Ōtautahi Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal delivered a new kind of performance during this year’s New Zealand Squash Open, transforming its historic stage into a lively space filled with racquets, excitement and hundreds of curious young people.

With the tournament returning to this iconic venue for a second year, Squash Canterbury recognised a unique opportunity to introduce tamariki to professional squash in a setting many had never experienced before.

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In the lead-up to the event, around 10 schools from across the region were invited to participate in a large-scale outreach initiative that brought nearly 500 students into the theatre. For many, it was their first time stepping inside the venue and their first opportunity to see professional squash played just metres away.

Each school participated in a one-hour programme that blended live match viewing with interactive activity stations set up throughout the theatre. When play paused, students eagerly rotated through hands-on experiences, hitting balls, testing new skills and gaining a sense of the sport’s pace and intensity.

Their enthusiasm was infectious, with some children even arriving with handmade posters cheering on players like Paul Coll and Joelle King.

The purpose behind inviting children to the Open reached far beyond providing a fun day out. Live exposure to elite athletes remains one of the strongest drivers for future participation and witnessing world-class squash up close helped children imagine themselves in the sport.

For many students, the visit represented their first meaningful introduction to squash, expanding their awareness of the sport and connecting schools more directly to local clubs and programmes. The experience also complemented classroom lessons by offering insights into sportsmanship, preparation, teamwork, officiating and the discipline required at a professional level.

Squash Canterbury sees events like this as a vital first step in creating long-term pathways from inspiration to participation. By following the theatre experience with in-school activations, children can transition seamlessly into opportunities to play through school sessions, beginner programmes or club engagement.

Early exposure paired with easy access helps build sustainable participation and strengthens junior development across Waitaha Canterbury.

The wider impact of hosting the NZ Open in Christchurch stretches even further. A major international event boosts the profile of squash in the region, attracting media attention and increasing visibility for local clubs and facilities.

Historically, large events have contributed to spikes in club interest, with new members signing up, former players returning and demand growing for coaching and beginner programmes. Exposure to elite-level squash also strengthens pathways for young performance players, offering them a local connection to high-performance standards and motivation to pursue their goals.

Beyond participation, the Open brings tangible economic and community benefits. Visitors contribute to local tourism and hospitality, while the event itself helps build stronger relationships among clubs, schools, sponsors and community partners.

The outreach programme received support from the Canterbury Squash Foundation and Rotary Avon Ōtākaro, who played key roles in logistics and transportation, ensuring entire classes could attend. Their involvement highlights the collaborative effort behind the initiative.

Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of the programme was the reaction of the children themselves. Their excitement, curiosity and positive behaviour demonstrated how powerful early experiences can be in shaping future engagement with sport. Many expressed interest in trying squash and the shared memories created inside the theatre are likely to stay with them for years.

While the NZ Open offered world-class competition, its greatest legacy may be the inspiration it sparked. By opening the theatre doors to hundreds of young people, Squash Canterbury created an unforgettable introduction to the sport, one filled with energy, opportunity and possibility.

The initiative revitalised interest in squash and planted the seeds for the next generation of players, coaches, supporters and community leaders. In the end, the theatre was not only full of racquets; it was full of potential.

Article added: Thursday, March 26, 2026