There’s a sport for everyone!

For some people it’s finding ‘the one’. For others it’s all about variety and taking part in lots of different sports. Maybe you have heard about a sport or seen it on TV and would like to find out more? Many of us find we fall in love again with a sport we used to enjoy!

The internet is a great place to start finding a sport for you. Your local authority and County Sport Partnership websites contain lots of useful information on local sports clubs. Check out the websites for the National Governing Bodies. These organisations work to encourage more people to take part in sport, and to provide support and guidance to clubs. They are committed to the training and development of coaching, and the highest standards of club safety. Many of them are also responsible for training, supporting and selecting the national teams. The sports’ own websites are just some of the great places to find out more about a particular sport and how and where you can get involved.

• All sports clubs – large and small - welcome new members
  
• Many offer opportunities to have a ‘taster’ session so see if you like a sport before you commit
  
• You don’t need to buy equipment to try even the most unusual sports – clubs will let you borrow or hire equipment
  
• You can play many sports informally – hire a court or pitch at a leisure centre or head off to the park
  
• Sports clubs can offer coaching, lessons and opportunities to compete – and they are a great way to make new friends
  
• If you’d also like to get involved as a volunteer – you’ll receive a very warm welcome!

Want to find out details about your nearest footy pitch, swimming pool or netball court?

Active Places from Sport England can help. www.activeplaces.com


A-Z of finding the sport for you

Click on the sport you are interested in to find out more about the sport you are interested in to find out

If you want to find out more about disability sport please visit The Paralympics GB site or the English Federation of Disability Sport.

Abseiling
Abseiling comes from the German abseilen, which means ‘to rope down’. It’s the  process of descending on a fixed rope. It’s a skilled and thrilling activity which requires training and specialist equipment. Instructors are usually members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) which is the organisation for qualified professional climbing and mountaineering instructors. There are abseiling clubs across the country.

Find out more:
The British Mountaineering Council

Aikido
Aikido means ‘the way of harmonious spirit’. It’s a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. His goal was to create a martial art through which a practitioner could achieve the ability to defend himself without injuring his attacker. The British Aikido Board is the governing body for Aikido in the United Kingdom. The British Aikido Board aims to ‘further the advancement of all styles of Aikido in the United Kingdom and to establish and monitor standards of safety and behaviour conducive to the safety of practitioners of Aikido’. The Board also acts as an agent for insurance which is compulsory for both students and instructors. It also promotes a nationally recognised coaching scheme and is currently developing standards for the National Vocational Qualifications

Find out more:
British Aikido Board

(British) American Football
American Football is a sport from over there that’s doing very well over here!

‘Contact’ is the term for the version of the sport where protective wear (helmets and pads) are worn – otherwise known as tackle or kitted. ‘Non-contact’ is the term for the version of the sport called ‘Flag’ or Flag Football. The British American Football Association (BAFA) is the national governing body for the sport of American Football in Great Britain. Through its member bodies, the association offers participation for both the contact and non-contact versions of the sport.

Find out more:
British American Football Association

Angling
Angling remains hugely popular across the country. Angling can be exciting, and competition at the highest level is fierce. It can also be very relaxing – often fishing sites are in tranquil settings, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to unwind and lower your blood pressure. It’s a perfect sport for people of all ages. As well as the internet - there are always great books on angling in local libraries.

Don’t live in the countryside? Don’t worry. Angling is very popular in towns and cities – see what’s happening at your local stretch of river or canal. The National Federation of Anglers is the governing body for freshwater angling in England. ‘We actively promote and encourage angling development from grass roots, through clubs and regional bodies to the International squads’.

Find out more:
National Federation of Anglers

Sea Angling is also one of the largest participation sports in the UK.  There are at least a million sea anglers of all ages, gender and ability, who fish from beaches, harbours, piers, and from boats both close to shore and offshore over wrecks where marine life thrives. The National Federation of Sea Anglers directly represents more than 30,000 sea anglers and works with over 300 angling clubs. Sea angling clubs welcome new members of all ages – boys and girls.

