The Professional Squash Association (PSA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) have agreed in principle to adopt a new Memorandum of Understanding following the first meeting featuring newly-elected WSF President Jacques Fontaine and PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough together with Chief Commercial Officer Tommy Berden. Also attending the meeting in Amsterdam were WSF Vice President Gar Holohan and Chief Executive Andrew Shelley.

All agreed that a ‘strategic alliance’ is of paramount importance in order for squash to continue advancing in the global sporting field.

“In order for squash to achieve greater visibility and profile around the world it is vital that there is a strong working partnership between the WSF and PSA,” said WSF President Jacques Fontaine.

“The intention of the WSF Board and myself is to provide strong and vibrant leadership and we look forward to building upon our relationship with the PSA and working closely with our foremost partner as we seek to improve every element of squash from grass roots to world championships. This opportunity for us to meet to plan together for our future has been a valuable one.”

The strategic partnership, which is set to be agreed in detail in the coming months, will focus on creating a joint vision for squash at all levels that will enable the sport to create a more stable and successful platform from which to market itself around the world.

Ensuring the sport’s successful integration into future Olympic Games, creating a centrally unified refereeing structure and expanding of the sport’s commercial and broadcast arms are all elements which will be fundamental to the success of the partnership.

“In recent years the Professional Tour has made enormous strides as it has led the way in both broadcasting and presentation whilst squash has grown in participation levels and public interest,” said Gough.

“In order to fully utilise this momentum and to achieve our Olympic ambitions it is important that the PSA and WSF work together, taking all opportunities whilst also addressing any issues and threats to the sport to get the very best outcome for squash.

“We were pleased to meet with Jacques and his team and have been hugely encouraged by the conversations and look forward to fostering a new, stronger relationship with the WSF as we embark upon the next step in the sport’s journey.”