posted May 27, 2008

I have played squash for years and now coach kids as a hobby. Squash is one of the most underrated sports in the world simply because it doesn't televise well, and let's be honest, it doesn't.
It would be good to see the BBC give it some coverage to encourage children to take up a sport where honesty, skill and physical fitness are so essential. Why do we have to watch so much football.

To bluezulu1000 very original - never heard that one before.

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posted May 29, 2008

Why do we have to watch so much football.
YOU DONT!!!!!!!!

have to watch it

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posted May 30, 2008

bluezulu1000 - While I accept that you are right, you know my point was - Why does TV have to screen so much football,of course, I don't have to and mostly don't watch it.
My point is that when the Olympics/Commonweath Games etc are on, they attract massive audiences watch sporting events where football is a trivial component. There are millions of people like me who love sport but are bored with football and especially the premier league. Lets see more sports on a regular basis, I would love to see squash, but there are hundreds of other, just look through the olympic list. My point is that I would like to see the BBC cover more of them more often.

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posted May 30, 2008

my favourite squash is KIA-ORA

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posted May 31, 2008

Squashcrewe

I take your point, but how many people would watch squash compared to football.
Sky broadcast Squash!!
Ask yourself this, how many complaints would the BBC receive if they spent money broadcasting squash and match of the day was sacrificed, its all about veiwing figures and money.

Compare how many people play football, cricket, golf and rugby to those who play squash, and that will tell you why.

That said, the biggest participated sport in the country is fishing, imagine in the outcry if the beeb went that way.
Whilst i have nothing against your sport, i would not call it a major sport (i tried it myself a few tears ago, but the ball was too small)

If squash was included in the olympics, would it receive air time on the BBC, i suggest not until the semi's or the final, and that would only be if there was British involvement.

As i have said before, its all about money and trying to keep the customers satisfied, or as many as possible.
By the way, how much "live" football is now shown on the BBC, i think you will find its not much.
Another point is, ask all the SKY sports subscribers why they pay for it, i would say 99.9% would say, for the football.
Take football off SKY and Rupert Murdoch would be signing on at the Sydney dole office!!!!!!!

Regards
Blue

PS if squash was to be included in the olympics, would we be in with a chance of winning a gold medal??. if so lets get it in there, along with fishing, darts and snooker

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posted Jun 1, 2008

Blue
A bit of an over-reaction. I didn't suggest cancelling match of the day, I suggested a better balance.
Sky get a balance and yes, they show more football than squash, but they show a lot more squash than the BBC.
If squash and many other sports were shown on TV, they would rise in popularity as is shown by the uptake of tennis during Wimbledon and snooker during televised tournaments etc.
Part of the reason for football being so pervasive is the amount on TV and as you rightly say, TV shows it because it is so popular but this is checken and egg. The BBC is funded in a way that can help to address the balance.

The answer to your question on medals is yes, we would stand a very good chance of medals although the Egyptians are top of the world at the moment.

Try going to see live squash some time - you may be surprised, the speed of the game is awsome and a bit like ice hockey, it is too fast for TV, but live is spectacular.

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posted Jun 2, 2008

PS if squash was to be included in the olympics, would we be in with a chance of winning a gold medal??. if so lets get it in there, along with fishing, darts and snooker
----------------------------------------------

Can't agree more with this statement!
SQUASH FOR THE OLYMPICS!

MSEWT

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posted Jun 6, 2008

perhaps if squash was shown more on TV and not just on sky, interest might increase - same goes for olympic status, squash must surely be there in terms of top players per country

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posted Sep 16, 2008

Bluezulu1000, I'm sure you're right about football & golf, but I bet more people play squash regularly than cricket or rugby.

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posted Jun 15, 2009

I think that squash has an image problem personally, if squash was an olympic sport I am sure that our council, Leeds, would have ensured that the new sports centre being built in Morley would have squash facilities.

After all, the old centre that they knocked down had four courts, all of which were booked solid every evening. Their reasoning behind this was that they could generate more funds from other 'more popular' activities.

This is making people move to out of the way, overpriced squash clubs and making it elitist. Sure the facilities are great, but you pay through the nose for them.

If you haven't got the money to join you can't play. It's not like you can take a football to the local field and have a kick about.

Local authorities have a responsibility, not just to squash, but to all sport to make available to the masses.

How many Lee Beachills and James Willstrops will fall through the nets because they cannot get an introduction to a fantastic sport at local level.

It's a crying shame.

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