Squash Schools and Programs in London

London offers squash schools and programs for all age groups and skill levels, covering casual lessons, competitive training, private coaching, and holiday camps at clubs, academies, and leisure centres across the city.

Below are detailed descriptions of each program, so you can match a venue to your location, budget, and ambitions.

Detailed Program Descriptions

Coolhurst Tennis and Squash Club, Crouch End (North London)

Overview: A well-established North London club with seven international-standard courts, including five glass-backed courts and a show court with tiered seating. Coolhurst offers a friendly environment for all ages and standards, and juniors and adults can join programs whether or not they are club members.

Age groups and skill levels: Coolhurst runs junior and adult coaching, catering to beginners through to advanced tournament players. The coaching team includes Paul Carter, a Level 4 coach with more than 30 years of experience, including 17 years with the England National Coaching Team, who has coached five players into the PSA World Top 10.

Other England Squash-licensed coaches include Lucas Cannistraci (Level 3), Wendy Levin (Level 2), and Stephen Thompson (Level 3).

Programs offered:

• Casual play: Club nights run on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, open to members and non-members, offering friendly matches for all skill levels. The club also has internal leagues and fields teams in county competitions.
• Coaching: Junior and adult coaching provide structured group sessions and squad training, including the Accelerate Squash Academy junior performance hub, Girls Love Squash, Squash4Schools, and Squash Fit sessions. Training is available year-round, with in-house tournaments and events.
• Private lessons: One-on-one coaching can be arranged with Coolhurst's certified coaches, open to both members and non-members by contacting coaches directly.
• Camps: The club runs junior squash camps during school holidays, with intensive sessions for kids to improve their game.

Pricing: Squash membership allows full access to club facilities, with a small joining fee. Many programs are also accessible to non-members, and club nights and coaching sessions can be paid on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Adult coaching, group sessions, and social evenings are managed through the club's online booking system and are open to members and non-members, with members paying discounted rates.

Contact: For details or to book lessons, visit the Coolhurst Tennis and Squash Club website. The club is on Coolhurst Road in Crouch End, London N8. Coach contacts are listed on the site for arranging private lessons.

Grafton Tennis and Squash Club, Balham (South London)

Overview: Grafton is a volunteer-run community club, founded in 1888, serving players in Balham, Streatham, and Clapham. It features three squash courts with modern LED lighting and has an inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere. All ages and standards are welcome, with junior sections and competitive teams alongside social play.

Age groups and skill levels: The club caters to juniors from beginner level up to county standard, and to adults of all abilities, with complete novices playing alongside league team players.

Programs offered:

• Coaching: Grafton has qualified England Squash coaches offering private lessons and group sessions for juniors and adults. Junior group coaching runs in term-time courses for a range of ages, covering fundamentals through to more advanced drills. Adults can join group clinics or book individual coaching.
• Junior squash: As an England Squash affiliated club, Grafton runs a junior programme on Saturdays in term time for players of all abilities, currently ages 8 to 18, open to members and non-members on a pay-and-play basis. England Squash's "Squash Stars" is a national six-week beginner scheme for children aged 5 to 11 that builds hand-eye coordination, racket work, movement, and match play, delivered at affiliated clubs.
• Competitive play: Grafton fields teams in county leagues and has internal box leagues and ladders, providing a pathway for players looking for competitive matches. The club also organizes occasional tournaments and social squash events.

Pricing: Grafton operates on an annual membership model with affordable rates as a non-profit. Members get access to courts and club sessions, while coaching programs may have additional fees per course. Non-members can join some coaching sessions by arrangement, and specific fees can be obtained via the club's enquiry form.

Contact: Interested players can check the Grafton Tennis and Squash Club website for details or to apply for membership. The club is at 70A Thornton Road, SW12 0LF, between Balham and Streatham. An online enquiry form is available for coaching and membership questions.

Hammersmith Squash, Hammersmith (West London)

Overview: Hammersmith Squash is a dedicated squash coaching program based in West London. Sessions take place at the Hammersmith Fitness and Squash Centre near Hammersmith Broadway, which has three courts. The program is run by professional coaches and is open to all, with no club membership required.

