Up to eight players will be able to take part in an inclusive version of squash, designed to entice more people at leisure centres and health clubs to try the sport.

Squash 101 has been launched by governing body England Squash to make the sport more accessible and “increase the numbers of people playing it”. Light-hearted and sociable, the scheme was created to attract new and casual players.

Individuals taking Squash 101 classes will have a ‘leader’ who will teach skills and techniques and “help them reach a stage where they can start playing more to get fit and have fun”.

England Squash chief executive Keir Worth said he “urges leisure centres across the country “ to take up Squash 101, adding: “Squash 101 will bring people together to learn new skills and have fun at the same time, with the added bonus of getting fitter. We hope the programme will fill courts in leisure centres around the country.”

According to England Squash, 27,000 people have taken up the sport on a weekly basis in the last year. The body says there are approximately 4,000 squash courts throughout the country.