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Whether you're a lifelong player or just rediscovering the game, VMSA welcomes you with open arms and open courts.
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Be part of Victoria’s vibrant squash community — on and off the court.
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Whether you’re playing, supporting, or simply staying involved — this tier is your gateway to everything VMSA has to offer.
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An honorary tier for those who shaped VMSA history.
$25/year
You’ve played over 100 tournaments — this is your home.
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The ones who have put in the years. Now enjoy the game on us.
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A dedicated player who’s clocked 25+ tournaments.
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Your journey matters — we’re always glad to have you back.
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Visiting from another state? You’re welcome on court.
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Come as a guest. Compete like a member.
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New or casual player? You can still join in.
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Great for one-time or exploratory participation.
Established in 1980, VMSA has been at the forefront of fostering a vibrant community of squash enthusiasts through well-organized tournaments, league competitions, and social events.
At the Victorian Masters Squash Association (VMSA), our mission is to provide a competitive yet inclusive environment where squash enthusiasts aged 35 and above can continue playing the sport they love while building lasting friendships.
Over 140 tournaments and counting — connecting Masters players across Victoria through friendly competition, great venues, and lifelong friendships.
Ballarat Sporting PrecinctJoin us at Ballarat Squash & Racquetball Fitness Centre for a weekend of competitive squash, great company, and relaxed social events
Bairnsdale Sporting PrecinctJoin us at Bairnsdale Squash & Table Tennis Club for a weekend of competitive squash, great company, and relaxed social events
Dear Friends
We are drawing to the close of another year. It's been a busy squash calendar with some wonderful tournaments completed throughout the year. We spread our wings a bit by travelling to Mildura for the first time, then Horsham, Bendigo and Ballarat at the end of the year. Squeezed in between all that was another successful Masters/Juniors event at Westerfolds.
I thank everyone who participated or supported our tournaments in 2025. It was particularly encouraging to see a new brigade of younger Masters age players appearing and enjoying what our tournaments provide. Another interesting observation was the number of past or retired Masters coming for the social activities to maintain contact with old friends established through a common interest in the sport.
The finals of our Spring pennant season were conducted. Congratulations to the winning clubs. With the competition surviving by a thread, it's questionable whether we continue to conduct a pennant competition if players won't support it in numbers. There are currently 4 grades in the East and 3 in the West under the format adopted over the past few seasons. Reducing the travel time by separating East and West, starting a bit earlier, or creating three person teams have not changed participation rates or lead to a better outcome.
An important development in 2025 was the delivery of our new website. I trust that with this, everyone will enjoy visiting the site and scrolling through the many pages of information contained within it. A big thank you to Anil Joseph and his IT staff at worlwidedigital.com.au. It was because of Anil and his passion for squash and his desire to create something which all squashies can benefit from that got us to this point.
Another significant announcement in 2025 was the appointment of Lynette Woodyard as our latest recipient of Life Membership of the VMSA at our AGM in August. Thoroughly deserved and congratulations Lynette. A loyal and passionate contributor who continues to volunteer her time without fanfare or favour.
As we move into 2026, a huge item on the calendar is the World Masters Championships in Perth. Apart from our own Masters events in Victoria, this one is a must do event. A chance to compete in our own backyard against players from all around the world. So save up for this one and see if you can get to it.
As always, the VMSA relies on the support of it's sponsors, members and participants to conduct it's affairs and I thank everyone who assisted our association and contributed along the way. Without all of you, we would not be able to afford to run everything as efficiently as we have.
Finally, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. May you eat, drink and celebrate with your friends and families and bring your racquets back in the New Year ready to play again.
Merry Squashing
See you in Bairnsdale,
Lou Morsch
President – VMSA
Volunteering with VMSA means helping shape the future of Masters squash in Victoria. Whether you're lending a hand at events or supporting behind the scenes, your time helps grow a stronger, more connected community.
Assist with registration desks, court scheduling, player support, or photography at tournaments and social events. It’s a great way to connect with others — no playing required!
Contact UsWe’re always looking for friendly faces to help with membership, planning, and promotion. If you enjoy organising or working with people, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact UsHelp us capture the stories of our squash community. Take event photos, write recaps, or contribute to our social media presence — no experience necessary, just enthusiasm.
