Over 140 young people were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be spectators at Squash British Open in Birmingham as part of StreetGames’ #Inspiration2023 Campaign!
The Squash British Open triumphantly returned to Birmingham after two decades and ensure young people across Birmingham we’re able to make the most of this opportunity, England Squash invited Bring It On Brum participants to watch the Squash British Open.
One of the Bring It On Brum providers who took up the opportunity was Street Futures, who said: “These opportunities are really important for our young children as it helps them to see different sports being played and how to play them. It gives young people a sense of enjoyment to try something new and continue them in the future whether that be as a hobby or a potential career.” Usman Khan, Director at Street Futures CIC
Birmingham City Council supported this fantastic sporting event by giving the go-ahead for a squash activation zone outside the venue, meaning spectators could use this opportunity to have a go at the game and test their skills on a variety of mini pop-up courts.
In 2021, England Squash outlined it’s three main objectives; to increase participation, enhance diversity and nurture talent. “We at England Squash seek to coordinate, to connect, to support and to inspire” England Squash (Our Purpose and Vision)
There is hope that the relationship will continue to develop between England Squash and Bring It On Brum partners, ensuring that even more young people across the city are able to access the sport in the future.
“It’s been fantastic to work in partnership with these community programmes to provide young people in Birmingham the chance try squash on the mini outdoor courts and watch some of the world’s finest players battle it out at the prestigious British Open.
Since Birmingham 2022, we’ve been taking squash to new communities, introducing hundreds of people to the sport in the Birmingham and West Midlands area. We’re looking forward to building on this work and collaborating further with Street Games and the Bring it on Brum.” Community Engagement Officer, England Squash
“Working closely with England Squash we have been able to provide the opportunity for Bring It On Brum participants to visit the British Open and experience squash at the highest level as well as have the opportunity to try out the sport and watch top international players competing.
StreetGames hope this is the start of a strong relationship with England Squash and that we will be able to replicate this type of opportunity again in different parts of the country” Matt James, Area Lead for Bring It On Brum, StreetGames