Rainbow Racquets Squash Melbourne launches in 2025 | A New Era of Inclusivity in Sport

Squash Australia is committed to creating a healthy sporting environment and a supportive community for LGBTQ+ players, coaches, referees, volunteers, staff, and supporters.

As a proud member of Pride in Sport Australia, Squash Australia has worked closely with Pride in Sport and Proud 2 Play to develop inclusive policies, procedures, and resources.

The Rainbow Racquets Squash Network is a vital part of this commitment, ensuring that squash remains a sport where everyone feels welcome and respected, both on and off the court. Squash Australia stands firmly against all forms of discrimination, exclusion, or abuse, including Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, with a zero-tolerance policy toward such behaviours.

In 2025, the Rainbow Racquets Squash Network is expanding its footprint, with Melbourne joining the established groups in Sydney and Canberra. This exciting initiative will bring together the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy squash in a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

Rainbow Racquets Squash Melbourne (RRSM), will officially begin after the Rainbow Racquets Open Tournament on 1 February 2025 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC). Starting with one weekly session, the group aims to foster a vibrant community for players of all skill levels.

Session Details:

• Initial Start Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025 (TBC)
• When: Sunday mornings, 10am-11:30am
• Future Expansion: Thursday evenings, 6:30pm-8pm (once attendance grows)
• Cost: $18 per person, with equipment provided (racquets, balls, and eyewear)

To ensure the sustainability and growth of RRSM, a committee of volunteers will be formed in mid-to-late March 2025 to oversee the group’s ongoing development.

David Cowell, the driving force behind RRSM, shared his excitement: “I am thrilled to bring RRSM to life and create this LGBTQ+ safe space in the sport I have lived and breathed all my life. Seeing what the Sydney crew have been able to do and keep ongoing is incredible, and I hope we can emulate that down here.”

Upcoming Highlights:

• RRSM will feature at the Midsumma Carnival on 19 January 2025, building excitement and awareness within the LGBTQIA+ community.
• The Rainbow Racquets Open Tournament on 1 February 2025 at MSAC will serve as the official kick-off event.
• RRSM will celebrate inclusion and diversity by participating in the Midsumma Pride March on 2 February 2025.

Through initiatives like the Rainbow Racquets Squash Network, Squash Australia reinforces its role in fostering healthy, safe, inclusive, and respectful behaviours in sport.

Shaun McEachin, National Lead - Sport Development at Squash Australia, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “The launch of Rainbow Racquets Squash Melbourne is a pivotal moment in our inclusion journey. It represents Squash Australia’s unwavering commitment to fostering safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of their sexual or gender identity. Melbourne’s vibrant and diverse community makes it the perfect city to expand our network and continue building a sport that celebrates inclusion and respect.”

Registrations for the Rainbow Racquets Open and Midsumma Festival Pride March are available online at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/rainbowracquets.

For more information on Rainbow Racquets Squash Melbourne or to get involved, visit the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/539616282375667.