JUNIOR and youth sports teams are being offered free training at a Leigh gym.

Wellness Strength Training based at The Cotton Mill on Mather Lane is inviting teams at under 13s level and over to apply for its eight-week training programme.

It is open to all sports but teams taking part must have at least 10 members.

The programme, which would cost £250 if it was not being provided for free in this special offer, has been devised to teach youngsters about strength and conditioning, an area which sports team coaches often do not have the time and knowledge to sufficiently cover.

The aim is to help prevent injuries and improve sporting ability.

Phil and Laura Marsden, the husband and wife team who run the gym, have lived in Leigh all their lives.

Laura said: “These sessions will be an education for the young people to train in a safe, fun way and for the coaches to learn tips that can be implemented in their own training sessions."

Various teams have shown an interest in the free training and the gym already offers a youth development programme, which was started in 2011 when it first opened for business.

Laura added: "Phil wants every child that attends Wellness Strength Training to learn about the right way to exercise, develop key motor skills and most of all enjoy it so they have a positive experience which they will take with them into their adult lives.”

To find out more about the free training programme call 07951 427322 or e-mail laura@wellness-strength-training.com.