alongside Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
Who knows, it could happen.
