Swimming, netball, football, volleyball, dance and gym and fitness sessions will be available for 16-25 year olds.

Free sports sessions will be offered to Hackney women this spring, encouraging them to take up a sport.

The Active Women programme is funded by government agency Sport England to boost women’s participation in sport – especially those who care for children or who live in disadvantaged communities, who face the biggest barriers to participation.

Hackney Council is one of 62 organisations chosen to take part in the programme, and free swimming, netball, football, volleyball, dance and gym and fitness sessions will be on offer in Hackney leisure centres for 16-25 year olds.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, cabinet member for community services said: “Anything that encourages more young women into sport can only be a good thing.”

A series of 12-week programmes, running for two years will start this spring.

The project is being funded with nearly �3m of National Lottery money.

Young women can now register their interest in the scheme by contacting Sarah Davies at Hackney Council on 020 8356 7563 or email Sarah.davies@hackney.gov.uk .