Extra! Extra!

If you build it, they will come…

With a twist on Kevin Costner’s classic baseball movie Field of Dreams, squash administrators have taken to some out-of-the-box thinking for next year’s World Masters Tournament in Perth, locking in plans to install an all-glass court smack-bang in the middle of Karrinyup Shopping Centre.

The move will bring squash — normally a sport “hidden” from public view — in front of thousands of eyeballs, providing another shot in the arm for the sport in the State.

“It’s the best news we’ve had in squash in years,” Squash WA general manager Leigh Kaye said. “With over 300 retailers and 13.4 million annual visitors to Karrinyup Shopping Centre, we can’t think of a better way to get squash under everyday people’s noses.

“The glass court will provide 360-degree viewing, demonstrating how squash has become modernised and that it is truly a sport for all, including spectators, with countless benefits.”

Kaye says there’s been a mountain of work behind the scenes to get the World Masters (for competitors 35 and older) to Perth and the glass court plan over the line.

“This momentous event could not have happened without World Squash, Squash Australia, Squash WA and incredible support from Tourism WA, the City of Stirling and our amazing venue, Karrinyup Shopping Centre,” Kaye said.

Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue said the collaboration with the shopping centre reflected “Squash Australia’s bold approach to bringing squash to the broader public to continue to grow the game from grassroots through to elite”.

“The opportunity to stage world-class squash in such a high-traffic, high-profile location like Karrinyup is a game-changer for the sport,” he said.

Stirling mayor Mark Irwin said the city was proud to be sponsoring the championships.

“The City of Stirling is going to be the centre of the squash world next year – and we can’t wait,” he said. “From the games in Mirrabooka to the finals at the magnificent glass show court at Karrinyup, it’s going to be a fantastic week.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming a huge contingent of interstate and international visitors.”

The World Masters will be held from August 30 to September 6 next year at multiple venues, including Karrinyup, and around 1000 competitors, coaches, fans and family are expected to come into WA for the tournament.

The glass court takes around three days to install and features LED lights as floor markings and unique technology that enables fans to see into the court but blocks the players’ view out – thus, they aren’t distracted, but spectators can be seated 360 degrees around the playing area right up close to the action.

While the World Masters are a year away, Squash WA is knee-deep in preparations for the Australian Masters Championships held next month at Mirrabooka and entry numbers — just over 500 — also reflect the sport’s resurgence.

“The Masters Trans-Tasman will also take place during these championships, with three Tests between Australia and New Zealand. WA has two players in the Australian team: Sue Hillier (60-64 age group) and Tim Cowell (35-39). Tim’s playing in his first Trans-Tasman but Sue is a standout — she’s represented Australia six times in the Trans-Tasman,” Kaye said.

For more on squash in WA, go to squashwa.asn.au.