Peter Nicol is on a mission to elevate squash by creating a new club in New Jersey that merges it with the rapidly growing sports of padel and pickleball. This innovative facility marks Nicol’s second club and is set to be the first in the world to bring together these three racket sports under one roof, while notably excluding tennis.
The new club will feature an impressive array of amenities, including four courts for pickleball, three dedicated squash courts, and two cutting-edge indoor padel courts. Plans are already in motion to expand the facility in 2025 with the addition of outdoor courts for both padel and pickleball, enhancing the variety of options available to members and guests.
In the landscape of American racket sports, squash has often found itself overshadowed. Nicol’s initiative aims to change that perception by positioning squash at the forefront of this exciting sporting wave. “People are passionate about playing racket sports; they thrive on competition, social interaction, and being part of a community—these elements are vital,” Nicol emphasized during a recent interview.
Nicol’s wife, Jess Winstanley, added to the conversation by highlighting the accessibility of their club. “While some country clubs have integrated these sports, they tend to be exclusive and private. Our approach is different; we’re creating a public, for-profit environment that welcomes everyone. We genuinely believe this model will resonate and draw in a broader audience, making squash a more integral part of the wider racket sports dialogue.”
By merging these sports in a public setting, Nicol’s new club not only aims to popularize squash but also to foster a vibrant community centered around shared athletic interests. This ambitious venture could be a pivotal step towards rejuvenating the sport in the US and expanding its reach beyond traditional players.