Ballina’s squash community has turned adversity into opportunity, building a new home for the sport and putting the town on a potential Olympic pathway.

Finishing touches are now being made on two state-of-the-art glass courts in Ballina’s industrial estate, ahead of a May opening.

The project is the result of a determined local push, after players were left without courts when the Norton Street facility closed in November 2024.

Rather than fade away, the Northern Rivers Squash Club regrouped, secured a lease, and helped drive the project to bring the sport back stronger than before.

Club president Ryan Beavis said the new courts were designed to showcase squash in a modern way.

“The glass courts are effectively created to promote squash being able to be visible from all sides of the court,” he said.

“You get some great camera angles that you don’t get on a traditional court.”

Each court uses 53 glass panels and cost about $60,000 to build, with only a handful of comparable international-standard courts in Australia.

The new facility is already attracting attention, with the Australian squash team expressing interest in training at the venue.

Squash fights for relevance

Squash was once a staple in towns across Australia, but participation declined as new sports emerged.

Pickleball has surged in popularity in recent years, with courts across the region often operating at capacity.

Former Norton Street court owner Glenn Mills said squash still had a strong base locally.

“Pickleball is obviously the big competition now, but I think there’s enough squash players in the region,” he said.

Supporters argue squash remains one of the most physically demanding racquet sports.

Community rebuild after loss

The closure of the Norton Street courts forced many local players to travel north to stay in competition.

That disruption ultimately galvanised the local squash community to act.

In contrast to recent tensions around other local sporting facilities, the squash project has emerged as a clear example of a community rallying together to rebuild.

It doesn’t look much from the outside – but inside these grey walls is something big! The Northern Rivers Squash club’s new Ascot Road complex looks set to attract players from long distances keen to experience the latest glass-wall surfaces.

Main photo: Club President Ryan Beavis

The club currently has about 70 competition members and 50 social players, with numbers expected to grow once the courts open.

“It’s indoors, all weather, you don’t get sunburnt, you run your guts out and you get fit,” Mr Beavis said.

The Northern Rivers has also produced elite players including Donna Lobban and Cameron Pilley.

Mr Pilley’s father, Steve, said the sport needed to back itself.

“There’s a lot of room for squash,” he said.

“Governments provide soccer, football and cricket grounds but they won’t do squash courts.”

Olympic boost on the horizon

Steve Pilley

Squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is expected to spark renewed interest worldwide.

Local players are hopeful the sport could also feature at the Brisbane 2032 Games.

The new Ballina courts could play a role in that pathway, giving regional players access to high-quality facilities.

Courts will be available for hire at $40 per hour, with potential to introduce racquetball in the future.