In the digital age of sports fandom, few individuals have managed to create such a profound impact on their sporting community as Jamie Maddox has done for squash. What began as a simple Facebook group in 2010 to share humorous tales and memories with friends has evolved into Squash Stories, the world’s largest and most vibrant squash community on social media. With membership that has grown from a handful of friends to over 60,000 passionate squash enthusiasts from around the globe, Maddox’s creation has become nothing short of a phenomenon that has transformed how the squash world connects, shares, and celebrates their beloved sport.
## The Humble Beginning
Jamie Maddox’s journey into squash was far from conventional. Unlike many professional players who start in childhood, Maddox didn’t pick up a racquet until he was 21 years old. This late start meant he had “a lot of ground to make up” to compete at the professional level, but his determination and passion for the game were unwavering. Despite the late start, he achieved what many consider impossible – playing in the British Open on the show court at Lambs in London, a dream venue for any squash player.
Initially self-taught, Maddox later refined his technique under the guidance of John Le Lievre at the Village Hyde, one of England’s premier squash clubs at the time. This coaching relationship not only improved his technical skills but fundamentally changed how he thought about the game. His dedication paid off as he became club champion at all four clubs he played for and eventually transitioned into coaching at a high level, achievements made even more remarkable considering his late entry into the sport.
When Maddox created Squash Stories around 2010, his intentions were modest. He simply wanted to share “a few humorous tales” of his time playing squash with friends. He admits he “didn’t think it would become as big as it is in a million years.” This humble beginning reflects the authentic, grassroots nature that continues to define Squash Stories today.
## The Explosive Growth
The transformation of Squash Stories from a small friend group to a global community didn’t happen overnight. For the first seven years, the group remained relatively small and intimate. However, 2017 marked a turning point when the page began experiencing explosive growth. From a modest community of a few hundred members, it rapidly expanded to over 16,000 by 2021, and has since grown to an impressive 60,000+ members, making it by far the largest squash community on Facebook.What sets Squash Stories apart from other squash groups is not just its size, but its authenticity and interaction especially with members such as Stuart Parish who likes a little chat to say the least but the one thing members like Stuart do is bring huge engagement on a daily basis. While other Facebook groups have inflated their membership numbers by adding people without permission, Maddox has maintained organic growth built on genuine interest and engagement. This approach has created what he describes as “an active core of members who post very regularly,” something unique to Squash Stories.
## The Secret Formula
Maddox quickly realized he had “the right formula for making it a success.” This formula combines several key elements that have proven essential to the group’s sustained growth and engagement. First is his genuine enthusiasm for both the current game and its rich history. His deep knowledge allows him to engage meaningfully with squash legends while maintaining the star-struck appreciation of a true fan.
His ability to “suss people out” has been crucial in maintaining the group’s quality. Maddox can quickly identify fake profiles or potential troublemakers, ensuring the community remains positive and constructive. He understands that “a forum like SS only works well if there are people with different views to keep it healthy,” recognizing that diversity of opinion strengthens rather than weakens the community.
Perhaps most importantly, Squash Stories maintains its integrity by remaining completely non-commercial. Despite numerous monetization opportunities, Maddox has steadfastly refused to turn the platform into a sales vehicle. He believes that “one of the very special aspects of SS is that it isn’t about selling anything or pushing a certain product.” This gives him and his opinions “far more clout as people know I’m being honest and not in someone’s back-pocket.”
## A Global Community United by Passion
The reach of Squash Stories extends far beyond geographical boundaries, creating a truly global community. The group includes members from every continent where squash is played, from established squash nations like England, Egypt, and Pakistan to emerging markets in Asia and the Americas. This international diversity has created a unique space where a weekend warrior from suburban England can interact directly with former world champions, where coaching tips are shared across continents, and where the history and future of squash are debated with equal passion.
The community has attracted an impressive roster of squash legends and current stars. with current world no 1 Mostafa Asal to the legendary Jahangir Khan to name a few is among the notable members, alongside numerous other professional players, coaches, and squash personalities. Yet the true strength of Squash Stories lies not just in its celebrity members, but in how it democratizes access to squash knowledge and community. Amateur players can seek advice from professionals, young players can learn from veterans, and everyone can share in the collective love for the sport.
## Beyond Facebook: A Vision for the Future
While Squash Stories has found its home on Facebook, Maddox hints at bigger things to come. His professional background as a photographer in the Manchester area, combined with his deep understanding of social media and community building, positions him well to expand the Squash Stories brand beyond its current platform. He has suggested that “something very special could be on the cards,” indicating that his vision for connecting the global squash community continues to evolve.
## The Personal Touch
Away from the digital realm, Maddox continues to live and breathe squash. He’s married to Amanda (pictured) with a son who has inherited his passion for the sport and shows considerable talent. His wife is also a capable player, making squash truly a family affair. This personal connection to the game’s future generation keeps him grounded and reminds him why building community matters.## Impact on the Sport
The success of Squash Stories represents more than just social media metrics. It has created a model for how niche sports can build and maintain global communities in the digital age. By prioritizing authenticity over commercialization, engagement over numbers, and passion over profit, Maddox has shown that genuine community building can create lasting value for sports and their participants.
As squash continues to grow globally and push for Olympic inclusion, platforms like Squash Stories play a crucial role in maintaining the sport’s culture and traditions while welcoming newcomers. Through his dedication and vision, Jamie Maddox has created something that extends far beyond a Facebook group – he has built a global home for squash lovers that celebrates both the sport’s illustrious past and its promising future.
Nick Staunton
