About us

History

Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club has been in existence since 1937 when a single court was constructed, owned by Gala Squash Courts Ltd, on land adjacent to Galashiels Lawn Tennis Club. The Club thrived for many years and towards the end of the 1970s the court was handed over to the members to form Galashiels Squash Club. At a similar time, building alterations were carried out to increase the club from 1 to 2 courts. At this time the membership stood at around 250 people. Galashiels Tennis Club sold its land in 1996 but the squash club and facilities remain. An updated constitution was approved in 2010 and the club is beginning to thrive again.  A Complete Refurb of Courts and Clubroom was carried out in 2020.

Current Facilities

The Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club is located in an unassuming building in James Scott Court in Galashiels. The building houses two well maintained courts, one of which has an integral gas heater and the other has electric heaters,  Adjacent to the courts are male and female changing facilities equipped with showers and toilets.

On the upper level of the building is a recreation / social area. In this area we have kitchen facilities including tea and coffee making equipment, a fridge and an oven. We have ample comfortable seating and the whole area overlooks both courts with sliding windows providing unobstructed viewing of the courts.

We also have a table tennis table, with bats and balls, and a pool table. Photos of facilities are available.

Club and court operation

Access to the building is via a swipe card, which is provided to all members. Courts can be booked up to several weeks in advance in slots of 45 minutes. Lights on court are activated by a disposable card, which should be purchased, in advance, from one of the outlets below. The price for the light cards is currently £4.

Heating to the building is operated on a timed system, but heating to individual courts can be controlled by members when they play. We expect all members to leave the courts in the conditions that they would expect to find them. No dark, marking soles or dirty shoes on court please.

Outlets for light cards

• Dalgleish’s Garage, 111 Melrose Rd, Gala, TD1 2BY – Map of location
• The Trophy Guy, 81 High St, Gala, TD1 3AA – Map of location
• The clubhouse on Monday nights at club night

Competitions etc

There are currently internal club leagues running. Every year the annual Club Championship is held which also includes a shield tournament; in the Autumn we hold a handicap tournament, consisting of cup and plate competitions. The club is affiliated to the East of Scotland Squash Association and currently has teams in The East of Scotland Leagues.

We currently offer coaching for all ages and levels.  Our coach, James Taylor, visits regularly for one to one coaching sessions – ask within the club for details.

How the club is managed

Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club is run by an enthusiastic and dynamic committee to represent the interest of all members. The committee holds regular meetings to which ordinary members are welcome. We always appreciate new ideas, offers of help and additional volunteers to join the committee on an ad hoc basis. The rules underlying the way that the Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club is operated are detailed in the club constitution, which is available to all members on request – email the captain for more information.