Squash is an indoor racket sport played on a four-walled court. It is fast-paced, fun and social, and can be played casually or competitively at any level. You don’t need any previous racket sport experience to play squash. Many people start through beginner squash sessions that focus on movement, confidence and enjoyment rather than rules or scoring.

How do I play a game of squash?

The aim of squash is to hit the ball against the front wall so your opponent cannot return it. The ball can bounce once on the floor before being hit back. Players take turns hitting the ball in a rally. If the ball hits the tin (the strip at the bottom of the front wall) or goes out above the top line, the rally ends. Games are usually played to 11 or 15 points, but beginner squash sessions often play without scoring while learning.

Can I play squash as a beginner woman?

Yes. Women of all ages and abilities can start playing squash as beginners. You do not need any experience to get involved. Many women begin squash later in life, return after a long break, or try it for the first time through beginner-friendly women’s squash sessions that are welcoming, relaxed and supportive.

Is squash suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Squash is suitable for complete beginners and is widely taught through beginner squash sessions designed to help new players get started. These sessions introduce the basics gradually, with guidance, encouragement and rest. You are not expected to know the rules or have played before.

Do I need to be fit to start playing squash?

No. You do not need to be fit to start playing squash. Fitness improves naturally as you play. Beginner squash sessions are paced to suit new players, with short rallies and regular breaks.

Are there women-only beginner squash sessions?

Yes. Many clubs and organisations offer women-only beginner squash sessions. These sessions focus on confidence, enjoyment and learning at your own pace, and can feel less intimidating and more social for new players.

Am I too old to start playing squash?

No. You are never too old to start playing squash. Many women take up squash as adults, including later in life or after a long break from sport. Squash can be adapted to suit all ages and abilities, and you can play at your own pace.

Do I need my own squash racket or equipment?

No. Most beginner squash sessions and leisure centres can lend equipment, so you can try squash before buying anything. To get started, you usually only need comfortable sports clothing and trainers with non-marking soles.

Is beginner squash competitive?

Beginner squash is generally not competitive. The focus is on learning, movement and enjoying the game. Many beginner sessions help players build confidence over time, and you can introduce competition later if and when you feel ready.

Can I play squash if I don’t know anyone?

Yes. Many people start playing squash on their own without knowing anyone else. Beginner squash sessions are usually group-based, and coaches or organisers help mix players together, making it easy to meet people and feel included.

How do I find women’s beginner squash near me?

You can find women’s beginner squash near you through local squash clubs, leisure centres, or organisations that support beginner-friendly squash. Searching online for “women’s beginner squash near me” or “beginner squash sessions” is a good place to start, and many venues offer trial sessions or pay-as-you-go options.

My child plays squash — how can I get involved?

Many women start playing squash because their child plays. You can get involved through beginner squash sessions, social squash, or women-only events for new and returning players. Ask at your local squash club about beginner options.

How does Girls in Motion help women and girls get started?

Girls in Motion supports women and girls to start and continue playing squash by connecting them with welcoming opportunities to play. This includes women-only squash events, Junior Meets for girls, and support for female coaches through funding and mentorship via the LeadHER Fund. The focus is on confidence, inclusion and enjoyment.

Maps | Find, Play, Connect Today

Squash courts in england

where can I play squash?

Everywhere!

Looking for women’s squash near you? Girls in Motion helps women and girls find local squash sessions, clubs, and events across the UK. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to the game, we’ll help you find a welcoming place to play.

Our interactive map brings together squash courts across England, Girls In Motion are making it easy for women and girls to find welcoming clubs and courts nearby. Whether you’re new to the game or already playing, there’s a court waiting for you!

womens Squash leagues in england

where can I play team squash?

16 existing open womens leagues

This map highlights the clubs across England with teams in women’s squash leagues. With 16 active leagues nationwide, it’s a brilliant way to find competitive squash near you, connect with a team, and see where women are already competing.

Girls In Motion are actively increasing the visibility of women’s competitive squash, we aim to inspire more players, more teams, and more leagues across the country.

Check out the links to active womens squash leagues below.

North West Womens Squash League

Hertfordshire Ladies Winter

Sussex Squash - Women Division

Michael Spiers Devon Ladies League

York & District Ladies Winter League

Bucks Squash County Women's Leagues

Warwickshire Ladies

Sheffield & District

Northumbria Ladies Winter

Surrey Ladies winter

Middlesex Senior Ladies League

Cambs Ladies

Leicestershire Ladies League

Durham & Cleveland

Hampshire Ladies League

Avon Womens Autumn

Growth framework 2026

Girls In Motion surveyed women playing league squash across England to understand what motivates participation, what supports retention, and where barriers remain. Over 180 women from 15 leagues responded, representing a wide range of experience and playing levels.