Age groups and skill levels: Coaching is offered for children from around 5 years old up to adult players, with adults grouped by ability so players train with others of similar level. The head coach, Andy Keen, is an England Squash Level 3 coach with more than 30 years of experience. Other coaches include Duncan Andrew (Level 2 Player Development Coach) and William Grey (Level 1).

Programs offered:

• Adult group lessons: Regular evening group courses for adults at different levels, with small coach-to-player ratios for plenty of feedback. Sessions focus on technique, fitness, and game strategy in a friendly small-group setting.
• Junior classes: Weekly junior sessions start younger children on introductory classes using scaled-down equipment, then progress older children through squash fundamentals. Juniors can continue in more advanced training groups as they develop.
• Private coaching: Private lessons can be booked with the head coach and assistant coaches on various days. Sessions are 45 minutes long and tailored to the player's goals, from refining basics to competitive training.

Pricing: Hammersmith Squash operates on a pay-as-you-go or course-booking basis. Players typically book a block of sessions or individual lesson slots. There is no membership fee, making it a flexible option for those who just want lessons.

Contact: Bookings can be made online through the program's scheduling system, and enquiries can be directed via phone. The website provides a booking link and lists the contact number 07832 212 001. Sessions are held at the Hammersmith Fitness and Squash Centre, Chalk Hill Road, W6 8DW, a short walk from Hammersmith Tube.

Redbridge Sports and Leisure Centre, Ilford (Northeast London)

Overview: Redbridge Sports and Leisure (RSL) is a large multi-sport complex in Ilford, East London, with strong squash facilities. The centre attracts high-level players while welcoming all standards in a community spirit. It has multiple courts and is used for county training and tournaments, with programs for every age and level.

Age groups and skill levels: Everyone from juniors to veterans can play at Redbridge. Junior coaching typically starts from around age 6, and there is no upper age limit for adults. All abilities are catered to, from total beginners to advanced squads.

Programs offered:

• Casual play: Players can hire a court and play with friends, seven days a week from early morning to late evening. Redbridge also runs a family and friends squash session on weekend evenings.
• Organized sessions: RSL has a weekly programme of squash activities, including social sessions where players are matched for games and group coaching clinics for different standards. The full timetable is available via the centre.
• Junior coaching: All junior squash at Redbridge is led by squash professional Dave Lazarus. The centre runs junior group coaching after school and at weekends, where children learn racket skills, movement, and game play, plus junior holiday camps and clinics in half-terms and summer.
• Competitive play: Redbridge runs club leagues and ladders and fields teams in county and local leagues. The centre hosts squash events, from junior tournaments to exhibitions.

Pricing: As a public leisure centre, Redbridge offers pay-and-play access. Membership is not required to book courts or join most sessions, though it can provide discounts. Court hire typically costs under £10 for 40 minutes, varying by time and day. Social play and coaching have modest fees, with members paying less than non-members.

Contact: For schedules and bookings, visit the Redbridge Sports and Leisure website or call the centre. Squash coaching enquiries can be directed to Dave Lazarus on 020 8498 1032. The centre is at Forest Road, Ilford IG6 3HD, reachable via Fairlop station.

Sobell Leisure Centre (Better), Islington (North London)

Overview: Sobell Leisure Centre is a public sports centre in Islington, North London, operated by Better (GLL). It features six refurbished squash courts and offers affordable squash programs for adults and children. Sobell is a good entry point for beginners and casual players thanks to its low cost, while still providing structured coaching from qualified instructors.

Age groups and skill levels: Juniors from 5 years up can join the squash lessons, and there are adult sessions for all ages. Friday junior sessions are split into 5 to 8 year-olds and 9+. Adult sessions, both coaching and social, are open to all levels, from complete beginners to regular club players.

