THE Raptors is one of the first clubs in Lancashire to make a commitment to girls and women’s basketball.

The last couple of years have seen an increase in popularity in the sport and enquiries from women and girls searching for basketball opportunities is at an all-time high.

Last year, the club started promoting girls basketball, sending qualified coaches into each of the schools in the Rossendale Valley and hosting a very successful girl’s basketball tournament.

Chairman Ken Masser said: “The feedback from the tourn-ament and sessions were very positive and as a result we made a commitment to develop girls and women’s basketball within the club, providing the new members the opportunity to play basketball with an emphasis on keeping fit and having fun.”

The club received a grant from the Community Foundation for Lancashire to help set up the section which is now thriving.

Basketball sessions are held every Tuesday at All Saints Catholic High School in Rawtenstall.

There is an opportunity for girls aged 13-18 to play from 8-9pm each Tuesday evening, with the women’s session running from 9-10pm.