For more information, contact Kevin Klipstein at kevin.klipstein@us-squash.org or 212.268.4090.
Introduction to the United States Squash Racquets Association
(US Squash or US Squash)
US Squash is the official national governing body for squash and is a member if the US Olympic Committee. US Squash governs the affairs of a broad based national individual membership and a club network where squash is played in over 1,000 facilities across the country.
Opportunities to partner with US Squash are greater than ever before. Since the sport is now truly global, and US athletes are finally beginning to compete effectively internationally, the stage is set. Top professionals are looking at the US market as having the largest growth potential for the tour.
Brief Background on the Sport
- Invented in England in the 1850's, squash arrived in the US in the early 1900's and took root in the elite schools of the Northeast
- Now a global sport, played in over 150 countries by 15 million people worldwide, an estimated 500,000 in the US
- Squash will likely be added to the Olympic Program in 2016 after a near miss for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
- Forbes Magazine recently pronounced squash the best sport for getting and staying fit
Interesting Trends in the US
- Youth Programs Adding Diversity - There are currently six urban youth enrichment programs which combine tutoring, mentoring, squash instruction and competition. This is up from one program eight years ago. Several programs will start this fall, including ones in Chicago and Washington DC. For one such program in New York City, there will be a new 10 court facility built in Harlem on 115th Street exclusively for the program. Another program in Philadelphia is building an eight court facility in partnership with the Police Athletic League.
- Increasing Participation - US Squash held the largest three Nationals ever this 2004-2005 season. For the US Championships, over 500 players, the Junior Open, over 450 players from 15 countries and over 300 participants for the US Doubles Championships. All historical record attendance marks.
- High School Program Growth - The second National High School Team Championship held in February saw participation grow nearly three-fold from the previous year (43 seven-player teams, 24 boys' and 19 girls', up from 16 total last year). This competition is additive to the very active prep school interscholastic league in the Northeast.
- College Ranks Expanding - There are currently are 52 men's teams and 32 women's teams registered with the College Squash Association. Seven new club teams joined the College Squash Association men's division in the 2004-2005 season alone. They are USC, University of Washington, Purdue, Notre Dame, Bryant University, Kenyon College, and Illinois indicating rapid expansion west.
- Professional Tour Explosion - Both the Men's (PSA) and Women's (WISPA) Professional Tours pay out nearly the majority of their prize money in the US. This is a recent trend as the Tour expands to cities in all regions of the country from California to Texas, New York and Chicago. Both of these tours are managed in England.
Unparalleled Demographics
A brief overview shows that squash represents the most desirable demographic. Squash players in the US are:
- Influential - From Senators to CEOs, no sport has stronger ties to leadership
- Affluent - Mean income of US Squash members exceeds $100K/year
- Well Educated - virtually all members have Bachelor's Degree, 57% hold an advanced degree
- Active - 90% play twice a week, the majority play more
Sponsorship Opportunities
The opportunities to partner with US Squash are numerous. They include:
- Official Partner - US Squash, Team USA
- Official Supplier - US Squash
- Official Sponsor - US Championships (there are 15 annually)
- Title, Presenting and Supporting Levels
- US Open (professional Men's and Women's)
- North American Open (professional Men's Singles and Doubles)
- US Squash Programs
- Urban Youth & Community Enrichment
- Coaching and Referee Certification
Why US Squash?
Partnering with US Squash is not about mass awareness and CPM. Partnering with US Squash is about exclusivity, access and impact. US Squash offers:
- Direct access to influential business leaders
- Ability to tailor sponsorship benefits to specific company needs based on active, personal event management
- Opportunity to fully brand and "own" events
- Better value and lower entry cost relative to golf and tennis associations
- Opportunity to integrate a cause-related element with urban youth enrichment outreach programs
- A high net worth target who are extremely passionate about the game and who demonstrate loyalty to brands and companies that support their sport
For more information, contact Kevin Klipstein at kevin.klipstein@us-squash.org or 212.268.4090.