Lake Nona, Fla. (September 24, 2024) — The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) is excited to formally announce a new squash certification, available to existing RSPA coaches and, for the first time, coaches new to the RSPA.
This certification provides comprehensive and modern training in squash coaching. Mirroring the RSPA’s expansion into pickleball and its elevated padel certification, first-time RSPA applicants can begin their racquet sports teaching career with squash.
“Squash is an amazing sport with so many health and competitive benefits for players of all levels. The opportunity to increase our certifications into a new racquet sport is very exciting for the Racquet Sports Professionals Association,” RSPA CEO Brian Dillman said. “We see squash, which is an Olympic sport for the first time in 2028 in LA, as a natural extension to our suite of certifications we offer. Squash also has a global profile, which creates even more opportunities for our members around the world.”
This certification is modeled after the RSPA’s successful tennis and pickleball certification protocols and was designed with the assistance of squash experts and teaching professionals. RSPA squash certification workshops will be led by coach developers Rich Wade and Graeme Williams, who have been essential to developing the course. Wade is the director of squash & Padel at The Philadelphia Cricket Club and spent six years at US Squash, the U.S.O.C.-recognized national governing body for squash, where he developed and managed the U.S. National Team program. Williams is a former Canadian national coach and former head professional at the Philadelphia Cricket Club and is UKCC level 3 certified, level 2 course facilitator and evaluator.
“Rich Wade and Graeme Williams are true experts in their class, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this new pathway for our members,” Dillman said.
Squash marks the fifth racquet sport certification to join the newly rebranded RSPA’s, formerly USPTA’s, offerings alongside tennis, pickleball, padel and platform tennis.
“We are excited to be a part of the all-racquets movement at the RSPA! We believe that adding squash to a professional's portfolio will help them develop as both a coach and a leader,” Wade said. “Our program is tailored to you - whether you're at the start of your coaching journey and looking to diversify your coaching options, an established racquets director who doesn't yet oversee the squash program or someone passionate about delving deeper into the technical and tactical components of the game. “
About the RSPA
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), formerly known as the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), is the leading trade organization for racquet sports professionals. Since 1927, the RSPA has grown to support the diverse needs of the racquet sports industry, including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. With over 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions across the country, the RSPA offers career advancement support, certification and development opportunities, from coaching to club management, executive development to sales and marketing and beyond. Our mission is to champion the passion of racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community. Learn more at RSPA.net.
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Media Contact:
Collin Brazan
RSPA, Director of Marketing
collin.brazan@rspa.net
407-634-3061
Aislinn Leonard
RSPA, Public Relations Coordinator
aislinn.leonard@rspa.net
407-634-3071