A SQUASH club in Stratford has teamed up with England Squash to encourage more women to take up the sport – with a free event planned for International Women’s Day.
The Stratford Squash Club is holding an introduction to squash event, at its Stratford Sports Club base, starting at 11am on Wednesday, March 8 – International Women’s Day.
And the taster session is a great chance for women who have never played the sport to learn more about squash but would like to give it a go.
Women who have previously played squash and who would like to get back involved with the sport are also welcome to attend.
The club also hope to run further free sessions for any women who would like to continue playing following the initial taster session.
All equipment is provided and anyone attending is asked to wear trainers which will not mark the court surface with tea and coffee to be provided after the session.
Squash has historically been a male-dominated activity, but the sport’s domestic governing body England Squash is determined to change that.
The ‘Rally Together’ campaign is aimed at increasing female participation at all levels of the sport.
And England Squash is linking up with clubs across the country to encourage more women to pick up a racket and take to their local court.
Jo Rowbottom, head of partnerships and communities at England Squash, said: “There’s something for everyone with squash regardless of your age, ability, or fitness levels.
“Whether you’re there to socialise or enjoy a bit of a challenge, it’s a great way to improve your fitness and you’ll be having too much fun to even notice you’re exercising.
“You can play in your own way, whether that’s booking a local court with friends or family, going along to one of the many friendly squash venues across the country who are ready to welcome new players, or joining one of the Rally Together events.
“More and more women are taking up the sport and we hope this International Women’s Day even more people will take the opportunity to try squash. They certainly won’t regret it.”
Squash is widely considered one of the best sports for improving your fitness and England Squash wants to share the many health and mental wellbeing benefits enjoyed by people who play regularly.
The free International Women’s Day sessions are just the latest in a string of initiatives introduced by England Squash and partner clubs as part of the Rally Together campaign.
Last year, hundreds of local male coaches and squash club members signed pledges which included committing to calling out and tackling sexism on and off the court, making clubs and venues more inclusive, and further educating themselves on barriers which could prevent women from playing the sport.
For more information on ‘Rally Together’, or to find out more about the free International Women’s Day sessions, visit: www.englandsquash.com/iwd
