AN ENGLAND squash coach who was prevented from playing competitive matches because of illness is determined to prove ‘girls can’ following an influx of ladies participating in taster sessions.

Coach Kathryn Hartwell-Goose has been instrumental in the running of ‘Squash Girls Can’ beginner sessions at Herne Farm Leisure Centre, which has seen more than 40 Petersfield ladies learn the sport.

Hartwell-Goose was a regular in the Petersfield Squash Club juniors section, but her time on the court was cut short after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, more commonly known as ME, at the age of 19.

However, she has reaffirmed her love of the sport by encouraging other women to participate at grassroots level following a grant from England Squash to generate more female interest.

Although the scheme has only been running for a short time, she has been enthused by the passion shown by her latest recruits.

Hartwell-Goose said: “It’s a great sport, you lose weight and get fit, if you’ve never played before you should give it a go!”

Ladies can go on to make new social groups, while at the same time getting the recommended daily exercise, all within 40 minutes, which fits in with modern busy lifestyles.

Ladies who want to participate in an introductory session for International Ladies’ Day can attend a session today (Friday) at Herne Farm Leisure Centre from 6.20pm to 7.40pm, with a chance to win a Squash Girls Can hoodie from 305SQUASH.

Regular beginner sessions are on Mondays at 6.20pm.

Email [email protected] for more information about the sessions at Herne Farm.