The Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals is South Africa’s biggest junior squash tournament, shining a spotlight on the country’s best young players. This year, the event takes place at Makers Landing in Cape Town, a lively and creative space that mixes sport with culture and community. The all-glass squash court makes the matches exciting to watch, while visitors enjoy food stalls and a festival-like atmosphere. This fresh setting not only shows off top athletic skill but also brings people together, celebrating growth, innovation, and the spirit of the game.
The Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals is South Africa’s premier junior squash tournament, showcasing top U17 and U19 talent. Hosted at Makers Landing in Cape Town, the event combines cutting-edge squash facilities with a vibrant community space, promoting sport, innovation, and cultural connection.
Cape Town has long been a city celebrated for its creativity and ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. This year, the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals finds itself at the heart of this vibrant city, moving into the innovative Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront. The location, renowned for connecting food entrepreneurs and fostering cultural events, now welcomes the country’s top young squash players for the battle over the U17 and U19 titles. The shift to this dynamic venue marks a significant turning point both for the championship and for South Africa’s squash community.
Makers Landing is much more than a food incubator or event space. High, light-filled interiors that once echoed with kitchen activity now pulse with the thud of squash balls and shouts of encouragement. The all-glass court, set up as the tournament’s centerpiece, is both visually stunning and technically advanced, drawing attention from passersby and enthusiasts alike. As matches unfold from morning until evening, the space effortlessly blends the city’s historical flair for reinvention with the thrill of high-level athletic competition.
Changing the venue from the bustle of a shopping mall’s center court, where the Nationals had been staged for the previous four years, signals a new direction. At Makers Landing, the tournament exists in a space that fosters deeper connections – among athletes, spectators, and the broader community. Here, the intersection between sport, entrepreneurship, and innovation mirrors a larger narrative of resilience and opportunity that runs throughout Cape Town’s history.
Every year, the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals bring together the nation’s finest young squash players, and this tournament proves no exception. This year’s event features eight of South Africa’s leading athletes in each age group, competing across more than forty scheduled matches. The opening day alone delivered a marathon of 24 games, a testament to the depth and intensity within the country’s junior squash circuit. Each matchup represents not just the culmination of training and preparation, but a bold statement of ambition from athletes who have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft.
Among the early highlights, Makayla Naidoo and Amelia Lubbe squared off in a contest that showcased both strategic brilliance and athletic agility. Their encounter drew an eclectic audience – family members, local supporters, and intrigued tourists drawn in by the dramatic spectacle of the glass court. Moments like these evoke the social spirit of squash’s heyday, when courts at local clubs doubled as gathering places for communities.
Another name in the spotlight is Starla Phillips, whose composed demeanor and calculated play reflect the influence of legendary figures from the sport’s rich history. Observers see in her a blend of discipline and creativity reminiscent of all-time greats like Jahangir Khan, whose dominance during the 1980s helped elevate squash onto the world stage. These young athletes, supported by coaches and mentors, benefit from a legacy of excellence – one that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in South African squash.
To earn their place at the Nationals, competitors must first prove themselves in a series of fiercely contested regional qualifiers. These preliminary rounds, often held in local community centers and school gyms, foster not only technical skill but also deep-rooted pride and connection. For many, the journey from hometown courts to the national stage weaves together stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of team spirit.
The choice of Makers Landing as the venue for this year’s Nationals is more than a logistical move – it reflects a broader trend of repurposing urban spaces for contemporary pursuits. Across Europe and beyond, historic marketplaces have been reimagined as vibrant centers for everything from design exhibitions to urban sports tournaments. By carrying the tradition forward in Cape Town, the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals become part of a global conversation about how cities can create inclusive, inspiring environments for both athletes and audiences.
Makers Landing is uniquely equipped to host an event that thrives on energy, curiosity, and collaboration. During tournament breaks, spectators stroll through artisanal food stalls and pop-up shops, lending the event a festival atmosphere that appeals to all senses. It’s an environment where parents and fans can chat over coffee, young athletes mingle with culinary innovators, and visitors experience a blend of movement and creativity rarely found in conventional sports venues. This lively mix of sport and lifestyle harks back to earlier eras when celebrations seamlessly combined physical contests, art, and community gatherings.
The all-glass squash court stands as a symbol of the event’s modern outlook. Its minimalist design and transparent walls invite close inspection, allowing every move and strategy to play out in full view. This openness resonates with contemporary trends in art and architecture, where process and participation are as valued as the final outcome. In this setting, the players’ efforts become both performance and spectacle, drawing admiration from squash aficionados and newcomers alike.
The Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals are recognized as the pinnacle of the sport’s calendar, sanctioned by Squash South Africa and eagerly anticipated by players across the country. City officials, including Alderman JP Smith, have voiced strong support for the event, emphasizing its role in nurturing talent and expanding access to sport. For Smith and his colleagues, the Nationals represent more than competition – they are a platform for personal growth, social advancement, and civic pride.
Cape Town’s renewed commitment to host the Nationals for the next three years ensures that the city will remain a central hub for squash until at least 2027. This stability allows organizers to refine tournament structure, strengthen ties with the community, and plan for even broader participation. The open, welcoming environment at Makers Landing encourages fans to share stories, anticipate upsets, and support the next generation of champions – rivaling the atmosphere of iconic city events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Sevens Rugby.
For those unable to attend in person, Squash South Africa has embraced technology by streaming matches live on Facebook. This move expands the tournament’s reach, connecting distant relatives, former players abroad, and international squash fans to the excitement unfolding on court. The digital evolution reflects a wider trend in global sport, making the action accessible and inclusive for a growing audience.
Mentorship and legacy remain central themes at the 2025 Nationals. Former champions, many now serving as coaches, can often be seen offering guidance and encouragement to emerging stars at Makers Landing. Their presence provides a living link to the sport’s past and future, transmitting wisdom and fostering ambition. The seamless transition between age groups – highlighted by the upcoming Growthpoint Senior Nationals and U15 Championships at the same venue later this August – gives young athletes concrete goals and a clear path for development.
Despite often operating in the shadow of South Africa’s major sports, squash has undergone a quiet renaissance. Groundbreaking development initiatives and high-profile events like the Nationals have sparked new interest and increased participation, particularly among girls and young women who find both challenge and camaraderie in the game. Schools and clubs across the country report growing numbers, as the accessibility and inclusive spirit of squash attract a fresh generation of players.
Makers Landing offers an ideal setting for this resurgence, blending innovation in both sport and lifestyle. With its combination of cutting-edge architecture, culinary artistry, and communal energy, the venue creates a holistic experience – one that feeds both body and mind. As the Nationals unfold, the interplay between tradition and modernity, competition and festivity, stands as a testament to Cape Town’s – and South Africa’s – capacity to reimagine, adapt, and thrive.
The Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals at Makers Landing do more than determine champions; they celebrate transformation, creativity, and the enduring power of sport to build connections. In this remarkable space, squash takes its place not just as a game, but as a symbol of possibility, resilience, and community for the city and the nation.
The Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals is South Africa’s biggest junior squash tournament, showcasing the country’s top U17 and U19 players. Makers Landing in Cape Town serves as the event’s innovative venue, blending world-class squash facilities with a vibrant cultural and community space. This combination elevates the tournament beyond sport, fostering connection, creativity, and celebration of both athletic excellence and local entrepreneurship.
Makers Landing transforms a former food incubator and event space into a lively hub featuring an all-glass squash court – the centerpiece of the tournament. This visually striking and technically advanced court makes matches thrilling for players and spectators alike. Surrounding the competition are artisanal food stalls, pop-up shops, and a festival atmosphere, which together create a unique blend of sport, culture, and community engagement.
The Nationals bring together eight of South Africa’s best junior squash players in each of the U17 and U19 categories. Competitors earn their place through intense regional qualifiers that test skill, determination, and sportsmanship. With over forty matches scheduled, the tournament showcases high-level athleticism, strategic play, and the ambition of young athletes dedicated to their craft.
Cape Town’s commitment to host the Growthpoint SA Squash Nationals through at least 2027 reflects a strategic effort to develop the sport locally and nationally. The stable venue and growing community ties allow organizers to enhance the tournament structure, expand participation, and deepen engagement with fans and players. This continuity helps position Cape Town as a central hub for squash while supporting youth development and social upliftment through sport.
The Nationals serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent, supported by mentorship from former champions and coaches. The event’s live streaming on Facebook increases accessibility and fan engagement nationwide and internationally. Additionally, the Nationals create clear pathways for players progressing to senior and U15 levels, fostering a sustained pipeline of talent and reinforcing squash’s growing popularity and inclusiveness across the country.
Squash in South Africa is undergoing a quiet resurgence, marked by increased participation – especially among girls and young women – and innovative development programs. The Nationals, held in a dynamic venue like Makers Landing, epitomize this revival by combining modern infrastructure, community spirit, and visibility. The event celebrates the sport’s ability to unite diverse groups, inspire ambition, and showcase resilience, making squash a symbol of transformation and opportunity in South Africa’s sporting landscape.
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