Women’s Squash Collective

About

At England Squash, we’re proud to champion and support the Women’s Squash Collective – a new, nourishing space where women and girls can connect, belong and thrive.

This inspiring movement has been created by women, for women. Many of our staff are part of The Collective, and we share their vision to build a sport where women feel represented, valued, and heard.

Vision

A collective designed by women - for women.

The Women’s Squash Collective is grounded in care, connection, and belonging. It exists to show women they are not alone in the sport; their voices matter, their contributions are celebrated, and their place in squash is secure.

Mission

To create a thriving community where women and girls in squash feel connected, represented, and empowered.

Our pillars in action

• To connect: support and empower a network of women in squash by creating a welcoming space where women can connect.

• To collaborate: champion and support the growth of women in the sport at every level.

• To celebrate: celebrate our successes, our stories and champion women's voices in the sport.

Their story

The Collective was born at the 2024 British Open, when a group of women came together to create a place of connection and support. Inspired by the Women’s Sport Collective founded by Sue Anstiss and Kate Hannon, they began shaping a community to ensure women and girls feel represented in squash.

From those first conversations, the Collective has grown quickly - thanks to the passion of co-founders Jo Wallis and Heidi Leseur who are helping to drive real change for women and girls in squash. Read their story.

Why it matters?

While women make up 50% of the population, they remain underrepresented in squash:

• Only 13% of England Squash members are female.

• Just 21% of monthly players and 26% of infrequent players are women.

• Women are less represented in leadership positions across the sport.

The England Squash Listening Exercise reveals a belonging gap: 87% of men feel they belong in squash, compared to only 60% of women. For squash to grow, women and girls must feel they belong and that their voices are heard.

Trailblazers of the Women’s Squash Collective

Our Rally for Change series spotlights members of the Women’s Squash Collective who are redefining the game - championing equality, opening doors, and paving the way for women and girls in squash. Read their stories:

Sally Archibald
With her Girls in Motion programme, Sally's creating platforms where girls aged 5-19 can play, belong, and be coached - boosting visibility, nurturing female leaders, and expanding access across England.
Read Sally's story

Millie Tomlinson
Through her innovative graded tour, Millie's opening up competition, giving players of all levels the chance to take part and feel included.
Read Millie's story

Cecilia Vindrola
Cecilia's championing access through community programmes, breaking down barriers so that everyone can find a place in squash.
Read Cecilia's story

Jen McKenna
As new Head Coach at Kenilworth, Jen's breaking new ground, creating female role models, opening new pathways for women and girls, and redefining what inclusive coaching looks like.
Read Jen's story

Who inspires the Collective?

• Sue Anstiss
• Vicky Huyton
• The Well HQ
• Mary Ann Sieghart
• Caroline Criado Perez
• Belonging by Owen Eastwood
• Cath Bishop
• More than Medals
• Women in Sport
• Kyniska Advocacy

How the Collective connects

• WhatsApp community: open to any woman who wants to join – a friendly space to share experiences and connect.
• Regular meets: online calls with guest speakers and discussions on key topics, open to all members.

Be part of the change

The Women’s Squash Collective is about more than community - it’s about creating a sport where every woman and girl belongs. By joining, you’ll connect with others who share your passion, amplify women’s voices in squash, and help drive real change for the future of the game.

Express your interest now in joining the Women’s Squash Collective:

Join now