A STOURBRIDGE badminton club are encouraging people to take up the sport.

Hagley, Clent and Kinver Badminton Club have been playing competitive badminton in Hagley and Stourbridge for many years and have always strived to attract new members who can already play the game at a proficient level.

This new initiative, however, will look to get adults playing the game who have little or no previous badminton experience.

Coach Hattie Alford said: "It's all about getting people active in an friendly supportive environment. Hopefully some will go on to join the main club if they are more completive, but that’s not for everyone and social badminton is just as important to the long term growth of the game."

HCK plan to run a one hour session before the main club night on Fridays from 7 - 8pm at Hagley Catholic School.

The event is not aimed at generating profit but will have to prove to be self-funding. The club are sure there are enough people looking to try a different indoor sport that can be played throughout the year providing a good cardio vascular and all muscle group work out.

The beginners club launched on June 10. Despite this being the opening of the Euros, the event was well attended with players learning the backhand serve before moving on to playing doubles badminton matches.