Manifest Squash: opening the court to more young players.
A volunteer-led community initiative that makes squash accessible to youth from underserved communities: free coaching, mentorship and equipment, through a network of partner facilities.
- Co-Founder and Initiator
- 2024 to present
- Darshika Gahlot
- 6 partner facilities · NJ, PA, MD, NY
- Volunteer-led community initiative
Talent exists everywhere. Access does not.
Squash is expensive to start. Coaching, equipment and court time all cost money, and that keeps many young players out of the sport. Manifest Squash works on those barriers.
I co-founded the initiative and am building a network of six partner facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York, offering free coaching, mentorship and equipment access. The coaches and volunteers are named on the initiative website. The goal now is to expand the network and reach more young players.
Everything is free and voluntary
- Coaching
- Free sessions led by volunteer coaches and mentors, who are named on the initiative's website.
- Equipment
- Rackets and kit provided, so no player is turned away for what they don't have.
- Courts
- Partner clubs open their courts; the initiative brings the coaches, equipment and players.
- Mentorship
- Guidance on and off court, with an emphasis on discipline, confidence and belonging.
Manifest Squash is a community initiative, not a registered nonprofit or funding organisation; all participation is voluntary.