Submitted by Andrew Shelley, WISPA Chief Executive

Membership
WISPA currently has 275 members from nearly 50 countries, a number that is rising all the time. They represent the best from their countries and combined are the best female plyers on the planet.

Growth
The value of the Tour was approaching $1.6m in 2007, a rise of 57% on the year before. The WISPA tagline is a Worldwide success story, and with the great support of national fedrations, centres and promoters we are maintaining strong growth internationally.  

Mission (Prefer Role, recoil at marketing speak!)
WISPA co-ordinates and administers international women's competitive squash on behalf of our members and in conjunction with international / national federations, promoters, clubs and media on a worldwide basis. Producing a cohesive Tour calendar, publishing rankings and providing a framework of rules and advice are very much part of this.

WISPA fully embraces providing strong promotion for our sport by our TV and other media activities, and where possible and appropriate undertaking our own and supporting other initiatives that aid the development of women's and girls squash. WISPA TV takes our
major events and provides highlights programmes which are broadcast on all continents during the year. Great for raising interest in squash, and important to our sponsors too.

But whatever the size of event WISPA works with the organisers to assist their preparations, offer advice and co-ordinate player entry and arrangements. We want to ensure that the 'WISPA Experience' is great even before the players arrive to compete, entertain and integrate.

Global Representation
The top ten of the rankings currently feature players from six nations led by Malaysian Nicol David, but by the bottom the number of countries featured rises to nearly fifty.

They are all serious athletes working hard to fulfil their potential as players.

Management
WISPA is managed by a voluntary Board elected by the membership who set policy and employ the WISPA staff. WISPA is fortunate to have a strong blend of committed people managing the direction of the Association. The Board currently (Feb 2008) comprise:

WISPA Board
Natalie Grainger President, Playing member (USA)
Jaclyn Hawkes Playing member (New Zealand)
Blair Keller Businessman (USA)
Antony Lee Businessman & recent VP of Squash Malaysia (Malaysia)
Ingrid Lofdahl-Bentzer Former Davis Cup tennis player and WTA Tour sponsor Marketing Director (Sweden)
Madeline Perry Playing member (Ireland)
Jenny Tranfield Recent playing member (England)

WISPA Staff
Adminstrator – Heather Hills
Chief Executive – Andrew Shelley

WISPA Office
27 Westminster Palace Gardens,
Artillery Row,
London, SW1P 1RR, UK

Tel: +44 20 7222 1667
Fax: +44 20 7976 8778
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.wispa.net

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