About 100 squash players from across the Maritimes gathered in Charlottetown over the weekend for a major UPEI open tournament.

The sport is growing in popularity on the island, according to Lester Jinks, president of Squash PEI.

He believes that's because squash appeals to a broad range of people — men and women, young and old.

'It's not all about power or speed, it's really about technique.'—Shara Coady, Squash PEI

And it doesn't matter who they play. During the tournament, juniors were playing in adult divisions and women in men's divisions.

"I've played women and men," said 13-year-old Quincy Beck. "And I just finished playing a guy my age. And tomorrow I get to play my sister, and you just play everybody."

Shara Coady, women's vice-president of Squash PEI, says mixed competition is common. "In squash, many women play with men, and they actually play competitively against men. So it's not all about power or speed, it's really about technique."

Size, age don't matter

Nine-year-old Emma Jinks beat her 22-year-old opponent and 29-year-old Ryan Knockwood lost to a man nearly twice his age.

"You'd think it would be [easy to beat a 59-year-old opponent]," said Knockwood. "It happens the same way when you play the juniors. You think it's going to be an easy thing, and it ends up not being easy at all. So, it's a good lesson in humility."

"You're able, because the court isn't that big, you're able to move around if you have the correct footwork, to be able to keep the rallies going with the younger kids," said Gordie Lawlor.

It's also a great way to get and stay fit, with the average player burning more than 800 calories an hour, said Lawlor, who's been playing for 35 years.

"If a person played squash three or four times a week, they could eat whatever they wanted it seems, because you burn so many calories playing squash, it's unbelievable," he said.

"And it doesn't feel like you're doing work," said Jinks. "You just automatically run and chase that little ball, and in the process you're getting fit."