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Squash & Racquetball Victoria (S&RV) has announced the arrival of ‘Pop Up Squash’ to Australia with the opening of a Pop Up Squash shop at the Eastland Shopping Centre in Melbourne.

The first facility of its kind in Australia, the Pop Up Squash shop is based on an initiative introduced in the UK in 2013.

Aimed at engaging people in physical activity through squash and racquetball, S&RV has teamed up with Eastland Shopping Centre to transform an empty retail space within the shopping centre into a temporary street squash court.

S&RV Executive Director Fiona Young explained that the Pop Up Squash shop has them aim of boosting the profile of both squash and racquetball by bringing the respective sports to the people.

Young stated “the concept of 'Pop Up Squash’ shops brings squash and racquetball into the retail environment and provides us with an opportunity to access target groups that are traditionally difficult to reach.

“Major shopping centres attract a wide-ranging demographic of people, and what we hope to do is provide an outlet for them to engage in physical activity.

“The emphasis will be on introducing people to a fun and easy pathway into regular activity, and making people aware of the health and social benefits that squash and racquetball provide.”

Shoppers will have the opportunity to participate in squash and racquetball activities for free in a fun and non-competitive environment, as well as relax in the store’s ‘Comfort Zone’ area in between stints on court.

Young added that volunteer staff from the Mountain District Squash & Racquetball Club and Deakin University students are on hand to introduce newcomers to the skills and rules of the respective sports, and provide information on their closest club should they wish to become involved.

She added “squash is the perfect sport to put in the 'shop window’.

“As it is played on courts not much bigger than the standard shop layout, the experience of picking up a racquet and having a go without the pressure of competition provides the public with a real feel for how much fun the activity can be.

The S&RV Pop Up Squash store is located at Shop 1085 at Eastland Shopping Centre, Maroondah Highway, Ringwood.

Operating on three week trial, it is scheduled to close on Sunday 12th June.

The initiative is being funded through VicHealth’s Innovation Challenge grant.

For more information go to www.squashvic.com.au

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