Following the launch of the government’s new sport strategy, sporting facilities in London are committing to help children in the area get more active, through squash.
The government has set a target of increasing participation across the nation by getting a further 3.5 million people physically active by 2030. The new strategy follows figures from Sport England’s Active Lives survey which indicates that 53% of children and young people are not currently meeting the guidance of taking part in at least 60 minutes of activity per day.
The government has set a target of getting over one million children more active, and in a bid to drive participation amongst young people, the national governing body for squash, England Squash, has committed to continuing its primary programme for participation amongst young people, Squash Stars.
Entering its fourth intake since the programme began in 2022, Squash Stars has provided thousands of young people across the country with the affordable and accessible means of physical activity, as part of a programme which is aimed at not only introducing children to the sport but getting them active in the process.
Six venues across London will be hosting Squash Stars sessions throughout the remainder of 2023, set to take place from as soon as 16 September onwards. London locations include; Stormont Lawn Tennis & Squash Rackets Club, Hillington Squash Club, Oakleigh Park LT & SC, Cumberland LTC, Blackheath Squash Club and Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis & Squash Club.
Squash Stars is open to young people aged between five and nine, with those taking taught the fundamental skills needed to play squash, with expert coaches helping them improve hand-eye coordination and all-round physical literacy, as well as working on important life skills like resilience and teamwork. Vitally, they’ll also be getting active, with squash widely considered the highest intensity participation sport played anywhere in the world.
The six-week local Squash Stars programme costs £42 – or just £7 for each session. And, mindful of the cost-of-living crisis and the financial pressure on parents, every child who signs up will also be given a free racket, Squash Stars t-shirt, ball, goggles and kit bag.
Joanna Rowbottom, head of partnerships and programmes at England Squash, said: “Squash is a fantastic sport and a great way to help young people get active.
“The focus at the sessions is very much on having fun, getting active, and making new friends. We want all the children who take part to soar in every aspect of their life and that starts with a positive experience with sport.
“Squash Stars is suitable for everyone; it doesn’t matter how much or how little sport children have done before. There are friendly, welcoming clubs and coaches ready to help your child get started and enjoy the benefits of this amazing sport.”
To book your child a place now, visit: www.squashstars.co.uk.
