England Squash partners with Women in Sport for Time Together campaign

England Squash is one of the proud partners supporting insights charity Women in Sport’s 5th annual #TimeTogether campaign, which this year runs during October half-term.

This year’s campaign focuses on encouraging midlife mums to understand the importance of being active with their teenage daughters; after all men and their sons have been enjoying sport together for years.

Our social media campaign, running across Instagram, Facebook and X this week, showcases some of the many mums and daughters who are experiencing the joys of playing squash together in order to inspire many more mums and mother-figures to spend time getting active with their teenage girls.

Our research shows that 1.3 million girls in the UK, who once enjoyed sport in primary school, drop out during their teenage years. Girls feel judged and often dislike being watched at a time when they are also navigating the challenges of female puberty, but 76% of teenage girls want to be active.

Mothers and mother figures are an integral part of the solution. Almost half (48%) of the teenage girls we heard from state that their mum, aunt, or other mother figure supports them to be active. We also know midlife women need opportunities themselves; they are usually very time poor, under pressure from the burden of caring for others while working flat out so that their own happiness and health comes last. 71% of women experiencing the (peri)menopause want to be more active.

Jo Rowbottom, Head of Partnerships and Communities at England Squash said:

"We’re proud to pledge our support to Women in Sport’s Time Together campaign.The squash court is a perfect place for mums and their daughters to spend time together and it can fit into busy schedules.

"You can play to your own pace and with your own rules and laughter is guaranteed.

"We’re looking forward to seeing so many mums and daughters spend quality time together on the squash court and we welcome the support of all clubs and venues throughout the campaign."

Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of Women in Sport, said:

"This year’s #TimeTogether campaign is all about empowering midlife women to connect with their daughters or nieces through the joy of being active. For generations, men and their sons have bonded over sport. It’s overdue for women and girls to experience the same fulfilment.

"At a time when teenage girls are feeling more judged and pressured than ever, sport can bring freedom from the burdens of everyday life. Mothers also need time for themselves – but we know many are missing out due to being over burdened with responsibility at home and at work as well as managing peri-menopausal symptoms. Through this campaign we urge mums to give sport a go, not only for their own well-being but to inspire their daughters or nieces to stay happy, healthy and active.

"The support from new and existing partners has been incredible this year, with so many gathering and sharing inspiring real-life stories on their social media channels to promote #TimeTogether, and get more mums and daughters active together."

Keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram, X and Facebook where we'll be releasing some inspiring stories from squash mums and daughters.

For more information about #TimeTogether please visit www.womeninsport.org/timetogether