Girls in Motion Celebrate England Squash Award 2025 Wins for Sally & Mia

Sally Archibald – Diversity & Innclusion champion of the year

Sally was recognised for her impact in creating inclusive pathways for women and girls to play, stay and lead in squash. Over the last year she has:

• Delivered Girls In Motion events reaching over 200+ women and girls, including the UK’s largest girls-only squash meets.
• Spearheaded the LeadHER Fund, enabling 15 new female coaches to progress their qualifications and gain real leadership experience.
• Created the first-ever national map of women’s leagues, connecting organisers from 16 leagues and 1,024 players across England.
• Built a movement of volunteers, clubs and coaches helping to reshape how women enter and stay in the sport.

Sally’s award recognises her vision, relentless advocacy and commitment to ensuring women and girls are not just included in squash – they are centred, supported and celebrated.

https://www.englandsquash.com/news/diversity-inclusion-champion-sally-archibald-putting-womens-squash-centre-stage

Mia Leahey – young volunteer/ coach of the year

Mia’s contribution represents the future of women’s squash. Mia earned her England Squash Level 1 qualification through the LeadHER Coaching Fund and has already coached and mentored junior girls at national GIM events.

Her impact this year includes:

• Coaching at GIM Meets, inspiring girls as young as four to feel confident on court.
• Supporting community women's sessions, bringing new female players into the sport.
• Acting as a highly visible role model for junior girls – showing them that leadership in squash looks like them.

This award recognises not just her talent, but her generosity, empathy and leadership beyond her years.

https://www.englandsquash.com/news/merseyside-teen-named-young-coachvolunteer-of-the-year

These two awards demonstrate what our charity set out to achieve from the start:

• Participation: More women and girls stepping onto court.
• Retention: Creating positive, welcoming experiences that keep them playing.
• Competition: Broadening access to graded and women-only formats.
• Leadership: Building the next generation of female coaches and organisers.

Sally and Mia represent the full pathway – from founder leadership to emerging young female coach – proving that when women are given the space and support to lead, they transform communities.