BARROW Thorns are looking to revitalise their girls basketball section with the help of a special summer camp.

The club – who have produced a clutch of England junior players in the past in both boys and girls teams – are hoping to attract new players to take up the sport.

A three-day camp just for girls in school Years 6 and 7 will take place at their Hoops home between Monday, July 23 and Wednesday, July 25, at the start of the summer holidays.

The camp is designed as an introduction to the sport, with coaching drills, competitions and games spread across the timespan.

The hope is that there will be enough interest on the back of the sessions to start up new teams who can move forward and step into the National League set-up – where Thorns have had great success in the past.

Club coach Chris Smith said there were already some players in the age bracket at the club, but not enough to make a team.

He said: “The purpose is two-fold really. As a club, we need to continually attract new players at that age, both boys and girls, to hopefully create teams competing in the National League, which we have done for years.

“Like many sports though, we have noticed a serious reduction in kids who want to play sports and the drop off is arguably worse with girls than boys.

“In this particular age bracket, we already have some players but not enough to form a full team. So I hope the camp with attract players who will, one, possibly show the talent and commitment to take up basketball as their main hobby/sport; and, two, if that doesn’t apply, still show a desire to play the game recreationally in our local school leagues.

“At the end of the day, it’s about getting these girls involved in sport.”

The summer camp will run between 1.30pm and 3.30pm each day, and will be led by England Basketball level two coaches.

Anyone interested in taking part can email chris.smith13@btinternet.com for more details.