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Dear Club,
I hope you and your members are well.
It remains a very challenging and frustrating period for everyone, and England Squash are working hard to ensure that we continue to support the community wherever possible. We are in discussions with Sport England and other national governing bodies, including the PSA, WSF and other squash nations on how we can promote a smooth transition back to play when clubs are allowed to reopen. Once we have confirmation from the Government and Sport England that we can take steps to encourage players back on court, we will be able to release recommendations to the squash community.
For now, squash clubs should remain closed as per Government guidance issued last week: ‘as with before, the public cannot exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre.‘ Whilst we all share the desire to get back on court, we urge all clubs to continue to adhere to the advice for the safety of their workforce, their members and local communities. The guidelines also apply to solo practice and playing with members of the same household.
Return to play resources
As we await further information, our team are preparing resources, including posters and guidance for clubs and coaches for a safe return to play. We will release these once we receive the go-ahead from the Government and Sport England.
Funding
In the meantime, we have awarded ‘Bounce Back’ grants to 115 affiliated clubs to support their activities once clubs reopen. Funding has also been made available to County Associations through the Regional Forums – should you have any queries around opportunities for your club, please contact your County Association in the first instance. A number of clubs have been awarded funding through Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund. The fund has now closed but is likely to reopen in the coming weeks and when it does, we will let you know.
Membership
As you will be aware, there is currently a freeze on all England Squash membership and club affiliation renewals. Further to recent questions from clubs, if you are unsure whether to charge or refund membership fees to your members, please contact our team who can advise: participation@englandsquash.com. Should you have any further questions, please refer to our COVID-19 FAQs for clubs.
For further important updates, please check our monthly ClubConnect newsletter as well as the ClubConnect Facebook Group.
Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to prepare for a timely and safe return to play.
With best wishes,
Keir Worth
CEO, England Squash |
