The Alexandra Squash Club has long been a fixture in the area, and now it’s aiming for further growth. 

Club Secretary and Membership Officer Nathan McLean says the club recently received grants to help with our plumbing rehabilitation programme. 

“The club was constructed (early 80s) using the 'Dux Quest' plumbing system, which is prone to random and spurious leaks. 

“We have suffered multiple leaks and now no longer have insurance cover, so have had to bit the bullet and strip out the wet areas (bathrooms and kitchen) to expose the plumbing.

“In replacing the plumbing we are also going to modernise those wet areas, to help future proof them going forward.

“So it is quite a large project and we have received funding from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and NZ Community Trust. 

Nathan McLean says the Alexandra Squash Club is always on the lookout for new members. 

Nathan says the total grant funding is approx $35k, with total project value is going to be around $60k. 

“The Alexandra Squash Club dates back in the early days to when Molyneux Stadium opened - not sure of exact timing. 

“There were two 'wooden sided' courts (old style) in the stadium, which have recently been converted into a climbing wall/structure. 

In 1982 the present club facility was constructed and the club has been operating out of there ever since.  

“The club has a membership of 80-100 people, with the majority being full members but also some casual members who access the club to 'have a hit' as they feel the need. 

“Full members participate in in-club competitions and district/regional competitions during the squash season, which is March through October. 

“The club is seeing quite a change in the membership in recent years, with lots of new people and families moving to the district. 

“Squash offers a great option for winter sport, as it is indoors, non time consuming and caters to all age groups and skill levels. 

“We have quite a good 'family base' in the membership where Mum and/or Dad play and so do the kids.”

Nathan says squash is very positive in Alexandra. 

“The club membership is very buoyant and with positive churn, it is growing year on year the past three years. 

“There is a migration towards more family participation and we run an active 'youth' training programme which helps build the membership from the youth age group upwards.

“We are always looking for new members and welcome anyone who wants to come along and check things out.”

The Alexandra Squash Club is currently undergoing significant changes and growth. 

Nathan says if you are interested in the sport, to “just come along, jump on a court and have a hit”. 

“We have racquets people can use and members willing to help introduce others to the game.

“The future of the club looks promising. Membership looks promising long term and our “BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)” is to grow the membership more and construct a third court.  

“The club is presently a two-court facility.

“We are affiliated with Squash NZ. Members' games are graded and tracked in the national squash database. 

“This allows members to compete regionally, nationally if they wish against similarly skilled players, competing on equal footing.”

Photos courtesy Alexandra Squash Club.

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