Student-led club’s annual Women’s Squash Week event draws its largest turnout yet
RICHMOND, B.C. — Oct.5, 2026 — From first-time players to junior athletes, 40 women, girls, and squash newcomers came together at Vancouver Squash Academy on Oct. 5 for Sunshine Squash Club’s annual Women’s Squash Week event, one of the largest since it began participating in the program back in 2021.
Participants ranged in age from 5 to their 50s, with many stepping onto a squash court for the very first time. The session gave players of all experience levels an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The event was organized in partnership with Vancouver Squash Academy, with Sunshine Squash Club leading the planning and student volunteer team.
Seven courts, 40 participants and nine volunteers came together for one shared purpose: to learn, play and enjoy squash. Throughout the session, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of the sport, including grip, swing and movement, before putting their new skills into practice through a series of fun mini games.
Junior players partnered up with newcomers of all ages, creating an inclusive environment that brought women and girls together to learn, play and connect through squash.
Sunshine Squash Club has participated in Women’s Squash Week since 2021, when it hosted its first session to celebrate women and girls in a sport where they remain under-represented. This year’s event welcomed 40 participants— the club’s largest Women’s Squash Week turnout to date.
Women’s Squash Week is an annual Squash BC initiative that celebrates and encourages women and girls to participate in squash across the province. The 2026 edition ran from September 18 to October 5 under the theme CONNECT – PLAY – LEAD, bringing together players of all ages and experience levels. In 2025, more than 700 participants took part in over 61 events at 25 facilities across British Columbia.
Sunshine Squash Club would like to show gratitude to Squash BC for its continued support of Women’s Squash Week, as well as Vancouver Squash Academy, Marco Toriz and Jessica Almaguer for generously providing the courts and creating a welcoming environment for players. The club also extends its appreciation to the volunteers, parents and participants whose support helped make this year’s event a success.
About Sunshine Squash Club
Sunshine Squash Club is a non-profit squash club created and operated by student-athletes. Co-founded in Vancouver in 2020 by Jacob Lin, Ocean Ma, Spring Ma and Weihan Wang, it now has chapters in Vancouver, Toronto and Boston. The club promotes squash among young people and gives back through student-led events and fundraising and has contributed $27,485 to squash communities and hospitals since its founding.