Women value league squash most for its team environment, community and enjoyment, alongside fitness and competition. Retention is strong, with many long-standing players, while newer players continue to enter leagues.

However, the most significant challenges to growth relate to player numbers, ability matching and league structure, with calls for more teams, divisions and inclusive formats.

These insights informed the development of the Women’s League Growth Framework, guiding coordinated action to strengthen participation, competition and leadership in women’s leagues nationwide.

Download the full 10 page report below:

Womens League Survey & Growth Framework 2026

What do you enjoy most about playing league squash?

Horizontal bar chart with six categories: Confidence Boost, Health, Chance to Improve at Squash, Team of Belonging, Competition, Fitness, and Social Connection/Community. Social Connection/Community has the longest bar, followed by Fitness and Competition, indicating higher values. Confidence Boost has the shortest bar.

Want to play but not sure where to start? we can help you connect.

Contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Squash is an indoor racket sport played on a four-walled court. It is fast-paced, fun and social, and can be played casually or competitively at any level.
You don’t need any previous racket sport experience to play squash. Many people start through beginner squash sessions that focus on movement, confidence and enjoyment rather than rules or scoring.
The aim of squash is to hit the ball against the front wall so your opponent cannot return it. The ball can bounce once on the floor before being hit back.
Players take turns hitting the ball in a rally. If the ball hits the tin (the strip at the bottom of the front wall) or goes out above the top line, the rally ends. Games are usually played to 11 or 15 points, but beginner squash sessions often play without scoring while learning.
Helpful video demonstrating a game (by pros)
Yes. Women of all ages and abilities can start playing squash as beginners. You do not need any experience to get involved.
Many women begin squash later in life, return after a long break, or try it for the first time through beginner-friendly women’s squash sessions that are welcoming, relaxed and supportive. Squash fits well around busy lives and can be played all year round.
Item descrip
Yes. Squash is suitable for complete beginners and is widely taught through beginner squash sessions designed to help new players get started.
These sessions introduce the basics gradually, with plenty of guidance, encouragement and rest. You are not expected to know the rules or have played before. Different squash balls can also be used to suit your level and make learning easier.
Ball choice blog by Inspire Squash
No. You do not need to be fit to start playing squash. Fitness improves naturally as you play.
Beginner squash sessions are paced to suit new players, with short rallies and regular breaks. Many people find their fitness improves quickly without it feeling like exercise, as they are focused on enjoying the game.
Yes. Many clubs and organisations offer women-only beginner squash sessions.
These sessions focus on confidence, enjoyment and learning at your own pace. Women-only squash sessions can feel less intimidating and are often very social, helping players feel comfortable and supported as they learn.

No. You are never too old to start playing squash. Many women take up squash as adults, including later in life or after a long break from sport.
Squash can be adapted to suit all ages and abilities. You can play at your own pace and choose social or coached sessions that suit your confidence level and lifestyle.
Most beginner squash sessions and leisure centres can lend equipment/ rackets, so you can try squash before buying anything.
To get started, you usually only need comfortable sports clothing and trainers with non-marking soles. Clubs are happy to help beginners without any pressure to buy kit straight away.
Many women start playing squash because their child plays. You can get involved through beginner squash sessions, social squash, or women-only events for new and returning players.
Playing squash alongside your child is a great way to stay active, build confidence and share a sport together, even if you have never played before. Ask at your local squash club about beginner options.
Yes. Many people start playing squash on their own without knowing anyone else.
Beginner squash sessions are usually group-based, and coaches or organisers help mix players together. This makes it easy to meet people and feel included, even if you attend alone.
You can find women’s beginner squash near you through local squash clubs, leisure centres, or organisations that support beginner-friendly squash.
Searching online for “women’s beginner squash near me” or “beginner squash sessions” is a good place to start. Many venues offer trial sessions or pay-as-you-go options. Girls in Motion squash maps also show courts and women’s leagues near you, including some beginner leagues.
Girls in Motion supports women and girls to start and continue playing squash by connecting them with welcoming opportunities to play.
This includes hosting women-only squash events for beginners and experienced players, running Junior Meets that emphasise the social side of squash for girls, and supporting female coaches through funding and mentorship via the LeadHER Fund. The focus is on confidence, inclusion and enjoyment, helping women and girls start, return and stay involved in squash.