Coaches Christine Trumper and Dani Ellis with players from Tower Hamlets and Hackney boroughs – proof that when opportunity knocks, inclusion answers
“We planned for one Tower Hamlets team, but the players’ energy made it clear—this needed to be bigger. Hackney stepped up, and so did we.”
— Christine Trumper & Dani Ellis
When two passionate coaches set out to form a squash team for Tower Hamlets, they expected to inspire a handful of young players and give them the chance to compete. What they didn’t expect was that their mission would resonate so widely it would spark a ripple effect—leading not only to the formation of a Tower Hamlets squad, but also a full Hackney team.
The journey began with outreach to local Tower Hamlets schools, inviting pupils to attend squash taster sessions. From the very first session, enthusiasm was high. Word spread quickly, and more young people signed up—some of whom lived or went to school in Hackney. Importantly, they were eligible to represent Hackney in competition.
Faced with a sudden influx of players and the energy of two communities, the coaches pivoted. Rather than turn anyone away, they did something rare: built a second team.
“It was clear we had something special happening,” one coach explained. “The Hackney players showed up with excitement and talent—we couldn’t ignore that. We adapted, and suddenly we had two teams, two sets of borough colours, and double the impact.”
The new teams trained side by side, many players picking up a squash racket for the very first time. Despite the steep learning curve, both squads quickly found their rhythm—on court and as teammates. They’ve since gone on to compete proudly for their boroughs, drawing praise from parents, borough officers and the squash community alike.
This isn’t just a story about squash—it’s a story of adaptability, inclusion, and grassroots determination.
Thanks to two forward-thinking coaches and a group of eager young players, the squash courts of East London are a little busier, a little louder, and filled with a lot more joy.
Player and Coach Testimonials
Victor said: ‘Squash is a great sport and I enjoyed meeting new people’.
‘Amelia’s involvement in the London Youth Games has transformed her interest in Squash. She really enjoyed being part of the training squad and playing in an actual tournament has been an eye opener for her. She loves wearing her Hackney squad t-shirt at other events and now keeps asking her parents when she can play squash again!’
‘Max has really enjoyed starting and learning to play squash this year – and really appreciates the warm welcome he received at the club. It has been great for him to add physical activity into the mix and also to learn how to give and receive feedback – which is so helpful to develop at squash but are also broader life skills. Thank you!’
Zaynab and Zahra’s Uncle said: ‘It was great to see female participants and for them to be able to try something different. This was an opportunity for my nieces to represent females within the sport with Tower Hamlets. They are both new to racquet sports and, in five weeks, were able to win a match at the London Youth Games. If the sessions are funded, it will be easier to keep the girls engaged’.
It was a pleasure to work with all of these children. The dedication, determination and resilience they showed was impressive. It is important to add that we could not have made the dream a reality without the financial support of Tower Hamlets and Hackney Councils. Where to next?……we are keeping our fingers crossed for more funding so that we can keep up the excitement and energy for playing squash…..Christine.
