Feel self-conscious about exercising in front of other people? Need an extra incentive to put on your trainers and do some sport?

The National Sports Centre may well have found the answer with the latest phenomenon, GlowSports.

Traditional sports including cricket, badminton and tennis are played in the dark using luminous equipment.

Spinning classes are also held - and there are plans to add more sports and fitness sessions to the list too.

We joined Penny Campbell, who is head of events for the initiative’s sponsor, Microgaming, to take part in a session with youngsters with disabilities.

It’s a new sensory experience, with the luminous T-shirts, net, racquets/bats and balls being the only thing really visible. Your eyes soon adjust to the dark and it is a whole lot of fun.

When you miss, it’s difficult to use the excuse that you didn’t see the ball, but it doesn’t really matter - here the focus is most definitely on enjoying the experience.

Senior sport development officer Gianni Epifani explained the aim is to encourage groups and individuals to get more active. There are specific sessions tailored for youngsters, youngsters with disabilities and adults.

Microgaming were keen to cover the cost of the licence and equipment for the NSC after GlowSports was included in the 2016 Community Games for secondary school students, an event they sponsor.

Penny said: ’This provides a great opportunity for the kids to take part in a variety of sports in a fun and non-competitive environment.

’Playing glow badminton, tennis and cricket in the dark is pretty challenging, as I found out!

’It is really enjoyable and the kids can just run about and have fun or try a new sport.’

She added: ’This is an excellent addition to the Community Games, which we already support, and encourages young people into sport which is all very positive.’

For more information see the NSC website.