Scottish Squash To Launch Official Club Accreditation Scheme

SquashMark supports clubs to build strong foundations for continuous improvement through a structured development framework.

What is SquashMark?

Whether you’re a small community club with one court or a large multi-section venue, SquashMark gives you a clear framework to understand where your club is now, identify areas for improvement and work towards where you want to be.

It recognises and supports squash clubs that meet clear standards across a range of key areas including good governance, safeguarding, development and inclusion. Clubs move through a structured self-assessment and verification process, receiving practical support at every stage from the Scottish Squash team. Accreditation is reviewed via an annual check-in to keep standards current.

Four levels, one journey!

Bronze – Nailing the basics.

Bronze is the starting point for every club. It focuses on foundations that help a club operate effectively such as policies and procedures, club governance and safeguarding. The backbone of a club to ensure everything else runs smoothly.

Silver – Good practice.

Silver builds on those foundations and starts to explore what your club needs to develop. Expect to find requirements such as a club coach, club development plan, competition opportunities as well as some further governance pieces to help your club appear more welcoming.

Gold – Setting the standard.

Gold is for clubs who are looking to go beyond the standard club night and start to introduce other events for their members. Do you offer social nights, targeted women and girls’ sessions or junior coaching? If so, gold could be for you!

Diamond – Leading the way.

Diamond is the highest level of SquashMark and recognises clubs that are leading the way within their communities. At this level, we’ll look at how your club is engaging with local communities and reaching underrepresented groups within the sport as well as diversifying your club committee.

Why Should my Club Apply?

We believe that the accreditation is more than a badge, it’s practical support and recognition that opens doors for new opportunities.

• Funding Readiness – A recognised mark of good governance that strengthens applications to sportscotland, local authorities and trusts.
• Priority Support – First access to Scottish Squash development programmes and upcoming Club Development Fund.
• Member Confidence – Reassurance for parents, players and partners that your club meets welfare and safety standards.
• Promotion & Profile – Feature on the Scottish Squash club finder, newsletter and social channels as an accredited club.
• Dedicated Support – A named member of the Scottish Squash team to guide you through each renewal cycle.
• Club Benefits – Free coach education places, discount codes and prize draw entries.

But don’t just take our word for it! We ran a pilot with last season with Stirling Lawn Tennis & Squash Club who managed to achieve Bronze and majority of Silver. Here’s what they had to say about being involved.

What difference has SquashMark made to the club?

“SquashMark has given us clarity about where we’re going and what we want to do. It allows us to show that we’re professional and we’re really serious about taking the club forward.”

“It shows that we have appropriate Legislation, safeguarding, meetings, committee and general organisation – having something set out for us is where we see the benefit. It also shows we have the backing of Scottish Squash with what we want to do”

“Support us with ideas and as a sounding board for whether something is a good idea, not great, could be improved.”

What would you to say to another club thinking about joining SquashMark?

“I’d very much recommend joining SquashMark. I think for clubs that want to grow and take the sport seriously, and take their club life seriously, it’s a good thing to do. It’s too easy just to turn up, play squash and forget about developing the club and progressing it. So having these criteria set out, and being affiliated to the governing body, and having a relationship developed with them, is very important. It’s definitely a good thing to be part of.”

How do you think SquashMark will continue to help the club progress?

“It gives us a reference point for where we are, where we came from, what we’re doing, and gives us some recognition from a professional body whilst giving us goals to shoot for. It’s all just very positive stuff.”

SAVE THE DATE: SquashMark launches on Monday 19^th October. If your club is interested in getting involved, keep an eye on Scottish Squash’s social media channels for launch updates and a special newsletter to club contacts with details on how to sign up.

We are also running a Club Support Forum on the 15^th of October, 6-7pm, to give an introduction to SquashMark and answer any questions you may have about the scheme. You can sign up to the call here – Club Support Forum – SquashMark – Fill in form.