YOUNGSTERS inspired by the Commonwealth Games tried their hand at netball yesterday.

Pinehurst Netball Club was the latest sports team from Swindon to run a taster session as part of an 11-day sports programme in Wharf Green, coinciding with the Glasgow Games.

Members of the club’s junior and adult sides volunteered to help the participants improve their netball skills, with drills in shooting and ball control.

Club secretary Steve Richmond said: “We’ve had an excellent day and everything has gone very well. We’ve had glorious sunshine and it has been nice to get out and allow so many people to give netball a try.”

The programme has been organised by Swindon Council, Swindon Sports Forum and inSwindon with the aim of getting people of all ages engaged with sport.

Steve said he hopes those who took part will be interested in joining the club, which meets on Tuesdays at Swindon Academy, in Beech Grove. The club will return from its summer break on September 2.

He said: “This event helps us raise the profile of the club and hopefully we’ll get some more members from today.”

So far, the programme has seen golf, basketball, football and American football classes. Steve said it was a nice touch holding the sessions underneath Wharf Green’s Big Screen which is showing the Commonwealth Games live to shoppers.

He said: “It all helps to add to the occasion and I think you can’t help but be inspired by the efforts the athletes are going to.”

Chris Bailey, from Swindon Street Games, said: “This programme is a great thing for all involved. It is a good opportunity for clubs to get out and meet the public to give them a taster of what they do while it is also a chance for young people to learn more about sports they might be unfamiliar with.”

Today, Swindon Fencing Club will hold sessions from 11am-3pm. To see the remaining events being held at Wharf Green, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk.