Open Squash, a 501c3 non-profit community squash organization, is set to launch an exciting new Gap Year Program designed for top squash players between the ages of 17 and 21.
This innovative program is tailored for older juniors, in the U.S. and around the world, looking to play squash at the highest levels in college or who are aiming to join the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour.
With a starting target date of September 2024, Open Squash will welcome top Juniors with a minimum US Squash rating of 5.3 for women (or international equivalent) and 6.0 for men (or international equivalent), providing them with a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and take their squash game to the next level.
The program is led by renowned, high-performance Open Squash coaches Peter Creed, Open Squash Director of Squash at Bryant Park and a 7-time Welsh National Champion and former World #50, and Amr Khalifa, Open Squash Director of Squash at FiDi, former World Junior Champion. Open Squash Senior Advisors Mike Way (head coach at Harvard) and Ali Farag (World #1) and highly ranked Open Squash-sponsored pros Gina Kennedy, Victor Crouin and Farida Mohamed will all be involved as well, among others, and to varying degrees.
The program aims to offer comprehensive, professional-level squash training sessions (group and individual) both on and off the court.
For college-bound players, the Open Squash Gap Year Program provides a range of enrichment opportunities including SAT/ACT preparation, application and recruiting support, college class coordination, and advice for a successful college career.
Players looking to embark on a PSA career (who may not be college-bound) will benefit from off-court enrichment opportunities such as advice on navigating a PSA career and PSA tournament mentoring and coaching.
Head Pros Peter Creed and Amr Khalifa said:“We are thrilled to introduce the Open Squash Gap Year Program, designed to provide a unique and immersive experience for top squash players looking to pursue their squash dreams in college on the PSA Pro Tour. We believe this program will be a game-changer for the right type of ambitious player and we are excited to welcome the next generation of top players to Open Squash. The program offers not only intensive on-court training but also a range of off-court enrichment opportunities to support both college-bound and PSA bound players. Our goal is to empower these young athletes and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need for success in their squash careers and beyond."
- The program consists of two 13-week semesters (official dates to be announced.)
- Participants have the option to enroll separately for each semester.
- The program takes place at Open Squash FiDi, a state-of-the-art facility in lower Manhattan with 8 new courts, including a glass show court.
- Accommodation is provided in safe and reputable dormitories, which are located 1 subway stop away from the facility. Dormitory fees are billed at cost, and there may be the possibility of staying with a host family instead of dormitories.
- Tuition for each semester is $15,000, which includes a 1-year membership and daily lunch.
- Financial aid is available, aligning with Open Squash's mission.
Interested students and their families should email gapprogram@opensquash.org to set up a conversation about joining.