Touch rugby is providing a new way to exercise

The non-contact sport is easy to play and understand, and is suitable for all abilities and ages.

Sessions have been running for six weeks at the STMA sports and social club on Hitchin Road in Shefford between 7pm and 8pm.

Organiser Darryl Coffey said: “Touch appeals to sports enthusiasts and those looking for an alternative way of keeping fit through a fun game, which needs only a Touch Rugby ball and markers for the playing field.

“The game is very simple, all you need is a space to play and a group of friends.”

Teams are very flexible. For example they can be mixed gender, mixed ages or even a family team.

The fast and simple game promotes the fundamental skills of running, handling, evasion and support play, while developing basic principles of attack and defence, without the fear of getting hurt.

Mr Coffey added: “We have played games and instructed people in skills and drills to improve their game and have grown our numbers over the few weeks we have been running.

“The children are really out there to win against the fathers and that is so good to see!”

The organisers are also looking for a Touch Ambassador to promote the sport in the area.

A full training course would be supplied by the RFU in Twickenham, also available are courses for referees again free of charge.

New players are welcome to join the Monday sessions for £3.