RESIDENTS will have the chance to get active later this month with free rugby and hockey sessions encouraging people to take up a sport.

Get Berkshire Active Week takes place between Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, June 1, and sports clubs are getting involved by putting on a range of free and discounted taster sessions in their sport.

In Bracknell, women aged 18 and above can enjoy a free hockey evening from 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 27.

It takes place at Birch Hill Recreation Ground, in Ringmead.

Sam Parker, from Get Berkshire Active, took part in a Back2Hockey event at the club last Tuesday and said: “I really enjoyed taking part.

“It is perfect for beginners or returners to the sport like me, as I haven’t played hockey since leaving school.

“I was a little nervous, but as soon as I got started the nerves soon went away and I really enjoyed myself.” A body conditioning event will take place at The Pines School, in Hanworth Road, on Monday, May 26, and Thursday, May 29.

It starts at 8pm and is open to men and women aged 16 and older, with a £4.50 charge.

Interested men aged 17 and older can head along to a free taster session at Crowthorne Rugby Club, in Cricket Field Grove, at 6.30pm on Thursday.

Brett Nicholls, Get Berkshire Active’s chief executive said: “Get Berkshire Active wants to help enthuse people to become more active and try new sports within Berkshire.

“We are delighted that a range of clubs and organisations from across the county have signed up The Work Outfit and Crowthorne RFC who see this is as a perfect opportunity for local people from Berkshire to try a new sport or just become more active.” Former Paralympic rower Helene Raynsford said the week provides the perfect opportunity to get more people physically active.

She said: “The partnership works tirelessly to improve the sporting experience in Berkshire and ensuring quality and accessible opportunities for people to adopt a lifelong involvement in sport and activity.” If your sports club or organisation that would like to get involved in Get Berkshire Active week, you can register at www.getberkshireactive.org/register