Junior programs are the lifeblood of a club's future. Today's 10-year-old is tomorrow's club champion, committee member, and parent bringing their own kids.
But starting a junior program isn't just about putting kids on court. It takes planning, the right coaches, and a structure that keeps both juniors and parents engaged.
Here's how to build one that works.
Why Junior Programs Matter
Long-Term Membership
A junior who plays through their teens becomes an adult member. They bring friends, partners, eventually their own children. Lifetime value is huge.
Court Utilisation
Juniors play after school and weekends — times that often have spare capacity. Better court usage, more revenue.
Club Culture
A club with juniors feels alive. Multi-generational community is more resilient than one demographic.
Feeding Competition
Junior players become your future league and tournament competitors. A strong junior program feeds your competitive scene for decades.
Building Blocks
1. Coaches
You need coaches who:
- Are qualified (national coaching certification where available)
- Are good with kids (patience, energy, age-appropriate communication)
- Have background checks / safeguarding clearance
- Can commit to regular sessions
Options:
- Hire a dedicated junior coach
- Train interested adult members
- Partner with a local coaching academy
One coach can handle 4-6 juniors per session depending on courts and age.
2. Court Time
Block regular slots for junior sessions:
- After school (3:30-6pm weekdays)
- Weekend mornings (9am-12pm)
Protect these times. Don't let adult bookings override junior sessions.
3. Equipment
Juniors need:
- Age-appropriate rackets (shorter, lighter)
- Eye protection (mandatory in many regions)
- Balls (blue or red dot for beginners — slower, higher bounce)
Some clubs provide loaner equipment. Others require parents to purchase.
4. Structure
Organised programs work better than drop-in chaos:
- Term-based (10-12 weeks)
- Clear levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- Progression pathway (move up as skills develop)
- Regular assessment to track progress
Program Structure
Age Groups
| Age | Level | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 | Mini Squash | Fun, movement, hand-eye coordination. Small courts, soft balls. |
| 8-10 | Development | Basic technique, rallying, simple tactics. |
| 11-14 | Junior | Full court, competitive play, match experience. |
| 15-18 | Performance | Advanced tactics, tournament preparation, strength/fitness. |
Not all clubs need all levels. Start with where you have demand.
Session Format
Typical 1-hour junior session:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00-0:10 | Warm-up games (tag, relay races) |
| 0:10-0:30 | Technical drills (ghosting, feeding, target practice) |
| 0:30-0:50 | Match play or conditioned games |
| 0:50-1:00 | Cool-down, announcements, high-fives |
Keep it moving. Kids lose focus if they stand around too long.
Progression Pathway
Create a visible ladder:
- Red level — beginners, learning basics
- Amber level — can rally, learning tactics
- Green level — match-ready, entering competitions
Award certificates or badges when juniors move up. Recognition motivates.
Competition for Juniors
Competition keeps juniors engaged. Options:
Club Ladder
Simple ranking within your junior group. Challenges and matches count toward position.
Junior Box Leagues
Like adult box leagues but for juniors. Boxes of 4-5, play each other over a month.
Inter-Club Matches
Partner with nearby clubs for junior team events. Adds a social dimension.
Junior Tournaments
Host or enter juniors in local/regional competitions. Even small events build competitive experience.
Ratings
If your platform supports it, track junior ratings too. Kids love seeing their number go up.
Parent Engagement
Parents are your secret weapon — or biggest headache. Get this right:
Communication
- WhatsApp group or email list for parents
- Weekly updates on sessions and events
- Term calendar with all dates upfront
Involvement
- Invite parents to help with events (scoring, refreshments)
- Host "parent-child" sessions occasionally
- Keep them informed on their child's progress
Expectations
Be clear on:
- Behaviour standards
- Attendance expectations
- What happens if a session is missed
- Code of conduct (for parents too)
A small number of difficult parents can poison a program. Set standards early.
Safeguarding
Non-negotiable. Protect children and protect the club.
Requirements
- Background checks for all coaches and volunteers
- Safeguarding policy in writing
- Designated safeguarding officer
- No 1-on-1 coaching without visibility
- Incident reporting procedure
Best Practices
- Changing rooms: parents supervise their own kids, or provide separate times
- Photography: permission required, no photos by non-parents
- Communication: group messages only, no private DMs between adults and juniors
Check your national governing body for specific requirements in your region.
Pricing
Junior memberships are typically 30-50% of adult rates. Session fees on top or included.
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Membership + free sessions | Simple, encourages attendance | Fixed revenue regardless of participation |
| Membership + pay-per-session | Revenue matches usage | Admin overhead, payment friction |
| Term package (10 sessions) | Predictable, discounts bulk buyers | Missed sessions feel wasted |
Many clubs offer discounts for siblings or family memberships.
Getting Started
Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-2)
- Identify or recruit a junior coach
- Secure coaching qualifications and safeguarding clearance
- Block court time (1-2 weekly sessions to start)
- Source junior equipment (rackets, balls, eyewear)
- Write safeguarding policy
Phase 2: Launch (Month 3)
- Set pricing and registration process
- Promote to existing members (their kids, grandkids)
- Partner with local schools for awareness
- Run first term (10-12 weeks)
- Collect feedback from parents and kids
Phase 3: Grow (Month 4+)
- Add sessions if demand warrants
- Create competitive pathway (ladder, leagues, tournaments)
- Recognise progress (badges, certificates)
- Celebrate juniors at club events
Common Mistakes
Starting too big Better to have 8 committed juniors than 20 who show up randomly. Start small, build demand.
Wrong coach fit A great adult coach isn't necessarily great with kids. Prioritise personality and patience.
No competition Juniors who only do drills get bored. Introduce match play and competition early.
Ignoring parents Parents are your logistics, marketing, and support team. Keep them informed and involved.
No progression If juniors can't see how they improve, they lose interest. Create visible levels and celebrate advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can kids start playing squash?
Children as young as 5 can start with Mini Squash — using small courts, soft balls, and shorter rackets focused on fun and hand-eye coordination. Structured coaching typically begins around age 8-10 when kids can handle basic technique and rallying on a full-size court.
How many juniors do I need to start a program?
Six to eight committed juniors is enough to start one session per week. You don't need 20 kids on day one. Start small with a single session, build demand through word of mouth and school partnerships, and add sessions as numbers grow.
Do I need a qualified coach to run a junior squash program?
Yes. Coaches working with children should have a recognised coaching qualification and a current safeguarding/background check. A great adult player isn't automatically a great junior coach — patience, energy, and age-appropriate communication matter more than playing ability.
How much should a junior squash program cost?
Junior memberships typically run 30-50% of adult rates. Session fees vary: term packages of 10 sessions at $8-15 per session are common. Offer sibling discounts or family memberships to reduce the barrier for families with multiple children.
How do I keep juniors engaged long-term?
Create a visible progression pathway (beginner, intermediate, competitive) with badges or certificates at each level. Introduce competition early through junior box leagues, club ladders, and inter-club matches. Kids who only do drills get bored — match play and rating tracking keep them motivated.
Bottom Line
A junior program is an investment in your club's future. It takes effort to set up, but once running, it feeds your membership, fills your courts, and builds a multi-generational community.
Start small, get the foundations right (coach, safeguarding, structure), and grow from there.
PlayMetric can track junior ratings alongside adults — every match counts, and kids love watching their number move.
Related Reading
Questions about junior programs? Email playmetric.co@gmail.com