PARENTS in Hillingdon are being encouraged to help their children get more active by taking up squash.

Recent data from Sport England’s Active Lives survey found activity levels among young people have generally returned to pre-pandemic levels.

However, the number of children aged 7-9 taking part in sport or physical activity for at least an hour a day hasn’t recovered as well as in other groups.

England Squash, which oversees the sport, is determined to play its part and has launched Squash Stars, aimed at children aged 5-9.

Sessions are being run at Hillingdon Squash Club in Kingston Lane from February 2.

Children taking part will be taught the fundamental skills, and coaches will help them improve their hand-eye coordination and all-round physical fitness, as well as life skills like resilience and teamwork.

The six-week programme costs £42 or £7 for each session. Every child who signs up will also be given a free racket, T-shirt, ball, goggles and kit bag.

Joanna Rowbottom, head of partnerships and programmes at England Squash, said: “Squash Stars is suitable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how much or how little sport children have done before.”

To book a place, visit: www.squashstars.co.uk