Pirates club coaches Hamish Buchanan (left) and Paul Cadogan prepare for the club's 24 hour "squashathon" this weekend. Photo by Craig Baxter.

The Pirates Squash Club does not expect handouts. Its members are prepared to roll up their sleeves in the old-fashioned way and work for club funds.

In that vein, the club will hold a 24-hour "squashathon" beginning at 5pm on Friday.

One hundred club members will fill one-hour slots on the three club courts at Hancock Park during the project, which is expected to raise $3600 for club maintenance and renewal of the windows.

The Pirates Squash Club was formed 30 years ago as part of the Pirates Rugby Football Club but is now a separate club in its own right.

The clubrooms and three courts are valued at $680,000 but $30,000 of repair work is needed to keep them up to scratch.

The project involves junior players raising $10 of sponsorship to play for an hour and senior players $20.

"It is open to the public as well," club coach Hamish Buchanan said. "We will supply the rackets, balls and coaching."

The club held a similar event two years ago.

Already, 62 of the 72 spots on the courts have been booked and it is expected the final 10 spots will be filled before the event begins.