Find out more:
National Federation of Sea Anglers

Salmon and Trout fishing is game angling.  It is a skillful sport which requires patience and practice. It can be learned and appreciated by people of all ages. There are game fishing sites across the country – and they’re not just in the countryside. The Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) represents the interests of the UK’s game anglers, fishery owners/managers and affiliated trades, in all issues relevant to angling and fisheries legislation, regulation, management and conservation.  S&TA has 15,000 individual and 85,000 club-based members.

Find out more:
Salmon and Trout Association

Archery
‘Archery is a sport for all people!’ That’s the message from the Grand National Archery Society - the sport’s governing body. Men, women and juniors from all sections of the community are encouraged to participate at all levels in the sport: shooting, administration, coaching, judging, competition and representing Great Britain at international events including the Olympics. Archery is increasingly popular with people with disabilities. If you’d like to try this proud and skillful sport check out your nearest club or sports centre which offers archery. Archery clubs welcome anyone who’d like to try out the sport and you don’t need to own equipment to take part.

Find out more:
Grand National Archery Society

Arm wrestling
It may look simple but there’s a lot to consider! Technique and overall arm strength are the two greatest contributing factors to winning an armwrestling match. Other factors such as the length of an arm wrestler's arm, his/her muscle and arm mass/density, hand grip size, wrist endurance and flexibility can mean one arm wrestler enjoys an advantage over another. Arm wrestlers are fit, supple and powerful. If this inspires you – then you’re not alone! Competitive arm wrestling is popular in 85 countries worldwide.

Find out more:
British Armwrestling Federation

Athletics
The sport of athletics has a proud heritage and it continues to be one of the country’s favourite sports. It covers ‘track and field’ – which is everything from running to jumping and throwing. There’s an athletics discipline for everyone. UK Athletics is the governing body for the sport of athletics in the United Kingdom. As the national governing body for athletics, UK Athletics oversees the development of athletics from grassroots right through to podium. It works to encourage more people to take part and can provide useful information on where and how to take part. The Olympic Games in 2012 provides an exciting focus for getting involved in athletics, no matter what your age, ability or background.

Find out more
UK Athletics

The English Schools' Athletic Association is dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of athletics in schools, thus enhancing the moral and physical welfare of children, by providing the right environment so that hidden talent can be discovered and visible talent can be encouraged. It achieves this aim by organising some of the premier events in the Country, and by running an award scheme for pupils of all ages.

Find out more:
English Schools' Athletic Association

Australian Rules Football
Aussie Rules Football is quite different from UK or Association Football. It’s played with a rugby-type ball, on large oval shaped fields (cricket fields), with four posts at each end. No more than 18 players of each team are permitted to be on the field at any time, with three so-called interchange players on the bench, and the main aim of the game is to score by kicking the ball between the posts. The rules may take time to learn – but at least there’s no offside rule! This most Aussie of sports welcomes everyone – increasingly the Sheilas (as well as the Bruces) are getting involved!

Find out more:
British Australian Rules Football League

Badminton
Badminton is one of the UK’s favourite sports. Probably because it’s fun and skillful and playing badminton is a fantastic way to get fit. It can be played by people of all ages in a variety of places. Badminton racquets are very light which means it’s an ideal sport for younger children, and it’s a game to be enjoyed whatever your age. Whether you’d like to hire a court at the local sports centre or play in the garden or park, just pick up a racquet and have a go! Sports centres and clubs across the country offer badminton courts for hire, and can arrange lessons. Clubs are a great way to hone your game by playing against people at the same level.   BADMINTON England is the sport's governing body. Many categories of membership are available, from supporters, through club and county players to the World Class squad. The website offers offers information about the game and details on coaching courses and tournaments from county to international level.

Find out more:
BADMINTON England

Balloonning
Have you dreamed of an exhilarating flight over the English countryside? Ever wondered how the crew flies a balloon or airship? It takes skill and patience, as well as physical effort. It is certainly a sport with a difference and gives participants a huge sense of achievement and fulfillment. Improve your heart rate and send your confidence sky high – literally!

