SQUASH LIFE
Squash - the King of Sports
* Forbes magazine ranks squash No. 1 among the healthiest sports, with "convenience on its side:"30 minutes on the squash court provides an impressive cardio-respiratory workout".
* Tennis Industry Magazine, now called Racquet Sports Industry, has reported that squash is the only racquet sport that is growing in the United States, based on court construction and gear sales. Most U.S. players have a college degree, and by one's estimate more than half earn $100,000 U.S. annually, says the Chicago Tribune
* Because of its global reach, squash suits business travellers
* "It's a very cerebral game - it's akin to chess," says Chicago neurobiologist Dr. Sangram Sisodia, who learned to play the game as a child in India. As a researcher of Alzeheimer's disease, adds the Tribune, he firmly believes in increasing blood flow to the brain through such exertion. "Squash has beneficial aspects physically, mentally and emotionally."
Demographics
Squash is on the upswing in Canada while enjoying tremendous popularity
globally. One of the fastest growing sports in the world, it is
played by approximately 15 million people on over 47,000 courts.
In Canada, squash is played by more than a quarter of a million
people over the age of 15. This is more people than cycling, and
more participants than gymnastics, track and field, and figure skating,
all combined. Players compete at over 425 clubs (private/public)
in Canada with the greatest concentration in Ontario.
World Squash Statistics
There are 50,000 courts in the world and over 150 countries have
squash courts
Participation by Country
| England |
8,666 courts |
| Germany |
6,000 courts |
| Australia |
3,600 courts |
| Egypt |
3,700 courts |
| Malaysia |
1,500 courts |
| United States |
3,510 courts |
| Canada |
1,810 courts ** |
SQUASH DEMOGRAPHICS
(October 2006)
These demographics are based on a comprehensive web survey conducted during the months of August and September 2006.
Personal Information
| Age |
|
| 10 - 19 |
18% |
| 20 - 30 |
10% |
| 31 - 40 |
17% |
| 41 - 50 |
29% |
| 51 - 60 |
21% |
| + 65 |
4% |
| |
|
| Personal Annual Income |
|
| $0 - $35,000 |
26% |
| $36,000 - $50,000 |
13% |
| $51,000 - $65,000 |
11% |
| $66,000 - $75,000 |
7% |
| $76,000 - $95,000 |
10% |
| $96,000 - $120,000 |
11% |
| $120,000 - $150,000 |
6% |
| +$151,000 |
13% |
| |
|
| Household Annual Income |
|
| $40,000 - $65,000 |
12% |
| $66,000 - $85,000 |
8% |
| $86,000 - $125,000 |
27% |
| $126,000 - $150,000 |
20% |
| More than - $151,000 |
31% |
| |
|
| Occupation |
|
| Trade |
4% |
| Professional |
40% |
| Self Employed |
20% |
| Management |
17% |
| Student |
20% |
| |
|
| Education |
|
| Post Secondary |
22% |
| Undergraduate Degree |
40% |
| High School |
16% |
| Some Post Secondary |
9% |
| College/Trade |
18% |
Squash Player Habits
| How Often Play Squash
Ontario |
| Once a week |
7% |
| 2 - 3 times a week |
44% |
| 3 - 4 times a week |
47% |
| every other week |
2% |
| |
|
| Where? |
|
| Private/commerical club |
78% |
| Recreation centre |
14% |
| YM/YWCA |
9% |
| Other (condos, schools) |
6% |
| |
|
| Why Squash ? |
|
| Fitness |
90% |
| Social |
77% |
| Competition |
82% |
| Other |
9% |
| |
|
| Participation |
|
Houseleague - singles
Houseleegue - doubles |
90%
10% |
Inter-city league - singles
Inter-city league - doubles |
85%
15% |
Inter-club - singles
Inter-club - doubles |
85%
15% |
Ontario Championships - singles
Ontario Championships - doubles |
80%
20% |
Squash Player Purchasing Habits
| Racquets Purchase |
|
| Once a year |
41% |
| Once every 2 years |
30% |
| Other (when it breaks, etc.) |
29% |
| |
|
| Price Point |
|
| $ 99.00 - $119.00 |
11% |
| $120.00 - $149.00 |
35% |
| $150.00 - $179.00 |
28% |
| $180.00 - $199.00 |
17% |
| More than $200.00 |
8% |
Racquet Currently
Being Used |
| Black Knight |
40% |
| Dunlop |
23% |
| Head |
13% |
| Wilson |
14% |
| Prince |
5% |
| Harrow |
3% |
| Other |
13% |
| |
|
Key Factors in Purchasing a Racquet
| |
|
| Price |
58% |
| New Technology |
61% |
| Player Endorsement |
13% |
| Company Name |
40% |
| Club Professional |
25% |
| |
|
|
