The Edge Leisure Club in Norfolk is continuing to build its squash programme after winning the England Squash Club Charter Gold Award.

One of only 25 clubs in the country to have achieved the gold charter status, the facility received the award for the quality of its coaching as well as its work developing the sport in the community.

The club has seen an increase in the number of squash players over the past 18 months since resident coach, Craig Aldred, implemented a coaching programme for adults and children in 2002 funded by a £5,000 lottery grant.

In that time he has also established mini-squash sessions for five- to 11-year-olds and developed an outreach programme to teach the sport at local primary schools.

The initiatives have helped create a thriving squash club, said Steve Amos, the regional development officer for English Squash. “The Edge is really setting the standard for squash in Norfolk,” he said. “They have clearly demonstrated their commitment to squash development and are offering a fantastic programme for adults and juniors.”

In addition to squash, The Edge facility also includes a health and fitness club, tennis courts, pool, sauna, steamroom and crèche.

The privately-owned company also has sites in Suffolk and Edinburgh.