Don’t worry if you live in the middle of a town or city – so do many balloonists. The British Balloon and Airship Club is a good source of information. It exists to promote the discipline of lighter-than-air flight: Hot Air Ballooning, Gas Ballooning, and Airship flying. Founded in 1965, the club is active in looking after the interests of its members, and has representation on most of the General Aviation Committees.  It’s the first port of call for anyone interested in Hot Air Ballooning, whether as an existing pilot, an aspiring pilot, or someone with a general interest in ballooning as spectator or crew. The club also organises and promotes competitive and international ballooning. You don’t need to own equipment to take part.

Find out more:
The British Balloon and Airship Club

Basketball
Basketball goes from strength to strength and is played in sports clubs, leisure centres and on courts across the country. It’s fast, skilful and fun. It is popular with both sexes and most age groups. And there’s no requirement to be seven feet tall to enjoy the sport of basketball – though if you’d like to play professionally it might certainly help! Never played basketball? Teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by throwing a ball through a 10 foot high hoop (the ‘basket’). You can get the ball to the opponents end of the court by bouncing the ball forward, which is called dribbling, or by passing the ball between teammates. Disability basketball also continues to grow and develop amongst girls and boys, men and women. All basketball clubs welcome new members.

There are also lots of courts in parks and ‘recs’ across the country – where you can play informally with friends or shoot hoops and practise your skills.

To find your nearest place to play see www.activeplaces.com

Find out more
English Basketball

Baseball
Baseball is perhaps the quintessential American sport. And it’s not just popular in the UK – we’re proving to be quite good at it too. It’s a sport played between two teams – usually with nine players in each. It is played with a baseball bat and baseball – a pitch called a diamond (which is a 90 foot square). The rules are quite straightforward and esy to learn. The pitcher throws the ball (or ‘pitches’ it of course) towards the batter. The batter hit the ball and players run past the four bases on the corners of the square ‘diamond’. Teams play nine innings – there’s no set time period. Both teams bat and score runs; a team's half-inning ends when three of their team are out. BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK) is developing baseball and softball in the United Kingdom.

Since 2000, BSUK has provided services to the sports' governing bodies, the British Baseball Federation (BBF) and British Softball Federation (BSF) with the aim of developing and increasing the levels of participation, skill and achievement in UK baseball and softball. The sports are growing at both junior and adult levels, from school and grassroots through domestic adult clubs up to the Great Britain national teams. The sports are popular in youth and sports clubs and increasingly in the workplace.

The British Baseball Federation (BBF) governs baseball in this country. Baseball clubs pay play in the BBF Leagues and Junior Leagues. There is also a full Great Britain Baseball Programme which comprises the Great Britain Baseball Academy, junior national teams and Great Britain 'Seniors' Baseball Team.

Find out more:
British Baseball Federation / British Softball Federation

Biathlon
Biathlon is a winter sport, combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It’s a test of fitness, skills and endurance. If you think you have what it takes – and you’d like to have a go, the internet is a good source of information.

The British Biathlon Union (BBU) is the UK National Governing Body.

The BBU trains and selects male and female athletes to represent Great Britain at Olympic, World and European level. The BBU runs senior, junior and development squads. Nearly all biathletes in Great Britain are serving members of the Armed Forces, and the Army is a major supporter of the sport.

Find out more:
British Biathlon Union


Beach volleyball
Beach volleyball may look glamourous but it’s far more than bikinis or Top Gun.

It’s a fast growing, competitive sport. The sport evolved from indoor volleyball. Unlike indoor volleyball, beach volleyball is played by teams of two players (indoor volleyball teams have six). The teams are positioned one either side of a net. Players hit the ball over the net using their hands or arms like in indoor volleyball. Some of the rules of the beach game are different, so players develop different skills. England may not be the sunniest country in the world but there are hundreds of volleyball clubs in England – and new players are most welcome to get involved, train and learn about the game.