Programs offered:

• Court hire: Sobell allows hourly court bookings for anyone, from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 6pm at weekends. Rackets can be rented and balls bought at reception, making it easy for newcomers without equipment.
• Adult instruction and play: Every Friday evening there is a coached squash session open to all levels, where an England Squash qualified coach teaches fundamentals and helps players improve in a group setting. On Sunday late afternoon, Sobell hosts a social drop-in where players turn up and are paired for friendly matches. Both run weekly and can be booked via the Better app or at reception.
• Junior lessons: The junior squash programme runs on Fridays after school. The first hour is for ages 5 to 8, focusing on fun games that build agility, balance, and coordination. The second hour is for ages 9 and up, where children learn proper technique and play. Coaching is delivered by trained coaches in a social environment, and equipment is provided during sessions.
• Holiday activities: As part of the Better network, Sobell sometimes participates in squash holiday camps and junior sports camps during school holidays. Availability varies, so check with the centre for holiday programs.

Pricing: Sobell is budget-friendly. Junior coaching runs as a course subscription at around £30.40 per month for the weekly junior squash lessons, typically paid by monthly direct debit. Adult coached sessions and social play can be attended on a drop-in basis; with a Better membership these may be included or discounted, otherwise a small fee applies. Court hire and racket hire are modest.

Contact: Find the latest timetable on the Sobell Leisure Centre page on Better's website. Bookings for courts or sessions can be made through the Better app or the online booking system. The Sobell Centre is on Hornsey Road, London N7, and specific questions can be directed to the centre's reception.

Southbank Club, Vauxhall (Central London)

Overview: Southbank Club, established in 1981, is one of London's largest squash and fitness clubs, with seven squash courts and extensive gym facilities. It is a members club near Vauxhall and Nine Elms that has hosted qualifying rounds of the British Open. It is open to anyone to join and caters to a broad range of playing levels.

Age groups and skill levels: The club mainly focuses on adult play but accommodates juniors by arrangement, as several coaches have junior coaching experience. All skill levels are covered, from complete beginner to national-level juniors and adults.

Programs offered:

• Coaching: Southbank provides coaching for every standard. Coaches include James Robbins, an ex-England junior international with 15 years of coaching experience, and Danny Meddings, a former professional who reached a world ranking of 11 and represented England. They offer private lessons and small-group clinics, and the club also runs group coaching courses, often weekend clinics or themed workshops.
• Club nights and social play: A weekly club night is a mix-in session organized by a coach, where members play friendly games against a range of opponents. Social club nights often draw 50 or more players. The club also has a box-league system allowing members to play ranking matches against others at a similar level.
• Competitive squash: The club enters teams in London and Surrey league competitions, with squad practice for team players, and hosts internal tournaments.
• Fitness and extras: As a fitness club, Southbank offers a gym for squash-specific conditioning and a sauna and steam room for recovery, supporting both serious training and casual play.

Pricing: Southbank operates on a monthly membership model. The squash membership, including gym, is around £49 per month. This gives access to courts, with no extra court fees, and most club activities including club nights. Coaching is charged separately: private lessons are paid to coaches, and group clinic fees are set per session. Off-peak and student memberships are available at lower rates.

Contact: Visit the Southbank Club website for membership and squash details. The club is at 124-130 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LD, near Nine Elms. Prospective members can call 0207 622 6866 for information. Coaching can be booked at reception or by contacting coaches directly.

The Wimbledon Club (TWC), Wimbledon (Southwest London)

Overview: The Wimbledon Club is a members club next to the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon. It offers multiple sports and has a squash section led by Director of Squash Stacey Ross, a former PSA World Tour player who reached World No. 39. The environment is family-oriented while also performance-driven.

Age groups and skill levels: All age groups are served, from young children through juniors to adults. The junior program ranges from complete beginners to national-level players and is one of the largest junior squash programmes in Surrey. Adults of all standards, from social players to elite competitors, take part.

Programs offered:

• Junior coaching programme: A year-round programme runs in term time, on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, segmented by age and ability. Younger children focus on fun games and basic skills, while older or more advanced juniors do drills, conditioned games, and competitive play. The club also runs a dedicated girls squad.
• Junior camps: Every school holiday, TWC runs squash camps for juniors, typically half-day sessions of coaching, drills, and matches. They welcome all standards, including children who have never played, and junior members can bring friends.
• Adult squash: There is a club night every Monday, 5:45 to 8:45pm, a coach-organized mix-in costing £3. Doubles mix-ins run on Tuesdays and Sundays at £2. A ladies squash social runs on the last Friday of each month, 7:15 to 8:45pm, for £5. Small-group training is available for men and women in groups of three or more. Monthly team training sessions of 75 minutes are run by category and are complimentary for members. Saturday pro masterclasses of 90 minutes focus on competitive tactics for advanced players at £10.
• Competitive and events: TWC competes in the top divisions of Surrey squash, with top juniors feeding into adult teams. The club organizes club championships and graded tournaments and hosts an annual PSA World Tour professional tournament, bringing top players to its courts.

