Old Crossleyans squash sessions enable Aliza and mother Saima to spend time together

When Aliza began playing squash, it was simply a new physical activity for her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

However, as she and her mum, Saima, have become more involved in the sport, they have encountered just as many social benefits as physical ones, embracing a new community of friends and strengthening their mother-daughter bond in the comfort of the squash court.

Saima said:

“When we’re on court, it’s one to one time, just me and Aliza together, and she will tell me about what’s going on at school and things that might not come out as easily or as quickly at home because she’s waiting to catch me on her own.”

Both have joined England Squash in supporting Time Together, a Women in Sport campaign which encourages mums (and step-mums, aunties, and grandmas) and their teenage daughters to get active together.

“It’s nice to have that time where she can speak to me and have that bonding time. We just let our hair down, have some fun and get together for a catch-up.”

Aliza added:

“It’s a different environment to home,”

Neither of them knew what to expect when they answered an advert for girls only coaching at Old Crossleyans Squash Club, but Aliza was hooked after just one session:

"It’s a really interactive sport and when I’m playing, I’m really engrossed in it. It brings people together as well. I’m a very social person, so I love meeting new people."

Saima, meanwhile, was initially reluctant to get on court but hasn’t looked back since picking up a racket, joining women’s coaching sessions and completing her Squash 101 Leaders qualification. She, too, is full of praise for the club’s community spirit while the provision of women only and girls only activities was a huge positive.

Saima explained:

“In our Muslim community, mixing [genders] is a bit frowned upon and if it was mixed, I personally wouldn’t have got involved. Finding something female-oriented was a big thing for us.”

“The fact it was women together, girls together, that helped. I’ve always felt comfortable at the club and we fit in really well. We’ve met loads of girls from Aliza’s session. They’re always gossiping away. And I’ve met so many mums. When you first go, it’s daunting, but everyone is so willing to help you, and the club has been so welcoming.”

With her GCSE exams on the horizon, Aliza has a busy year ahead. However, that won’t stop her and her mum from getting on court at least once a week, with Saima determined to reinforce positive habits in all of her children.

Aliza said:

“You get busy in your life. Kids are busy with school, parents with work or house chores," she says. "At school, they’re alright because they do P.E. and clubs, but as they get older, in sixth form and university, sport fades away. I know that from my own experience. I loved playing basketball but as I got older, that just dwindled. It would have been nice to have kept it up and kept active.

“It’s good to get out, spend time with your children, and have fun. I’ve always said to the children that your health comes first. And if it’s a sport you enjoy, you’re having fun at the same time.”

To learn more about Women in Sport's #TimeTogether campaign, click here.