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12 Places for the Whole Family to Play Squash
Can you guess which sport came out on top after a thorough analysis by Forbes magazine? It was heart-pounding, agility-requiring squash. Beyond that, we love the game because it's something the whole family can enjoy (at a reasonable hour of the day) and it's indoors—which we really appreciate come November. But more than all those things, we love the social, fun element of the game—with its house leagues, club championships and camaraderie among players. So why not get the little ones involved in a sport that they can play their entire lives? We've found the best programs around the broader GTA to enrol them in (and we've bypassed the exclusive clubs with the hefty membership fees and exclusive parking stickers.) Let's hit!
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National Squash Academy
At the National Squash Academy the kiddos can train in the same location as Canada's top squash players—who are just about the nicest athletes around. The gold standard of all squash instruction, the club also offers March Break camps—perfect for your tiny squasher.
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Executive Squash and Fitness
The great squash courts here make it a perfect place to start the juniors off and the price is a relief—especially with free junior instructional camps throughout the summer! Bonus: there's a great smoothie bar (just sayin'… slurp).
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Mayfair Lakeshore
This spot has one of the biggest squash clubs in the city, and the junior program is robust as well. Tykes as young as four can start in Active Start and learn basic skills while mastering hand-eye coordination and footwork, too. Kiddos love to have lunch in the club restaurant as a treat after.
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Cedar Springs
For the west-end set Burlington's Cedar Springs offers a fun and social Junior Squash program while also developing them into competitive streams. There
's a social night pizza party after squash....pizza and squash? A match made in heaven.
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Power Squash Academy
Summer camps, winter camps and individual junior training are all overseen by Jonathon Power, a former world champion and one of the most entertaining figures in Canadian squash, (think the John McEnroe of the squash world but way more charming). Great for skill building.
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Ontario Racquet Club
Not only are there summer squash camps, there are programs throughout the year for all levels of play. Super for the family that wants to squash together, an added bonus is that the whole fan-damily can cool off in the pool after a lesson or a match.
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Club Markham
Ensconced in the Markham Hilton is Club Markham, so we can upgrade to a Spa membership and enjoy amenities like the man cave treatment room (we know someone who would like that…) and complimentary child minding. Munchkin and Junior squash options mean there are lots of options for the small fry to hit some balls.
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Glendon Athletic Club
Tucked away in the lovely grounds of Glendon College at Bayview and Lawrence is one of the city's best kept secrets: Glendon Athletic Club. The club offers squash programs for youth eight years and up along with some super fun club tournaments—think winter holiday and Valentine's Day themes. All the feel of a private club at a fraction of the price. Phew.
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Club Meadowvale
Not only does this club offer racquetball, it has a great junior squash program with over 60 members. There are a variety of levels based on age and skill and the opportunity to compete in appropriate-level tournaments across the province. Social and squash skills, awesome.
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The Barrie Athletic Club
Home to many exciting tournaments, the Barrie Athletic Club is a great place for kids to get their racquets flying. After-school and weekend programs allow for schedule juggling (our best sport!) and the special events are a good bonding experience. Kids will love watching some of the top-tier players show their stuff.
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Pickering Recreation Complex
The highlight of this centre is the presence of award-winning Squash Pro Nicole Pirko, one of the best squash pros and teachers around. She runs a juniors clinic that will have them besting their parents in no time—so adults, better book a lesson with her too.