Although squash is often thought of as an individual sport, the Scholastic League emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and mutual support. Students develop valuable life skills as they train together, support their classmates, and compete in a league setting that celebrates effort, sportsmanship, and fun.

Squash also serves as an engaging winter activity for students — keeping them active, building confidence, and providing structured, healthy competition during the school year.

In the most recent season, Masterman School captured both the boys and girls team titles, with the girls winning their third straight championship and the boys reclaiming the top spot after a hard-fought season. US Squash

Each season reflects the growing depth of youth squash in Philadelphia and highlights what’s possible when community partners come together to expand access to sport.

The Arlen Specter US Squash Center partners with schools to make squash and youth enrichment accessible, engaging, and easy to integrate into existing school structures. Our approach meets students where they are—both physically and developmentally—while supporting broader school and district goals around wellness, equity, and student engagement.

We work directly with schools to introduce squash through on-site Physical Education sessions, enrichment blocks, or special activity days. These sessions are designed to be fun, active, and inclusive—requiring no prior experience or specialized facilities.

By bringing squash into schools first, students gain early exposure to a lifelong sport while developing:
Physical literacy and coordination
Confidence and teamwork
Focus, problem-solving, and resilience

These introductory experiences create a low-barrier entry point and spark interest before students ever visit the Specter Center.

Following in-school exposure, we offer clear pathways for students and families to continue participation at the Specter Center through after-school programs, clinics, and camps—ensuring continuity and long-term engagement.

Our programming is designed to support students and families together, creating a strong connection between schools, home, and community.

We offer a wide range of developmentally appropriate opportunities, including:
After-school programs and league play
Beginner and intermediate clinics
School break and summer camps
Scholarships and subsidized programming to ensure access
Programs emphasize skill-building, sportsmanship, goal-setting, and healthy habits—both on and off the court.

We believe family involvement strengthens student outcomes. To support this, we offer:
Family squash days and open houses
Parent–child play opportunities
Community events that welcome siblings and caregivers
Opportunities for families to learn the sport together
These programs help build a sense of belonging and reinforce squash as a shared, lifelong activity.

We also support school communities by offering: Introductory squash and wellness sessions for teachers and staff Opportunities for educators to experience the Specter Center as a resource for their students