The legacy of the Commonwealth Games will live on in Winchester thanks to a new initiative aimed at keeping kids active. 

Birmingham 2022 proved a huge success for the nation and delivered countless moments of inspiration with a record-breaking medal tally. 

England's efforts were particularly fruitful in squash. Gina Kennedy won the nation's first ever gold medal in the women’s squash singles.

Many other medals were won by the England squash team, including gold and silver in the men’s doubles as it came down to an epic all-England final.

The squad also claimed silver in the women’s doubles and bronze in the women’s singles.

Since the games concluded, England Squash has been working hard to ensure it maintains that momentum and is encouraging young people up-and-down the country to try the sport through its programme called Squash Stars.

The six-week programme, delivered by participating clubs and venues from September, will introduce children aged 5-11 to the game of squash.

A host of squash clubs up and down the country have signed up to the initiative and will be delivering sessions in Hampshire.

Among those is Winchester Sport & Leisure Park, which welcomed the Queen's baton relay in preperation for the games.

Other clubs include Fair Oak, Squash Club, The Avenue Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, Totton Squash Club, Petersfield Squash Club, Lee on the Solent Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club and Bounty Squash Club.

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Squash Stars will help children learn fundamental skills to play squash, and develop hand-eye coordination, racket work, movement and match play through action-packed fun games and drills delivered by specially trained leaders. 

England Squash player Gina Kennedy, who won in the 2022 Women’s singles event at the Commonwealth Games, said: “Squash has had an amazing impact on my life and it’s so important that we give young people the same experience.

"I really hope that these 5-11-year-olds that take part in Squash Stars really enjoy not just playing squash but develop a passion for sport in the process. The Commonwealth Games have served as a great source of inspiration, and I hope Squash Stars can continue this legacy.”

All Squash Stars will receive six group coaching sessions, and a free racket, a ball, bag and goggles to help them get in the game.

Parents can now enrol their child onto the programme via squashstars.co.uk.