Find out more:
Volleyball England


Bicycle Polo
Bicycle polo is similar to polo – using bikes instead of horses! The cycles used for the game are not allowed to have brakes. It’s a great way to combine using a bike with developing skills in balance.  

The game is popular in the USA, France and India and is growing in the UK.

Find out more:
Bicycle Polo Association of Great Britain


BMX
BMX is a form of cycling on bikes which usually have 20-inch wheels. The sport includes races on dirt tracks—BMX racing—as well as the performances of tricks —BMX freestyle. Going to a BMX race or event is a great way to see what happens and to get inspired. Races usually take place on purpose built off-road single lap racetracks, made up of various jumps, banked and flat corners, and a finish line.

Freestyle BMXing takes several forms, and many BMXers use skateparks and other facilities to practise. The sport is strong in the UK and the number of tracks and ramps across the country is growing all the time. BMX is increasingly popular with girls too.

There are lots of websites, and magazines, dedicated to BMX - it’s a sport that doesn’t stay still for long.

Find out more:
British Cycling Federation


Bobsleigh
Bobsleigh is a winter team sport invented by Englishmen in the late 1860s. Teams make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled. It’s very, very fast! If you think it could be the sport for you – why not use the net to find out where you could get started.

Find out more:
British Bobsleigh Association


Boccia
Boccia is a sport for athletes with a disability which is hugely popular worldwide. It’s similar to bocce and it’s a Paralympic sport. Boccia can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. The aim of the game is to throw leather balls - as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack. The jack is thrown first, then each side takes turns to propel their ball towards the jack.

The balls can be moved with hands, feet, or, if the competitor's disability is severe, with an assistive device. There are sports centres and clubs offering Boccia across the country – new players are always welcome. Get started now and you could end up representing Great Britain in 2012! You’ll certainly have huge fun along the way.

Find out more:
English Boccia Association


Bowls
Bowls is an ancient sport. A game of some kind was probably played in the Stone Age. Sir Francis Drake was a famous player and both William Shakespeare and Samuel Pepys make reference to the game.  Today the sport is popular with boys and girls, men and women; and it’s played across the country.

Crown Green Bowls
Crown Green Bowls is a sport for all ages. Players can take their interest to club or county or even national level. It can be played by the whole family.

Find out more:
British Crown Green Bowling Association

Wheelchair bowls
Wheelchair bowls goes from strength to strength. Play for fun or to compete. The British Wheelchair Bowls Association is the governing body of wheelchair bowls in the UK. The aims of the Association are integration; advice; training; competition and coaching. It can help wheelchair users to get the most out of the sport, whether just starting out or experienced bowlers.

Find out more:
British Wheelchair Bowls Association

English Bowling Association
The English Bowling Association governs the game of flat green outdoor bowls for men in England. There are thirty five affiliated counties, to which a total of 2,700 clubs are in membership nationwide. Approximately 132,000 players come under the jurisdiction of this Association.

Find out more:
English Bowling Association

Indoor Bowling
Indoor bowling means you can enjoy the sport – whatever the English weather!

The game is played in sports and leisure centres and enjoyed by players of all ages. The English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) is the National Governing Body for Males participating in the game of Flat Green Indoor Bowls in England. The Ladies game is administered by the English Women's Indoor Bowling Association (EWIBA).

Find out more:
English Indoor Bowling Association


Boxing
Boxing is an ancient sport and discipline. Nowadays two participants of similar weight fight each other with their fists in a series of one to three-minute intervals called ‘rounds’.
Boxing training is also a great way to get fit, involving running, skipping, weights and agility workouts. It’s a real aerobic work out. The Amateur Boxing Association of England Ltd (ABAE) is the sport's national governing body. As a national governing body, the ABAE is responsible for all the administration, development and promotion of amateur boxing throughout the country. Boxing clubs welcome new members from all communities and social groups.

Find out more:
Amateur Boxing Association of England

British Boxing Board of Control


Camogie
Camogie is a Celtic team sport, the women's variant of hurling. The rules are almost all the same. It’s played mainly in Ireland, although hurling and other Celtic sports are growing in popularity in the UK. Many Irish clubs in England have links to Gaelic sports.

