About Squash at Exeter
The University of Exeter Squash Club competes in BUCS Squash South West with men's and women's teams across Division 1 and Division 2. The club has dedicated squash courts at Streatham Sports Park on the main campus — making it one of the more accessible racket sports for students who can fit sessions around their timetable. Squash at Exeter is genuinely competitive at the top, with county-standard players competing at BUCS level, while the social and recreational sessions welcome beginners and intermediates who simply want to improve and enjoy the sport. The club's coaching support through the university sports department has strengthened the competitive programme in recent years.
Club History
Exeter Squash Club has maintained a consistent BUCS presence across the South West Conference. The sport has benefited from Streatham Sports Park's squash court infrastructure, which allows regular training access without booking external facilities. The men's 1st team has held Division 1 status across multiple seasons and has a strong record of producing county-level players. Squash coaching has been professionalised through the university sports department, supplementing the club's own coaching sessions.
Joining the Squash Club
Open joining — any standard, any experience. Come to a club night and you're in. Competitive squad selection for BUCS teams is made on demonstrated performance, with players assessed informally during club nights in the first few weeks of term. Rackets can be borrowed initially. Social squash is available year-round for those who prefer non-competitive play.
Training
Club nights (all abilities) on Tuesday evenings and Thursday evenings at the Sports Park squash courts. BUCS squad sessions are structured around match preparation with focused drilling and match play practice. BUCS fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. Solo hitting and knock-up sessions can be booked independently through the Sports Park booking system at discounted member rates.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Squash South West Conference — men's 1st and 2nd teams, women's 1st team. Home and away tie format on Wednesday afternoons. Individual BUCS Squash Championships run as separate national events. Exeter has produced individual BUCS Championship qualifiers in recent seasons.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
Men's 1st team Division 1 status for multiple seasons. Individual BUCS Championship qualifiers. The campus court access gives Exeter squash players unusually flexible training hours compared to clubs requiring off-campus court hire.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Come to a club night in the first week — you'll be playing within 24 hours of arriving at Exeter
- Campus courts mean you can book independent practice sessions around your timetable — use this resource extensively
- County-standard players should contact the committee early — BUCS team spots are competitive at 1st team level
- Solo drilling on the courts (ghosting, solo hitting) significantly accelerates improvement between coached sessions
- Pennsylvania Road and St James minimise travel time for Tuesday and Thursday evening training
Student Accommodation for Squash Players
Pennsylvania Road and St James are most convenient for the Sports Park courts. The mid-week BUCS schedule and evening training sessions suit the social and timetabling patterns of these student areas.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Squash Players
Most University of Exeter squash players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play squash you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Exeter have squash courts on campus?
Yes — Streatham Sports Park has squash courts available for the club's sessions and BUCS fixtures. Members can also book courts independently for additional practice.
What BUCS level does Exeter University Squash compete at?
Division 1 (men's 1st) and Division 2 (men's 2nd, women's 1st) of the BUCS South West Squash Conference. Individual BUCS Squash Championship events are also entered.
Can beginners join Exeter University Squash Club?
Yes — club nights are open to all abilities. Beginners can borrow rackets initially and coaching is available for those wanting to develop their game.
How often does Exeter University Squash train?
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Sports Park courts. BUCS fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. Independent court bookings are available to members through the Sports Park booking system.
What accommodation is best for Exeter University squash students?
Pennsylvania Road and St James are closest to the Sports Park courts. The Tuesday and Thursday evening training schedule makes short commute times genuinely valuable.
Is Exeter University Squash Club competitive?
Yes — the men's 1st team competes in Division 1 of the BUCS South West Conference with county-standard players, and has produced individual BUCS Championship qualifiers.