Squash Yukon is hosting its first-ever women's tournament in celebration of World Squash Day on Nov. 5, welcoming all levels of female players.

The Whitehorse tournament, which is scheduled to be held at Better Bodies squash courts, is part of international efforts to attract a new generation of female players to the game, with a worldwide day of action and innovation backed by the World Squash Federation.

Squash Yukon has been a leader in Canada for many years with its comparatively high level of female participation, but wants to attract even more girls and women to this challenging, fun and affordable sport.

"Yukon has entered a full women's team in the Canada Winter Games since 1991, the first year squash was entered in the sport,” said Lia Johnson, Squash Yukon board member and avid player.

Johnson began in the competitive junior program under longtime pro Marie Desmarais, who retired in 2010. Johnson assisted incoming coach Khoon Chua with the 2011 Canada Winter Games squad in Halifax, N.S.

Squash Yukon president Chris Toleman says women currently make up 37 per cent of Yukon squash players – which is higher than the national average.

"Squash is a great game that you gives you maximum workout, from your toes to your fingers, head, even your brain, within a short period of time,” Chua added.

"It is a very physically active and quick-thinking game that incorporates geometry and physics (angles, forces, height, speed, etc.) and yet there is no physical contact allowed. It requires and assists in the build up of anaerobic and aerobic fitness.”

Board member Patti Flather agreed.

"I'm excited to see so many new female players, both youth and adults, coming out to the courts, and I'd love to see even more,” Flather said.

"Squash has been and continues to be a wonderful sport for myself and my daughters.”

The Whitehorse tournament will kick off Friday and continues through Saturday, wrapping up with a social event.