The head of a Wolverhampton based squash club, said the New Street court in Birmingham will inspire the youth ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Credit: Alter_Photo
The squash court was at Grand Central from April 4-11.
Some of the sport's professional players visited the city as part of a programme, with the aim of generating excitement ahead of this summer's Commonwealth Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham.
The club's chairman said: "The court was exceptionally busy, there has been a full programme to engage the public.
"There are schools, community groups, clubs and elite athletes all using the court.
"I think children have been inspired by not only playing the sport at New Street, but players like Mike Harris being one of the key catalysts to reach out to the next generation.
"All of the children have found that they enjoyed and could play squash."
This is not the first time a squash court has been built inside a railway station, with the New Street court drawing inspiration from the one at New York's Grand Central Station, which holds the annual J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions.
Professional players Ming Lee and Mike Harris were also part of the programme at Grand Central
Speaking about enticing new fans to the sport, the head of the club said: "This is the key objective, but also there is a legacy program, founded by Ming Lee and Mike Harris to perpetuate the sport past the Commonwealth Games, and engage the youth and next generation, by involving schools and community leaders to fully appreciate the health and wellbeing of participating in squash."
The sport will be featured in twenty sessions, and three medal ceremonies are confirmed to take place this summer.
The World Squash Federation (WSF) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but squash is not considered an Olympic sport, after an unsuccessful application for the 2024 games.
On the potential of squash becoming an Olympic sport, the chairman said: "The key is accessibility and profile to help engage the community, and therefore, this would make a difference to it being included in the Olympic Games."
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