Published: 12 September, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

A NEW game is hitting Camden streets – and it’s coming to a wall near you soon.

Described as “squash without the racquets”, Wallball is already a big hit around the globe, especially in America and China.

Earmarked to feature in the 2028 Olympics, youngsters are being encouraged to try the sport for themselves after two walls were put up at the Talacre Community Sports Centre, Kentish Town, thanks to funding from University College London and the UCL Academy.

President of UK Wallball, Dan Grant, revealed if the pilot scheme at Talacre takes off then more walls could soon be put up across the country. “Wallball is very cheap and accessible, so ideal for people who can’t afford expensive equipment or to travel,” he said. “It’s a sport that you can just play. Any ball, any wall, any time. The walls at Talacre are the first community courts that can be used by anyone for free, hopefully they’re the first of many.”

Councillor Tulip Siddiq, cabinet member for culture and communities, added: “Wallball is an incredibly cheap sport to play. It fits perfectly into the Olympic legacy of giving people easy access to high-quality sport.

“I hope local residents will take advantage of this fantastic facility and give this innovative sport a go!”