If your child has been watching season two, episode four of Bluey, they’ll have enjoyed an introduction to the fun game of squash. In the episode, Bluey’s father Bandit plays a game with his brother, Uncle Stripe, and the two children ‘control’ their parents like video game characters using their racket bags.
At Open Squash, a non-profit squash community in the financial district, some of our members noticed their tots were watching the episode repeatedly and playing with their parents’ rackets when they were lying around the house. We decided to try offering 3-5-year-olds the opportunity to come to the squash center on weekday mornings and get a taste for the game for real.
“My son comes home from 3-k classes and all he wants to do is watch the squash episode of Bluey,” said Matt Davis, 45, a long-time player and member at Open Squash. “He’s probably watched it more than a hundred times now, and he likes to get my racket out and hit a ball against the walls in the house. He’s only three and a half but it did make me think he might enjoy playing the sport for real and I’m thrilled Open Squash has started a program like this for the littlies.”
Squash is a fun sport with a long and successful history in Australia and here in New York City, as well as plenty of other places around the world. “Tots Squash” as a fun and active way to introduce your preschooler to the sport. Good news for caretakers too is that while your child is enjoying squash you can also enjoy our amenities including a lovely cafe with coffee and wifi, or if you prefer, you can take a fitness class in the gym or even step on a squash court yourself. It’s about the whole family!
What is Tot Squash?
Tot Squash is a specially designed program for children ages 3-5 that teaches the basics of squash in a playful and engaging environment. Tot Squash is a program that combines fun activities with basic squash instruction. Your child will learn hand-eye coordination, balance, and confidence through interactive squash games, warm-up drills, and exercises tailored to their age and energy level.
What are the benefits of Tot Squash?
There are many benefits to enrolling your child in Tot Squash, including:
- Improved hand-eye coordination. Squash is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination, which is an essential skill for many activities, such as writing, catching, and throwing.
- Enhanced balance. Squash also helps to improve balance, which is important for overall coordination and agility.
- Increased confidence. Squash is a challenging sport, but it is also very rewarding. When your child learns how to play squash, they will gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
- Social development. Squash is a social sport that can help your child learn how to interact with others and make friends.
- Physical activity. Squash is a great way for your child to get exercise and stay active.
- Caretakers/parents can enjoy our beautiful cafe with coffee and WiFi, take fitness classes in the gym, or even learn to play squash yourself while your children are in class.
What can I expect from a Tot Squash class?
A typical Tot Squash class will start with a warm-up, followed by some basic squash instruction. Your child will then participate in a variety of fun activities, such as interactive squash games, hand-eye coordination drills, and running and fun exercises. The class will end with a cool-down and a snack. Parents can also step on court and try the game for themselves while their children are undergoing instruction, if they choose.
What are the costs?
$45 per session (drop-ins allowed)
$400 for 11 weeks (1x per week commitment)
How can I sign up my child for Tot Squash?
To sign up your child for Tot Squash, just register online.