A Bolton organisation is trying to get more women and girls into sport by offering a free “taster” day.

Markland Hill Racquets Club in Victoria Road, Heaton is opening its doors on Sunday, September 29 from 1.30pm to 5pm for a Women’s Sport & Wellbeing Open Day.

On offer will be sessions in tennis, badminton, squash and Pickleball run by coaches, plus Pilates’ sessions and with wellbeing experts on hand.

These include menopause expert Sally Bolton and women’s psychologist Jeanette McGuffie as well as advice on available local sports and wellbeing projects from the Let’s Keep Bolton Moving team.

Two of the Markland Hill Racquets Club coaching team, Vicky Ault, left, and Phillipa Fulcini Tomlinson

Ambassadors from Bolton Hospice – the club’s chosen charity this year – will be sharing the positive effects of volunteering and Bolton College representatives will be offering information and advice on wellbeing courses.

The club is keen to showcase its recent work with women and girls, including beginners’ courses in badminton and Pickleball as well as Squash from the Mosque sessions for girls.

Explained club chairman Dave Saunders: “It’s really important to get more women and girls into sport these days for physical and mental wellbeing.

“We want Markland Hill Club to be more accessible to everyone, especially the many females who might want to take part in sports but don’t know where to start – which is why we’re holding this special open day.

“We have excellent coaches and a positive and successful track record of sporting achievement at the club but, most of all, we want to spread the word about the power of sport and wellbeing.”

The club, one of the oldest and best-known in the region, has undergone developments totalling almost £150,000 this year to ensure its future.

Added Dave: “The open day offers the ideal chance to come along and enjoy the club’s facilities, sample established sports like tennis, badminton and squash and enjoy new ones like Pickleball.”

As well as a programme of events, there will be special membership and coaching discounts on the day.