About FairWest
Since 2008, the primary mission of the FairWest Public School Squash Association (FairWest) is to include public schools in Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT and surrounding areas, in the long term growth of squash. FairWest looks to grow the number of junior players in the game and provide a positive team environment for all levels — whether top-ranked Gold/JCT competitors or just beginners — to play, enjoy and get better at squash.
FairWest is the largest public school league in the country and runs under the rules and regulations of US Squash, the sports governing body. The league is run by a volunteer Board of Directors that all member towns need to be represented on. Also critical to the running of the league are the coaches and volunteer parents.
Squash is a winter sport and the league runs from November to February. Some of the towns have pre and/or post season programs depending on court availability.
High School teams consist of 7 players and Middle School teams have 5 players. In the High School Boys Mixed league teams can chose to field girls if required. In the High School Girls leagues teams can only consist of girls. All Middle School League teams are co-ed.
In the 2019/2020 season Fairwest had about 380 High School players and 350 Middle School players participating in the league, making it one of the biggest scholastic squash leagues in the USA.
Members
Connecticut Towns
Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Haven (Squash Haven), Westport.
New York Towns
Briarcliff Manor, Bronxville, Harrison (dormant), Rye.
Provisional Members (2020 season)
West Hartford, StreetSquash.
If you are thinking of starting a public school squash team in your town we encourage you to contact us.
High School Boys League
The High School Boys league is a Boys Mixed Division. Teams compete against each of the the other league teams. They also play matches against private school who are registered with US Squash. The season culminates with 2 events - FairWest Cup and the US Squash U.S. High School Team Championships.
Depending on the town, squash is either an official sport recognized by the High School or a club level team run by parents. Most of the towns field Varsity and JV teams - some also have beginners teams. At the High School level, teams consist of 7 players for a match and a seasonal roster of about 10 players.
All teams are professionally coached at local squash clubs in their home town.
High School Girls League
The High School Girls league comprises of girls only teams. Teams compete against each of the the other league teams. They also play matches against private school who are registered with US Squash. The season culminates with 2 events - FairWest Cup and the US Squash U.S. High School Team Championships.
Depending on the town, squash is either an official sport recognized by the High School or a club level team run by parents. Most of the towns field Varsity and JV teams - some also have beginners teams. At the High School level, teams consist of 7 players for a match and a seasonal roster of about 10 players.
All teams are professionally coached at local squash clubs in their home town.
Middle School League
The Middle School league has 3 main events during the season, two Jamborees and the Middle School FairWest Cup. These events are normally held at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, Connecticut and other clubs in the area. In addition, teams play head to head match-ups that are organized directly between the team' parent managers. Some of the teams compete in the US Squash Middle School Nationals.
All teams are coed and consist of 5 players. Most town clubs field multiple teams ranging from experienced players to beginners.
At the Middle School level all clubs are run by parents with local squash clubs providing professional coaching.
Elementary School Program
The Elementary School program was started in 2016 and is currently running in Darien, New Canaan and Greenwich. The main objective of these programs are to introduce young children to the game in a safe, positive and fun environment, so by the time they get to Middle School they know how to play and the rules of squash. There is no formal inter club activities at this level.
All programs are run by parents and professionally coached at local squash clubs in their home town.