Sweaty fun

In the rear of the Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre, conversation is difficult. It is punctuated by the sharp staccato twang of small black balls being driven mercilessly into the far wall.

As far as facilities go, suburban squash courts are a dying breed. The original five at this centre have been reduced to four and now they are in fairly constant use. From 10am to 11:30am on Saturdays and 7:30pm to 9pm on Wednesdays it’s gay squash time, when the members of GSquash take over. GSquash is mainly guys but there are a few girls playing -“ more would be welcome.

This is a great, fully air conditioned sports centre. In the coffee shop area overlooking the pool, away from the constant noise, Kevin told the Star about his long involvement with GSquash.

On average about 13, sometimes 16, players come along. Mainly guys, but we do have some girls. It’s a group for gay-friendly people, he said. We do have some token straights and they always enjoy themselves.

Kevin is keen to point out that play is at a social standard. Some of the better players have moved off to train elsewhere and play in the regional comp, he said. We have varying levels. No matter whether you are playing against someone better or someone not as good as you, you can always get something out of the game. Some of our players confidently competed in the Montr? Outgames last year.

The number of games an individual can play is to some extent determined by how many players turn up. In true not-for-profit fashion the fees, usually about $13 a player, are sometimes adjusted so that the court hire time is shared equally for any one session.

We’re a friendly bunch of people who meet to have a hit of squash and a bit of a laugh, Kevin said. If you are an absolute beginner this might not be the group for you. Anyone who can hit the ball is welcome but there isn’t really the time or facilities for individual coaching.

Despite the social focus of the group, the players give their best. Squash is a fast, intense game and requires a commitment to play well. Good skills at tennis or badminton don’t necessarily count for much in the enclosed court. The stroke play is quite different and players have to add the ability to dodge their opponents to their skill sets. Even the fittest leave the court dripping with sweat and glad for a break in play.

Stewart has been playing squash since his school days and is happy with the playing standard at GSquash. It’s enjoyable because there is a quite varying standard of squash -“ everyone gets a game. It’s a good social atmosphere and good exercise. There is a different crowd on Wednesdays and Saturdays, although some go to both and the overall standard is about the same.

Picking your opponent for each game is done quite informally and the good players tend to adjust their game for the beginners. Everyone looks after each other and seems to know how many games everybody else has had, Stewart said.

It’s a very friendly atmosphere when sharing the courts, and the players often hang around for a coffee afterwards. I didn’t know many people when I came to Sydney, Stewart said, but I found this club and most of my close friends I made through the squash group.

To contact GSquash, email [email protected] or call Ben 0431 949 542. The website is at gsquashsydney.googlepages.com/home.