A game of squash or racquetball always provides a fun and energetic workout. These explosive sports focus on agility, strength and reflexes, but are also a battle of wits between you and your opponent. Plenty of Calgary community clubs and health centres offer courts, lessons, private bookings and inter-club tournaments. Here are a few of the top facilities.
Southland Leisure Centre is the perfect place for squash and racquetball players who don’t want to commit to a full membership, and the centre’s drop-in rates are lower than most other courts in the city. Courts can be booked for 45-minute sessions. Members benefit from a variety of family-friendly programs, so your kids can have their own fun while you play.
Squash and racquetball are great games to get your whole family involved in. Fish Creek Sports Club is a family-friendly, members-only gym with three squash and three racquetball courts. This club is suitable for both recreational and competitive players of all levels. It offers private lessons, drop-in play and booked court time. All members can sign up for intramural or inter-club tournaments. Ask about the club’s family rates.
Downtown workers can squeeze in a friendly (or competitive) game at the Bankers Hall Club squash courts. Members can participate in tournaments and exhibitions outside of their own privately booked hours, or attend Friday night drop-in sessions. Are you looking to improve your racquet skills? The club’s trained squash professionals are available for lessons tailored to your skill level.
An elite fitness facility, Bow Valley Club offers its members five international singles squash courts and one doubles court. Members can join the intramural doubles league, which runs from fall until early spring. This club also participates in inter-club tournaments at various skill levels. Private lessons are available.
Calgary Winter Club boasts nine squash courts, including seven international singles courts, one exhibition court and one double court. Its trained squash professionals conduct lessons for all levels of play. The facility also offers daycare services for busy parents looking to find time for a quick game. Older children can hang out in the club’s youth and teen centre while you play.
This family-friendly private club offers members exclusive access to state-of-the-art squash facilities, including one international-level doubles court and six international-level singles courts. With a handful of professional trainers available, The Glencoe Club is suitable for experienced players and beginners alike. Weekly social games and interclub competitions offer seasoned players the chance to compete with other members and other clubs. White attire is mandatory for all squash court users.
West Hillhurst is home to three international squash courts available in 45-minute blocks for private bookings. Court access is included in membership fees. Non-members can drop in for paid sessions. The centre offers private, semi-private and group lessons for all ages as well as equipment rentals and purchases. The inter-club team is an option for competitive players, and games are scheduled every Tuesday night from early fall through spring.
At Oakridge Racquet Club, members and non-members can book courts or participate in drop-in sessions. As well, leagues, lessons and organized inter-club tournaments are available for players of all ages. Are you looking for something for your kids to do in the summer months? How about joining one of the club’s affordable summer racquet kids’ camps.
Eau Claire YMCA offers year-round squash courts available through easy online booking for members. Non-members can also use the courts on a walk-in basis. With only two squash and racquetball courts, bookings are limited, and check-in is mandatory. Members benefit from complimentary towel service and access to affordable lessons.