Michaela Meade
A Gladstone Park squash club has come back to life post-COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, welcoming the community to ‘come and try’ days.
Gladstone Park Junior Squash Club is a non-profit organisation, run by volunteers, which has struggled over the pandemic, according to social media and communications manager Kearin Guziak.
Ms Guziak said from the club’s perspective, lockdowns disrupted people’s routines, ultimately resulting in membership losses.
“With extended lockdowns, interest also waned,” she said.
“Our regular programs came to a halt, and we lost consistency – this also impacted regular attendance.
“These are the things we are now focussed on rebuilding.
“Really, we’re starting from scratch, which is turning out to be a positive thing, allowing us to rethink and rebuild an improved structure and get back to the fun times our club enjoyed before we were hit by the pandemic.”
Ms Guziak said once restrictions in Victoria had eased, the club organised “come and try” sessions to run every Friday for four weeks.
Due to popularity, the sessions are running for six weeks.
Ms Guziak said between 20 and 25 children have attended each session so far.
She said due to the “encouraging response”, the club can offer more people the opportunity to try the sport.
“We’re offering this program free of charge to provide an opportunity for those new to the sport to give it a go, as well as for those wishing to return after such a long break,” Ms Guziak said.
“Our coaches plan out the sessions to ensure it is inclusive and suitable for all levels.
“All our kids are wonderfully supportive, and this adds to the relaxed and fun atmosphere.”
For information about the sessions, visit the club’s Facebook page.
Details: www.facebook.com/GPJSC.com.au