For more information:
Gaelic Athletic Association


Canoeing
The British Canoeing Union is proud to announce that canoeing is the UK's biggest participant watersport for the 5th year running! Get involved and you could also learn some great new lingo. For example open canoes may be 'poled' (punted); sailed; 'lined and tracked' (using ropes) - or even 'gunnel-bobbed'. You can learn the difference between a canoe and a kayak.

Canoeing provides a great, exhilarating physical work out and is as much about skills as it is about strength.The BCU is the lead body for canoeing and kayaking in the UK. Since then the organisation has grown considerably, and the range of canoeing opportunity has increased tremendously. Clubs welcome new members to try out the sport – you don’t need to own any specialist equipment or to live in the countryside to try!

Find out more:
British Canoe Union


Caving
Have you ever wondered what it is like underground? Do you know the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite? The British Caving Association is the Governing body for Underground Exploration in the United Kingdom. It represents all those persons and groups with a genuine interest in caves, karst and associated phenomena, whether from a strictly sporting viewpoint, a scientific viewpoint, or a combination of both. It also seeks to represent and support mining history societies and all those with an interest in the man-made underground environment.

Find out more:
British Caving Association


Chinese Martial Arts
The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts supports the development of Chinese Martial Arts. It promotes the study and safe practice of Chinese Martial Arts and regulates as far as possible, the ever-growing numbers of clubs and organisations which teach Chinese Martial Arts. It works with national and international organizations and acts as an advisory body on all matters concerning the practice of the Chinese Martial Arts. There are a growing number of clubs – and members of all ages, and both sexes are welcomed.

Find out more:
British Council for Chinese Martial Arts


Cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board provides support for the game far beyond the boundaries of just international and first class cricket.

ECB's strategic plan for cricket, ‘Building Partnerships’, is built on four key pillars:

• Effective leadership and governance
• Vibrant domestic game
• Enthusing participation and following especially among young people
• Successful England teams.

There are cricket clubs and coaches across the country. Many clubs work with schools and youth groups to introduce boys and girls to the sport.

Find out more:
England and Wales Cricket Board

Croquet
Croquet is a lawn game, played for fun and competitively. Game involves hitting wooden or plastic balls with a mallet through hoops which are sunk into the grass playing area. There are different variations of the game, which use different scoring systems, order of shots, and layouts. Two forms of the game, Association Croquet and Golf Croquet, have rules that are agreed internationally and are played in many countries around the world. In Association Croquet players can take multiple shots in one turn provided they either hit the ball through the correct hoop or hit another ball. Upon hitting another ball, the player must play his next shot with the two balls touching – this is called the ‘croquet stroke’. The winner is the player who, with each of his balls, runs each hoop twice in order and strikes the centre peg. The game has become increasingly skillfull, and new strokes have been introduced to challenge players.

The game probably originated in the French countryside, and came to Britain in the 14th century. Nowadays many people buy or borrow a croquet set and have a go! The internet is a great place to find copies of the rules.

The Croquet Association is the national governing body for the sport of Croquet (including both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet) in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and is responsible for promoting and regulating the game.

Find out more:
Croquet Association


Curling
The sport of curling is an Olympic sport played on ice. Two teams of four players each take to the ice to alternate turns at sliding heavy, polished granite stones down the ice towards the target area called the house. Two sweepers with brooms accompany each rock and use timing equipment and their best judgement along with direction from their other teammates to help direct the stones to their resting place. It is complex and highly skillful, and may refer to curling as ‘chess on ice’. There are fewer places to get involved in curling than in other sports, but if you’re keen to have go it is a test of strategy and precision.

The English Curling Association aims to support, promote and develop the sport of curling in England and unite curlers throughout England in the sport. The Association is working to encourage ice rinks to offer curling and to help people to get started in this fast and fun sport.

Find out more:
English Curling Association


Cycling
Most of us have tried cycling at some stage in our lives. You may never forget to how to ride a bike as the saying goes – more excitingly you could learn how to ride a new type of bike. The sport has lots of different disciplines – BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross, Mountain Bike, Road and Track.

