Australia’s leading squash players are set to benefit from a funding announcement from the Australian Sports Commission which extends from the playground to the podium.

While Squash Australia has already benefitted from Play Well funding to extend the rollout of the grassroots participation program ‘Squash Stars’, this week’s announcement sees Win Well funding allocated to help athletes prepare for the first stage of the next Olympic cycle.

A record $(AUD)385m in Win Well and Play Well funding will be allocated from 1 January 2025 until 30 June 2026.

The ASC announcement will see 95% of Olympic and Paralympic summer sports – including squash – receiving increased funding with an average investment increase of 64% per year, compared to the period leading up to the Paris Games.

Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue said: “On behalf of the squash community we welcome today’s announcement by the Australian Sports Commission which holds our leading players in good stead as they embark on their journey towards LA 2028.

“Last weekend we launched our LA 2028 Olympic campaign and there is genuine excitement for our sport and our emerging stars as they strive to become the first Australian squash Olympians when we make our debut at the games in four years time..

“We truly believe in the pathway from participation to high performance and being able to strategically use ASC funding to uplift all levels of the sport is a game-changer.

“The Win Well funding is an investment in our athletes and coaches, by ensuring that we can support them with a world-class daily training environment and provide opportunities to showcase their performances on the world stage .”

Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells said: “This is a record funding package for Australian sport, so they can take full advantage of the generational opportunity between now and Brisbane 2032.

“Our record $385 million investment in high performance sport over the next 18 months, which includes a doubling of investment in Para sport, will enable our athletes to win well on the road to Los Angeles while also encouraging more Australians to play sport.

“We are creating more opportunities for more athletes by increasing the number of sports we support from 54 to 68 summer Olympic and Paralympic programs.

“It’s important that our kids and community sporting champions experience the same level of opportunity and I welcome the Play Well funding goal to create a safe, fair and sustainable sport system that grows participation and nurtures tomorrow’s champions.”

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said: “The remaining eight years until Brisbane 2032 is our chance to unite and inspire Australia through sport.

“The Play Well and Win Well funding announced today lays the foundation to do just that. We will be supporting more Australians to enjoy their sport than ever before, from those in grassroots to our Olympians, Paralympians and Commonwealth Games athletes making us proud on the world stage.

“I would like to thank the Australian Government for their vision and ongoing support to allow all Australians to both play well and win well.”

Find out more about Squash Australia at squashaus.com.au