Former squash pro opens new courts in Regina

A former professional squash player from Regina is celebrating an accomplishment he’s dreamt of since childhood.

Thomas King opened the Regina Squash Centre on Saturday, where he’s the owner and head professional.

He hopes the club will help grow the sport in the city.

“It doesn’t even feel like a job, really. It’s the right thing to do,” King said.

“I’m passionate about it and growing up as a kid I always dreamed of having a real club. I had to move to Toronto to pursue it and I’d like the next generation not to have to move. Stay here.”

King is from Regina but moved to Toronto as a teenager to play competitively. The sport has taken him to multiple countries, including Australia, where he played for Canada at the World Championships in doubles.

As his pro career wound down, King turned his attention to the club.

The city let him move into a building on Redbear Avenue in Regina’s north east. It was the perfect fit, being close to Ring Road and having high ceilings.

There are three courts with sprung floors that are easier on the hips and knees. Other amenities include online booking, member access with key fobs and a fitness area.

“But I wanted to make sure the priority was always squash in the courts and the quality of the game,” King said.

The club offers a junior program and leagues are also moving in. King says squash is gaining popularity as a sport.

“It’s just a really fun, quick way to get a workout, and I’m really in love with the community so I think it’s a good way to socialize and network. I’ve met a lot of really good people through squash.”