Cycling clubs offer the chance to get involved in all or some of them.  

British Cycling is the internationally recognised governing body of cycling in the UK.In conjunction with its funding partners, British Cycling has a five year strategy for the development of cycling, the UK Wide One-Stop Plan. As the governing body of cycling, British Cycling has a range of responsibilities from community sport to the elite international cyclists including Paralympic cycling.  

British Cycling promotes leisure cycling for everyone – and you can also get involved in coaching and volunteering. If you’re just getting back in the saddle – or like your cycling completely casual then it is one of the very best ways to get toned and fit. If you enjoy riding your bike for fun and exercise then why not check out local cycle paths and routes? Cycle groups are great ways to make new friends and see your neighbourhood from new angles.

Find out more:
British Cycling


Darts
Darts is a professional competitive activity, a traditional pub game and a sport which is popular across the UK and in many countries worldwide. To excel at darts takes many hours of practising – but it is easy to get started! The stereotype of large, male players is changing rapidly as the improved fitness of players impacts on the game. After all stamina, balance and precision are at the heart of darts. Women players continue to make their mark on the sport too. There are lots of reasons to take up darts – probnably a hundred and eighty of them!

Find out more:
British Darts Organisation


Discus
Discus is an Olympic track and field discipline. The discus itself is heavy. The men’s discus is 2kg and the women’s weighs 1kg. Discus is practiced in schools and athletics clubs and a discus made of solid rubber is often used which makes it easier to learn.

Discus is an individual sport but the training has aspects in common with other athletics disciplines so you can train in a supportive environment.

Many of us have seen how the discus throwers make it look easy on TV. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could take on the sport – why not get in contact with your local athletics club?  
Find out more:
UK Athletics


Diving
Diving is a popular Olympic sport. To excel at diving requires supervised training. Successful divers share many of the same skills as gymnasts. The science of diving is fascinating – involving as it does the relationships between velocity, angles and trajectories. Judges award scores out of ten for dives. Three points for the takeoff, three for the flight, and three for the entry, with one more available to give the judges flexibility.

Swimming clubs are a good place to go for information on diving and lessons. Not all swimming pools have diving facilities but clubs and local pools can advise you. There is more information on the British Swimming website.

Find out more:
British Swimming

Dragon boat racing
Want to try a team water sport that’s paddle-tastic?! Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing and most exciting water sports you can take part in. Teams race by paddling very long and narrow boats. It originated in China.

Though not everyone will have a club or watersports centre on their doorstep, the sport is growing in England. You don’t need to own a Dragon boat to have a go!

The British Dragon Boat Racing Association is the governing body of dragon boat racing in Great Britain. The BDA is responsible for all aspects of the sport from community development up to managing British teams racing abroad. It runs a National League calendar for racing crews all round the country together with the National Championships held annually at the National Water Sports Centre.

Find out more:
British Dragon Boat Racing Association


Duathlon
If running and cycling are sports you enjoy then you could fall in love with Duathlon. Duathlon consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg. It is growing in popularity in the UK and abroad. Distances may vary in competitions. For example the 2005 London Duathlon consisted of a 10km run, 20kn cycle race, followed by a 5km run. There’s an off-road version too. An off-road Dualthlon or

‘Dirty-Du’ consists of an off-road or trail run, followed by a mountain bike leg followed by a final off-road run. A ‘Dirty-Du’ series in Texas was made famous when it was won by champion cyclist Lance Armstrong in 2003.

The sport is relatively young. The internet, your local running club or athletics club are great places to find out more.


Fell running
Fell running is a demanding sport popular across the UK. Runners need to be both fit and to have good navigational skills. If you enjoy running it is a great new challenge, and a wonderful way to experience the countryside.  

Find out more:
Fell Runners Association

Fencing
Fencing is skilful, elegant and precise. It is physically and intellectually demanding – a true discipline. The term ‘fencing’ comes from the phrase ‘the art of defense’.

