SLAM North is set to serve up squash and racketball as its bosses seek to attract fresh interest from its national home in Manchester.

The Deansgate-based public relations consultancy has been hired by England Squash to handle publicity ahead of a rebrand and profile-raising drive.

The account gain comes on the eve of this year's World Squash Championships, being held at the National Squash Centre, SportCity, Manchester, between October 11 and 19.

England Squash, itself based at Sportcity, will become England Squash & Racketball in 2009 and aims to promote both sports and increase participation.

Currently a Commonwealth games sport, with more than 500,000 adults playing each month, squash is the fifth most popular organised adult sport in England.

SLAM North's Ric Coggins said: "This is an exciting time for England Squash, as seemingly lesser known sports are now taking centre stage since Team GB's successful performances in Beijing.

"Now, more than ever before, people are willing to give different sports a try - and what better than the sport voted as `the world's healthiest' by Forbes magazine?

Paul Lynch, sales and marketing manager for England Squash, said the organisation was impressed with SLAM's pitch.

"They clearly have an excellent process and the expertise and skill to help us raise the profile of squash and racketball while driving participation to clubs and facilities."

SLAM's activity will include an advocacy programme and use profiling and sponsorship. It will also engage new audience groups through direct and online activity, and run a press office.

SLAM PR is part of Weber Shandwick. Tweet