Find sports

 

Find a sport for me

In addition to a host of local clubs you can join and the facilities you can use, there are also national organizations promoting the sport for young people like Sport England. There are also national funding programs such as the National Lottery that can give young people the opportunity to develop their sport. This section focuses on these organizations. Most of them will be able to put you in touch with a local organization. This section also includes ESPORTS and a fan.

Most people's sporting experience begins at school, whether it's on the playground during recess or in game lessons. Some people love school sports and continue to play in their spare time. For others it is a weekly task and the sooner you finish the better.

If you never really liked sports in school, you probably won't be too excited to get back to it later. But sport is a very broad term, and just because you had a hard time cross country at school doesn't mean you don't enjoy archery or skating, for example. You may not be that good at running, but you could have a really strong arm for pool!

Some of the most popular sports are easy to play without a lot of equipment. The most important thing about sport is being able to participate in it. The more you play the better you do. You may want to play as a team and compete with others and this is the point where your sport becomes more serious and questions about equipment, access to facilities, and travel costs become more important.

Sport is also a great way to meet people. If you are stuck at home or feeling lonely, joining a sports club can give you an excuse to meet new people. In the different sports section we have included information on how much it costs to play the sport, where to go for a local contact and what kind of opportunities there are for people with disabilities.

Where can I do sports?

All the leisure departments of the local authorities offer sports facilities in their area. The government has introduced new sports action zones to enhance community sports across England. The program lasts for 10 years. Call your local authority to find out what is available to you locally.

You don't need to play sports in a sports hall or recreation center, kicking a ball in the park, walking the dog, or practicing yoga at home are beneficial sports activities. You and a group of friends would like to form your own soccer team, a group of runners, or even a Frisbee challenge team! All of these activities can be enjoyed informally. If you want more details about any sporting activity, contact one of the sporting organizations on our list.

Are you getting enough exercise?

The Health Education Authority (now Health Development Agency) published a very useful booklet called "Getting Active - Feeling Fit." The guide encourages you to make exercise part of your weekly routine. They have the following tips for young people:

"When you're young, it's easy to think that you don't need to bother exercising. But being active is vital to staying in good shape. Not only will you look and feel better, you'll be less likely to store up health problems for the future." .

The brochure suggested that you do some or all of the following:

-Join a local leisure center;

-If there is a particular sport that you enjoy, check with your local sports center to see if there are any clubs you can join;

-If you prefer individual activities, try biking, walking, or jogging. You may know someone who would like to train with you;

-There may be discounts available for youth in your area. Check with your local council to see if schemes like this work in your area;

-Don't forget to dance ... A night on the dance floor can consume as much energy as a full workout!