Contact UsBeing away in October in Peru for a month took me out of the inner loop preparing for our Ballarat tournament. This tournament was really a milestone tournament because all entries were done online through our new website. There was a lot of work done within a very short period of time to get it ready for Ballarat and that should be acknowledged. Anil from Worldwide Digital has been very generous with his time; we are very grateful to him and his team. We also should be very grateful to Michelle Rowles as she worked very closely with Anil, and his team to help develop the new website, which was launched for Ballarat and let me say, very well received with the final numbers 125 to Ballarat which was a great outcome.
Those who played at Ballarat, I hope you had a fun time. The tournament was a really vibrant one this year. I thought the numbers were great, and it’s a perfect way to finish the squash year so thanks to all who attended.
The weekend started Friday night with 20 matches lined up in the 7.30pm time slot and we completed 50 matches Friday night. We had 125 Entries, 10 Sections, plus 12 Virgins. Thanks to Barry Bannon, Tim Thompson & David Graham (Lilydale), Michael Deane (Churchill), Colby Rook & Josh Thom (Tonic), Clinton Edwards & Adam Stephens (Mildura), Fred Pizzicara (WSRC) Lauchlan Thompson (Werribee), George Kyriakoudis (Focus GP) and we had two international players come this year, one from Finland, Seppo Raiski also David Guilhaud from France, so to all thanks for playing your first tournament.
As you all know I love our VMSA virgins and I’m so grateful you played in one of our tournaments. Special thanks to those players who got one of those new players to attend because this is how we get better squash numbers, it’s fantastic. To those new players you have a complimentary entry to either Bairnsdale 13-15 Feb 2026 or the Vic Championships Mulgrave 10-12 April 2026.
Thank you to all the Interstate players who made the effort to cross the border. TAS 4, NSW 3.
The Member’s draw was won by Daniel Jones from VRC, the 2 dinner dance tickets are to be used over the next 12 months, Congratulations Daniel.
Badges were given at Ballarat this year and one probably took 35 plus years to achieve - a really fantastic supporter of Master’s Squash, Geoff Morley received 125+ Tournament Badge. Joffa, as we know him, sat proudly on the dance floor while everyone made a huge fuss over him as we all know this is a rare milestone and I hope he will remember this as a great achievement. Congratulations Geoff ‘Joffa’ Morley.
Jackie Bannon 25+ tournament badge, Annie Baker from TAS 25+ Tournament Badge. Thanks Annie for travelling across the water to come and play in our tournaments.
Special mention to some players who have made a comeback to our tournaments Helen Collins (Ballarat 2011), Dennis Kennedy (Ballarat 2017) Mark Thurkle (Vic Champs 2022), Linda Thurkle (Vic Champs 2022) so thanks for making a comeback we hope to see you more often.
This year we were very happy to see past players come to Ballarat for the social aspect of the weekend and they included John Sands, Angelo Coco, Phil Warren (GPHC), Ray Gallo, Karen Gallo, Jillian Thomas, Karen Scott (WSRC) also Judy Simmons the only woman to achieve 100+ Tournaments, and close friends Libby Innes and ex Tourney desk helper Bernadette Murphy, and from Moorabbin Kate McClelland, Gll Diggle, Julie Shears and Julie Lester, thanks for making the effort, It really was a great weekend.
The Judith Goadby Memorial Award for 2024 was awarded to Belinda Murphy from the Mulgrave Country Club. The Judith Goadby Memorial Award is the highest award you can win in master’s squash for commitment in a volunteer capacity. Congratulations Belinda, we are so lucky to have you working to push support for our sport.
112 people came along to the North Ballarat Sports Club we had a fabulous night with the food, a few drinks, and great conversation. Our band this year played some fantastic songs to help us dance the night away, the dance floor was packed all night. Thanks to the North Ballarat Sports Club for being so accommodating, it was very easy dealing with them.
To the court manager Jess Parker, you were so helpful with all our requirements. You made my job easy so thanks for the support. To all the people who helped over the weekend, I know you were under pressure so thanks for the hours you put in to produce great food and for the wide range of beverages on offer to our players. Cheers to the bar and food staff.