Pricing: As a members club, membership is required to take part regularly. The club offers various membership categories, each with its own fees, and as a premium club fees are higher than public centres. Several programs have small additional fees, such as the Monday club night (£3), ladies night (£5), and pro clinics (£10). Junior group coaching is typically paid per term or per camp.

Contact: The squash section has a dedicated site, twcsquash.co.uk. The club reception can be reached at 020 8971 8090 or by email at reception@twcsport.co.uk. The Wimbledon Club is on Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19.

Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club (WRFC), Wimbledon (Southwest London)

Overview: Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club is a squash, badminton, and gym club in South West London and a not-for-profit organisation. It has six squash courts, a fitness gym, and a track record of producing high-level squash players. The club has a strong community of adult and junior players and runs regular events.

Age groups and skill levels: Juniors aged 6 to 18 are a focus at WRFC, which has a thriving junior section. Adults of all ages and standards are active, from beginner clinics to elite training for top team players, with a full pathway from junior to adult teams.

Programs offered:

• Adult squash sessions: WRFC runs structured group sessions for adults through the week, including an intermediate group on Tuesday evenings and team training on Fridays. The Friday club night, 6:00 to 8:00pm, is open to all players, members and non-members, for a small fee. A Thursday morning pro and elite training session serves advanced players.
• Junior program: The junior setup is comprehensive. Every Sunday morning there are staged junior groups: Foundation (ages 6 to 10) at 9:00, Beginners (11 to 16) at 9:45, Intermediates at 10:30, and Performance at 11:30. Monday evenings feature the Junior Academy, an invitation-only session for county and national level juniors. The club arranges junior team matches and integrates top juniors aged 14 and over into adult leagues.
• Camps: During school holidays, WRFC's coaches run squash camps for juniors at Easter and Summer, providing concentrated coaching, fitness, and match play for various levels.
• Private coaching: The coaching team includes the Head of Squash, Lewis Doughty, an England Squash Level 3 coach and former player with a world ranking of 130, whose private rate is £35 for 45 minutes. Dave Timperley, a licensed Level 3 England Squash County coach, offers lessons at £24 for 45 minutes. Coaching is offered to all standards, from beginners to elite juniors. Court fees are not included in lesson costs.
• Competitive play: WRFC fields multiple teams in the Surrey Cup for men and women, with top players training in the pro and elite sessions. The club has internal leagues, club championships, and regular tournaments.

Pricing: WRFC offers both membership and some pay-as-you-play options. Non-members can attend certain sessions: adult coach-led sessions cost £11 for members and £16.50 for non-members, while the Friday club night and Thursday pro and elite training cost £5.50 for members and £8 for non-members. Six-week beginner courses are £82.50 for members and £99 for non-members. Junior members can book courts at £4 for 45 minutes off-peak. Membership brings lower session fees and priority booking.

Contact: Visit the Wimbledon Racquets and Fitness Club website's squash section for details. The club is on Cranbrook Road (off Worple Road), Wimbledon, SW19 4HD. Court and session booking is done through the club's online system for members. Non-members should call the club to inquire about attending a session or booking a court as a guest.

Conclusion

Each of these London squash programs offers a mix of lessons, coaching, and play opportunities. From community clubs and public leisure centres to private clubs, London has options to suit different players, whether young or old, beginner or advanced, casual or competitive.

Prospective players should weigh up location, budget, and atmosphere. Public centres like Sobell and Redbridge provide affordable pay-as-you-go lessons, while clubs like Coolhurst and the two Wimbledon clubs offer comprehensive programs and a club community.

All of these venues have qualified coaches.