Rousing reception for Racketball at University of the 3rd Age
Published on: 2nd December 2011
After the success of the Craven University of the 3rd Age Racketball group at The Sandylands club, Skipton; the England Squash and Racketball NE Office has approached a number of other U3A branches in Yorkshire. The interest has been amazing, as within a couple of weeks, a racketball group has been established at Ilkley LTSC for the Ilkley & District U3A group. After a meeting with the Leeds U3A Group Coordinator Janet Keogh she replied with an email to her Committee ‘this is an offer we cannot refuse, it is an opportunity to play at a private members’ club where we can use top class facilities, at a price my retired members can afford’. Since then 13 members have signed up for a taster sessions in December at Chapel Allerton Tennis, Squash & Gym club.
A group has just been set up at Ilkley LTSC after publicity on the Ilkley U3A website. 3 Taster sessions led by an England Squash & Racketball qualified Racketball coach and club volunteers were held at the end of October when grand parents and their grand children enjoyed racketball. By the end of the session they could all hit the ball and have a short rally . Then a dedicated U3A session has been established on a Wednesday afternoon 2.15-3.45, at a cost to U3A members of £4. All equipment has been provided by the Club. Currently it is attended by about 10 players every week (although there are 20 players on the database); and it plans to purchase its own equipment; select a Group Leader; and negotiate further access to the courts.
Other U3A branches currently consulting with their membership to start racketball groups at squash facilities include: Bradford U3A at Heaton Tennis & Squash club, Leeds U3A at Chapel Allerton Tennis & Squash club, Sheffield U3A at Abbeydale Sports club, Wakefield U3A at Wakefield Squash club and Wetherby U3A at Collingham & Linton Cricket & squash club.
