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Our Program

What is Surf City Squash?

Surf City Squash is a youth enrichment program serving underprivileged students from the San Diego area. The program is based on three major pillars: squash instruction, academic tutoring, and community service. Founded in 2006 by Greg Scherman and Chris Walker (former #4 squash player in the world), Surf City Squash commenced the squash part of the program in March, 2007, with the entire program running with full force since August. All activities in this unique program are held at San Diego Squash.

Surf City Squash goals are to:

1. Teach students to take responsibility for their actions and choices;
2. Help students appreciate and enjoy physical activity;
3. Develop students sense of good sportsmanship on and off the squash court;
4. Promote understanding and friendship between people of different backgrounds;
5. Engage students in service projects that help their community.

The program will initially be working with 18 students in the 6th through 8th grades, with the ultimate goal of growing the program to over 100 students over time with a fully-dedicated facility. The students attend The Preuss School, a charter school on the UCSD campus. The students will commit to the Surf City Squash program 2-3 times per week for 3 hours per day. During this time they will be engaged in squash instruction as well as academic tutoring. The community service part of the program will be held on selected Saturdays. Some examples of community service projects include distributing food and clothing for homeless shelters, cooking and enjoying time with elderly, and playground and beach cleanups.

All court time, squash instruction, tutoring, athletic equipment, transportation, and field trips are provided free of charge to Surf City Squash team members. In return, the program requires of its participants regular attendance at practice and a commitment at all times to try hard, to respect fellow team members and to take school as seriously as sports.

Renato Paiva has been hired as the Executive Director of the program. He comes to Surf City Squash from being the Assistant Coach of the Men’s Squash Team at Harvard, after having had an illustrious squash background as the former #1 junior in Brazil and a former Pan American games squash champion.

Any donations to Surf City Squash are tax deductible to the extent the law allows. Surf City Squash is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit corporation recognized by the Federal Government and the State of California.