SquashBusters

CONTACT:

795 Columbus Avenue
Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
617-373-7366
www.squashbusters.org

Teresa Soares-Pena, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Squash for inner-city kids — isn’t that a stretch? You bet, and stretching is just what these kids need. Greg Zaff, a former squash professional and Kennedy School graduate, founded SquashBusters in 1996. Ten years later it serves 100 middle- and high-school students annually, equal numbers of boys and girls, with a program combining academics, squash and community service. It has five goals: to teach students to take responsibility for their actions; to provide active educational experiences that deeply engage students in learning; to develop good sportsmanship on and off the courts; to promote understanding and friendships between diverse people; and to promote civic spirit through community service. Students meet for at least three hours, three times a week; each receives 135 hours of individualized academic tutoring, 162 hours of individual squash coaching, 20 opportunities for competition, and 80 hours on community projects. SB has a 96% retention rate and demand is high; in 2004, 98 sixth graders tried out for 28 openings. Results: 96% of all SquashBusters graduate from high school; 80% have gone on to higher education; 90% improve in fitness. So the stretching works — as it will for you, too.

(2005: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: Sports and Summer)