Luxembourg Squash Federation Gears Up for Growth & Olympic Momentum

For the first time, the Luxembourg Squash Federation (Fédération de Squash Luxembourgeoise - FSL) will have a full-time Technical Director, made possible through funding from Luxembourg’s Ministry of Sport.

Squash made its Olympic debut as a demonstration sport at the Buenos Aires 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games. In 2024, the IOC officially included the sport in the programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, alongside baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and T20 cricket.

FSL Vice President Daniela Arcone spoke with Chronicle.lu about how squash is developing in Luxembourg and what plans the federation has for the near future.

Chronicle.lu: Please tell us more about the decision to appoint Luxembourg's first National Squash Director and how this role will contribute to the growth of the sport and the development of top players.

Daniela Arcone: It is a first and a great opportunity for Luxembourg squash that the Ministry of Sport has finally accepted to give us the funding for a full-time position. For 51 years the FSL has been led by volunteers, and it is getting more and more demanding. Having this full time position, will finally allow us to have one person to dedicate his/her time to the execution, and will allow the board more time to work on strategies.

We chose a Technical Director role [the name will be announced later], as we believe it can encompass all our needs, from top player development to the growth of the sport in Luxembourg, putting in place much needed procedures, but also support the clubs, create player, coach and refereeing pathways. With squash finally making it into the LA28 Olympics, it is our moment to use the momentum and grow our sport.

Chronicle.lu: Having Luxembourg's first professional squash player, Amir Samimi, as of the Luxembourg Army's Sports Section is a significant milestone. How has his presence impacted the squash community in Luxembourg?

Daniela Arcone: We are over the moon; not only to have such a dedicated and talented player choose this path but also for the COSL [Comité Olympique et Sportif Luxembourgeois] to recognise the talent and allow him and of course the sport itself in Luxembourg this opportunity! Amir only just finished his IB [international baccalaureate] at the end of 2024, so we have not yet seen the full impact, but we expect that it will grow the popularity of the sport, encourage and motivate the grassroots and schools to include it in their programme, as well as inspire the next generation to dare this adventure as well. We are so excited to see what Amir will do in the coming years, and of course hope that this step, and the growth in popularity will provide him and our top senior and Junior player more opportunities and support.

Chronicle.lu: What are the main challenges and opportunities for squash in Luxembourg, particularly as the sport continues to grow?

Daniela Arcone: Infrastructure! Without infrastructure it is difficult to attract players. We have courts in Pétange, Kockelscheuer, Sandweiler and Ettelbruck - if schools are too far, if young players live too far, they don't get to know the sport and it is difficult for them to participate. It is difficult for teams to create a great club community without their own courts - Pétange and Ettelbruck flourish in team spirit and promotional activities. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure reduces the interest in the supporting roles, like coaches and referees - particularly no coaches - means less people to go out and get players or keep them motivated and let them improve.

Chronicle.lu: With squash included in the programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, how is the federation preparing for this historic opportunity, and what are Luxembourg's chances of having a representative at the event?

Daniela Arcone: The first step is to make sure our top players like Amir, and Elisenda [Ruiz-Kaiser] (currently studying in the US and part of the COSL Cadre as well), get the training and support they need to improve their PSA rankings. With our new director, who is also a top international coach, we aim hope to push our Senior teams up the European Team Championship ladder, to show what we are capable of. The main issue currently is that the criteria for squash at LA28 have not yet been released. We don't know the events, the pool size or other details. As soon as we have that, we will be able to start a specific game plan. The technical director is also an important part of this journey, to grow squash in popularity, improve our players and create interest.

Chronicle.lu: Looking ahead to the Small Nations Games in Luxembourg in 2029, what are the federation's goals for squash, and how are you preparing for this event?

Daniela Arcone: The first step is to get us included - we are making our case, and hope having consistently brought home medals, we will be part of the event. We missed out the last time they were held in Luxembourg, so we are really hoping to participate this time.

Chronicle.lu: How do you envision the future of squash in Luxembourg, both in terms of community engagement and professional competition?

Daniela Arcone: Currently it is looking very good. The board has done a great job for the last 51 years; there have been ups and downs and various obstacles, but if volunteers can keep it going, we believe a dedicated professional can provide a significant boost. We can work on our visibility, communication, growth of players and hopefully infrastructure. We would love to host bigger tournaments and get our LJO [Luxembourg Junior Open] up to the where it was pre-COVID. Speaking of which, the LJO takes place in May, so any squash enthusiasts or even those simply curious, come have a look!

IK

(Pictured: FSL Vice President Daniela Arcone)