Each week, people from all walks of life gather at Macclesfield Leisure Centre to play their choice of indoor sport.

And every Friday morning, the Sport and Social sessions take place.

The sessions are four easy-to-learn sports, which encourage participants to try a new sport.

It is never too late to try something new, unless you are late for their 10am start that is!

There is a great rapport between those who attend, with many highlighting to Macc Nub about the new friendships the Sport and Social sessions have helped form. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield Nub News went down to Macclesfield Leisure Centre's Sport and Social sessions, to find out what they are and the benefits they bring.

Everybody member of staff Keith Rogers and Coach Abby Jones deliver Sport and Social sessions in Macclesfield and nearby towns.

"The whole point of sport and social is that Everybody finds their level," said Keith.

"It is not about winning, it is a safe platform for everyone to be involved.

The sessions are included at no extra cost for Everybody Members, or cost £4.50 per session for non-members. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"We have four indoor sports, from badminton, to pickleball, table tennis and new age kurling.

"It is a really fun group."

The sessions are included at no extra cost for Everybody Members, and pay as you go options are available.

"Sport and Social is something we have developed over the past year-and-a-half," explained Keith.

As well as Keith and Abby's courtside expertise, Volunteer coaches are also on hand to support. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"We want to make sure we have activities for Everybody in the community.

"Providing and promoting sport for everybody is really important, ironically that is the name of our team [Everybody] but that couldn't be more true.

"We want everyone to access the court if they want to play. The beauty with Sport and Social, you can just focus on booking the session and turning up.

"Having an opportunity to come in, do your thing and meet people is a nice thing to do."

Parking is free at Macclesfield Leisure Centre. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

About 40 people attend every Friday, but Everybody would like to increase participation numbers to achieve their mission of making sport accessible to those who wish to take part.

"Ideally, we have eight courts available so we'd love to fill all eight courts," explained Keith.

"The slots range from 90 minutes to two hours, but people drop in and drop out when they can.

"If you want to do badminton for the whole duration, you can do, or if you want to play pickleball and then a bit of ping-pong you can switch with ease."

Three Pickleball courts were packed out during the Sport and Social sessions, but the goal is to get one more filled. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Equipment is provided, but you can bring your own.

"What I like about co-running the Sport and Socials is that they are a really friendly and welcoming bunch of people," said Abby.

"It is really nice to see people competitively having fun, and bringing new people in to getting active.

"Badminton is the most popular of the sports, but pickleball is growing in popularity."

You can also get money off a hot drink for taking part in the session. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Attendees also get a discounted drink at the Everybody Taste for Life Café after a session, which encourages post-exercise conversation, bonding and allows new friendships to blossom.

"The socialisation from it is a big thing," revealed Keith.

"And we want people to feel like they are welcome, our coaches have a welcoming smile to help you take that first step through the door.

"My favourite things about hosting these sessions are: 1. It is a really good opportunity to get our volunteers involved and meet the community. 2. And the people. I can walk in the Leisure Centre throughout the week and people will say how much they are looking forward to the sessions. You really build a relation. I love to have a play with them on the court as well."

Click the red links in this article to find out more. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

If you aren't keen on giving these sports a go, or want to do the Sport and Social sessions plus other activities, other sports curated by Keith and Abby include walking netball and squash.

Elsewhere at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, they have a state-of-the-art gym with friendly personal trainers, and one of the largest swimming programmes in the region.

And a no joining fee offer for a joint membership with two people is on for the rest of February.

Macclesfield: For more information about the Sport and Social sessions, please head to this webpage.

Keith and Abby are on hand to supervise, but are always coaxed in to take part as well. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield Leisure Centre, of Priory Lane, Upton Priory, is operated by Everybody Health and Leisure.

Everybody Health and Leisure are a sponsor of Macclesfield Nub News.