There’s a common perception that squash is a sport of the past – something our dads or grandads played – and with local courts being lost to developers in places like Willoughby and North Manly, it can feel like the sport is under threat. But one young local squash champion is proving that the sport is very much alive and thriving right here on the Northern Beaches.
Jackson Wylie, a Mona Vale local and student at Pittwater High, has just won the 2025 Australian Squash Championship in Ballarat. But his journey to becoming a squash champion is about more than just a title – it’s about community, dedication, and big dreams.
Jackson’s squash journey began at age 10 in a school sports program. He progressed through the Squids junior squash program and onto his home club, Elanora Squash and Fitness Centre, where he has trained ever since. As Jackson says: “The club means so much to me. It’s welcoming, supportive, and has given me the opportunities to grow as a player at any level – from beginner to professional.”
This year, Jackson travelled to Egypt to compete in the prestigious World Junior Championships, gaining experience on the international stage. With the 2028 LA Olympics including squash, Jackson now has his sights set on joining the professional tour after his HSC exams.
A key part of Jackson’s journey has been Coach Aaron Frankcomb, former world #38, Commonwealth Games player, and Narrabeen Sports High alumni. Aaron grew up playing at Elanora and has returned to give back to the community that supported him. Through East Coast Squash Academy, he is on a mission to put squash racquets into the hands of the next generation, implementing school squash programs across the Northern Beaches and throughout Sydney. His guidance has helped Jackson refine his game and chase his full potential, while also helping to grow squash locally.
Jackson’s win is a reminder that squash is thriving locally, offering young athletes opportunities to dream big and reach the international stage. His story, and the community that supports him, is exactly the kind of uplifting narrative that highlights the potential of local sport and inspires the next generation.
