Belfast City Council has backed plans by a local squash club to introduce more children to the sport.

The Belfast Boat Club Squash Academy will receive £1,250 from the council’s Support for Sport fund to organise an open day and 10-week trial course.

Club spokesperson Walter Murray said: “We want children to try a sport which will be new to them and having an open day provides them with the taster needed to encourage them to take it up.

“The 10-week course offers them a chance to see if they enjoy the sport which not only keeps them fit but is social and it offers possibilities to travel to tournaments and competitions.”

The council’s sports development officer, Shafei Sartawi, added: “The whole aim of Support for Sport is to help clubs try new initiatives to boost participation in their sport. It can help provide training, buy equipment or help support an event.” Details: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/supportforsport