A NATIONAL campaign to attract more females to sport, ‘This Girl Can’, returns to the Wey Valley Tennis Centre on Wednesday September 20 for table tennis.

Table Tennis England and Sport England supported the successful project earlier this year and the sessions are now back on a monthly basis.

More than 30 players of all ages and abilities attended the previous sessions organised by the Weymouth & District Table Tennis League and run by local coaches and females who play in the league.

Sport England see many advantages to supporting table tennis, as it is seen to be accessible, low cost, fun and easy to get playing.

It is an ideal sport for family and friends to play together and recent television documentaries have shown it to have benefits in keeping the brain healthy and help those with mobility difficulties with a low intensity workout.

Alison Moore said after returning to the sport: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the ‘This Girl Can’ sessions, and have been amazed as to the age range and abilities who attend.

"Andy and his team have made it fun with a great variety of training and games and we all come away having had an evening of both exercise and laughter.

"I never thought I would get back into playing table tennis after a break of nearly 30 years, but these sessions have re-sparked my passion for the sport”

Hayley Stanton was one of three generations of the same family to attend and said: "It’s been great fun learning a new sport, especially being able to play alongside my mum and daughter.

Liz Slater from Puncknowle added: “I have never enjoyed any sport before but since starting to learn table tennis earlier this year I have loved every moment of it.

"As someone long retired I have found these sessions so welcoming and such fun – regardless of age or ability.

"It has given me one aim in life – to get better and better and even win a point off a coach one day."

The sessions run from 7pm to 8pm at the Wey Valley Tennis Centre and cost just £1. No need to book, just turn up.

For further details, contact Andy Millar on 07710507075 or a.millar212@gmail.com