Play in the Squash Dreamers Open to Support Underserved and Refugee Girls in Jordan

Open Squash is delighted to once again host the Squash Dreamers Open, a two-day squash tournament on April 12-13 at our FiDi location, in support of Squash Dreamers, a nonprofit which empowers underserved and refugee girls from Syria, Sudan and Jordan. You can sign up for the tournament here.

Squash Dreamers is dedicated to empowering refugee and underserved girls through sports, education and wellbeing support. They strive to assist girls in bettering their physical and emotional wellbeing and reaching their full potential.

The organization works with 50 girls aged 8-18 from Syria, Jordan, and Sudan as part of a long-term, holistic program based in the heart of the community.

The successes are tangible: last year, seven girls in the program were offered full scholarships to study at UK based summer schools, and several are now in the process of applying for US private schools. 

Jordan hosts the second-largest number of refugees per capita in the world, UNICEF reports that children make up approximately 40% of both the refugee and Jordanian populations. Poor socio-economic conditions, shift-system schools, crowded classes, and early marriages put many girls at risk of dropping out of school, with over 40% of Syrian girls out of school after the age of 12 (UNICEF 2020). ​

The organization was recently the subject of a 15-minute documentary about its efforts. The film showcases the impact squash and education has on the lives of girls who rarely get opportunities to run, play and thrive. 

Executive Director, Daisy Van Leeuwen-Hill said: "Squash Dreamers is an incredible community that gives our girls the opportunity to reach for their dreams. Combining sports, education, and wellbeing support, we are able to empower them to reach their full potential. We are so grateful to Open Squash and to everyone participating in the tournament for their support in making our work possible.”

You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these courageous and talented young girls by supporting Squash Dreamers. For more information on joining the tournament, please contact Ben Sheridan. To discuss making a larger donation to Squash Dreamers or hear more about their work, you can contact Daisy Van Leeuwen-Hill.