How women and girls can try squash for free this International Women’s Day in drive to encourage more onto the court

To mark International Women’s Day (Sunday, March 8) Boldon Squash and Cricket Club are encouraging women to take up the sport.

On Sunday, March 1 from 11am-4pm any women and girls who have never played before can try their hand at squash and squash 57 (formerly known as Racquetball) for free.

It comes as part of a national campaign Squash Girls Can which is driven by England Squash to help get more women and girls involved in the sport.

“We don’t have many women who are members, it’s very male dominated,” said coach Kevin Forster.

“A lot of women play around the UK and we would like to see a lot more take it up in South Tyneside.”

The club, which has 150 members, runs internal leagues throughout the year for all levels of squash players, with adult and junior sessions.

He added: “We have a couple of girls in the junior sessions who are better than some of the boys of the same age.”

All ages and abilities are welcome on the day with a male and female coach on hand to provide assistance across four courts. Players just need to bring a pair of clean trainers.

Squash is a great sport for anyone and everyone, with a multitude of benefits, says Kevin.

“It’s not difficult to take up, I would encourage anyone to give it a try,” he said.

“It was named the best in the world because it burns calories quickly, it doesn’t take long to play and the benefits outweigh the possibilities of injury.

“A match only lasts 45 minutes you can get onto the court and back out again in an hour.”

The club holds an open day on the first Sunday of every month for those who want to give it a go.

Kevin added: “We’d like to try and get as many people as possible down, the more than merrier.”

Boldon Cricket and Squash Club is located on Sunderland Rd, East Boldon.