A special mention to Paul Atkins for all the tech things you did for us, especially the printer again (ha-ha) and this year Paul made a scoring app which ran very smoothly.
Check the results page on the VMSA website for all the finals match results. (Also included in this newsletter)
https://vmsasquash.com.au/ballarat-tournament
Ballarat section 1 winner Joshua Thom defeated Peter Gilbee in three games in a great match with the gallery full to the brim. Josh gave a humble speech to the crowd and to other winners. It was Josh’s first tournament with the VMSA & master’s squash, so we hope he comes back and helps bring the next generation of super stars.
As always Steve and Lisa Walton are great supporters of master’s squash and squash in general. They supplied fabulous prizes as always. Thank you to Lisa this year for coming from Queensland to be with us all weekend. I am sure all the people who won a prize will enjoy using it. Lisa worked the merchandise stand all weekend, so I hope you supported her by buying something you needed. Another great deal, Squash.com.au have come on board to give any financial VMSA members $25.00 discount on anything they buy over $50, so use this offer and get your VMSA membership for free. Conditions apply so contact Michelle Rowles for more information 0407838572 or rowles.michelle@yahoo.com.au .
A special mention to Jill Morsch for the raffle prizes you supplied to support the tournament, and Wali and Terry for their continued support.
To all the people who helped me behind the desk in 2025 Janine, Helen, Pam and Alison Gilbert - you are my golden girls, and I just love you to bits for all your help and support. Michelle, you are amazing and I am grateful for the endless work you do for squash. To all the others who popped in to lend a hand when the pressure was on you all are amazing people.
A special mention to Lynette for all the photos during 2025. Mark & Linda Thurkle for really taking on the social media platforms I think we can all agree that based on the hits we are getting our output is being appreciated.
Our next tournament will be held at Bairnsdale on the 13-15 February 2026. Entries are open and remember it is an Individual Event. There will be no teams events on the VMSA Tournaments calendar in 2026.
Please keep doing your part for Australian Squash in 2026 as I and the Committee will.
Our next tournament will be held at Bairnsdale on the 13-15 February 2026
My Pleasure Darren O’Neill
VMSA Tournament Director
Entries are now open
Click here to find out more and enter
Entries are now open
Click here to find out more and enter
No - you do not have to be a member to enter the tournament. However, VMSA members receive discounted entry fees, so it’s well worth joining if you play regularly.
These savings add up quickly, especially if you’re a regular player, making your membership a valuable investment.
Membership is $25 per year and gives you access to discounted tournament fees and other member benefits. Membership is from 1 July to 30 June each year.
No — playing in a VMSA pennant team does not automatically make you a financial member. You need to pay the annual membership fee separately.
You can add VMSA membership when entering the tournament, or visit the VMSA website to join or check your membership status.
The tournament is open to Men 35+ and Women 30+. It is a mixed graded event, so you will be placed in a division that matches your level.
Every player is guaranteed at least three matches, with the format being either triple plate or round robin.
We use PAR 15 scoring (Point-A-Rally to 15) First to 15 wins, at 14 all play continues until a player wins the game by 2 points. Matches are best of 5 games.
First round times will be available on the VMSA website from Thursday 20 November 2025.
Yes — players must:
A relaxed social evening at Ballarat Squash & Racquetball Centre with a complimentary supper at the conclusion of matches. All players and guests are welcome.
Held at the North Ballarat Sports Club from 7:00pm–11:30pm, it features a 2-course meal, live band, and a great atmosphere. Cost is $60 per person. Payment is required with your entry.
Yes — a Courtesy Bus is available for $10 return. Include payment with your entry. Pickup details will be announced on Saturday.
Yes — the trophy presentation will take place around 4:30pm, followed by another complimentary supper.
Yes, snacks and refreshments will be available at the squash centre throughout the weekend.
Entry fees vary based on your membership status:
Include the $60 (Dinner Dance) and/or $10 (Bus) in your entry payment. These are optional add-ons.
You can include the $25 membership fee in your tournament entry or renew via the VMSA website.
Yes, you will receive an email confirmation
