Kendal Squash Club embarked on an ambitious scheme to offer all the local primary schools the chance to host an after-school squash club.

Volunteer coaches will take equipment, including rackets, balls and ‘mini-squash’ walls to the school giving pupils the opportunity to develop hand-eye skills while having fun in an energetic indoor game. The groups will get the opportunity to develop their skills when the clubs switch from the school to the Squash Club courts in town.

After piloting the scheme last year, Heron Hill Primary School is leading the way with a new group of youngsters sampling the sport.

The school’s PE Coordinator Janette Foster said: “The children of Heron Hill Primary School love the partnership between school and Kendal Squash Club. They are now looking forward to some sessions in the squash courts at the club too. We very much appreciate the time and effort given by the coaches to give our children this opportunity.”

A grant from Cumbria County Council’s South Lakeland local committee’s funding for 0-19 Services means the club has been able to kit out the scheme with new ‘junior size’ equipment, specifically designed for the age group. There is no charge to the school or the pupils.

The club, which is Community Amateur Sports Club owned by its 200 members, is keen to maintain good links with local youth organisations and this project gives youngsters a chance to see what the club has to offer.

Coach Alistair Pease said: "The initial scheme was so successful that we are looking to expand the scheme to other schools, giving more children the chance to experience a new activity. We want to encourage a new group of children and their families to enjoy the sport and make good use of the excellent facilities that Kendal Squash Club offers.”

Castle Park Primary School and Vicarage Park Primary School are next in line and both schools have now had taster sessions to encourage the pupils to sign up for next term’s after school activity.