Churches go to the wall to help kids

CHURCH buildings across Scotland are to be turned into courts for a new sport – after a trial scheme in Glasgow was a smash-hit.

Racquet Wall is similar to squash but is played on only one wall.

A pilot project saw children from an East End primary play the game at Church House in Boden Street, Bridgeton, which is run by the Church Of Scotland.

Chris Plews, co-ordinator of the Scottish Churches Commonwealth Games programme, said: "The 2014 Games in Glasgow gives us a chance to develop new health opportunities for young people and we believe church facilities are well placed to be resources."

John Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Squash and Racketball Limited, which helped run the city pilot project, said: "We particularly want to give children of all ages the opportunity to get involved in this fun new sport.

"It gives them a sport they can do, a great workout, while improving their health and well-being.

"Who knows? In time we might even produce the Scottish squash stars of the future from Racquet Wall."

The Churches' More Than Gold games programme hopes to enable them to serve their communities up to and during the 2014 event.

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