It is one of the few sports to have been featured at every one of the modern Olympics. Wheelchair fencing is also one of the original Paralympic sports. The same weapons are used.

Fencing clubs across the country welcome new members. You don’t need to own fencing equipment to try out the sport and get involved.

Find out more:
British Fencing

Fives
Fives is a handball game. It can be played as Eton Fives or Rugby Fives.

Eton Fives is a hand ball game played between two teams of players in a three walled court. It started as a knock-about game played by school-boys at Eton College. The original court is the area between two buttresses of the Eton College Chapel. The architectural features of the court, having a step across the middle, a buttress protruding from the left hand wall and several ledges, make the game unique. Modern courts are built to exact specifications, replicas of the Eton courts. There are 45 centres to play Eton Fives – mostly in independent schools. Girls are now getting in on the act too!  The number of clubs is growing.

Find out more:
Eton Fives

Rugby Fives is a variant of the game. The Rugby Fives Association is the governing body for the sport of Rugby Fives. The association aims to promote the playing and coaching of Fives at schools, universities and senior level, and throughout the community in general. It does this by organising matches and tournaments throughout the season and advising on – and wherever possible supporting financially – the regeneration of facilities and provision of suitable coaching and equipment to further the game's development across the country.

Find out more:
Rugby Fives Association


Football
The ‘beautiful game’ is England’s national sport. It’s fast, skillful, fun and open to everyone. Most of us have kicked a football around at some point. One of the real beauties of the game is that is can be a sport for life. Friends and children in the park, jumpers for goalposts – it’s free, fun and one of the best ways to keep fit and healthy.

If you’d like to find out more about playing football more seriously – at a club in your community perhaps – why not look at the FA’s information? The Football Association’s website contains a wealth of information for players, coaches, volunteers and anyone who wants to get into the game. If you’re new to the game or want to get back into football the FA’s ‘Get into Football’ campaign is a great place to start. You can find a club; find out more about mini-soccer; get involved in disability football.

Always wanted to coach? Perhaps you do informal coaching – you could get a recognised coaching qualification. There’s also lots of information on how to train to become the man or woman in black – the Ref!

Find out more:
The Football Association


Futsal
Futsal is an indoor version of football. It’s name comes from the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol sala/de salón, which means indoor football. There are five players on each team – one of whom is the goalkeeper.

It’s a great way of playing football all year round or when there aren’t enough players for 11 a-side. The game is also popular with women and girls.

Find out more:
The Football Association


Golf
Unsurprisingly the first recorded game of golf took place in Scotland, in the 1400s. It’s now a popular sport worldwide. There are municipal or public courses across the country. The object is to get the gold ball from the start (the tee) to a hole by playing different strokes – the fewer strokes the better the score for that hole. Golf courses offer 9 or 18 holes, of different degrees of difficulty, requiring players to use different golf clubs depending on the shot required. These courses are open to all players, and often you can hire clubs. You may need to book your round of golf. Contrary to misconceptions, golf clubs are not the preserve of the rich, or open only to men. Clubs and courses everywhere welcome new members of all ages and abilities and women’s golf grows from strength to strength. Clubs can help you to get lessons and improve your game if you’d like to play regularly.

The English Golf Union Limited (EGU) has served as the governing body of male amateur golf in England since it was founded in 1924. It looks after the interests of over 1,900 golf clubs and 740,000 club members. It works to increase the interest and participation in golf through their golf development programme 'Get into Golf' which includes initiatives to promote the game to both juniors and adults.  The EGU's Associate Membership Programme provides a facility whereby players who are unable to join an affiliated club can maintain a recognized handicap and take part in competitions and events with like minded golfers.

Find out more:
English Golf Union

Ladies Golf Union
The LGU was founded in 1893 and is the governing body for ladies' amateur golf in Great Britain and Ireland.

Find out more:
Ladies Golf Union
English Ladies Golf

Golf Foundation

The Golf Foundation helps get young people involved in the sport. It’s a charity established to develop and promote junior golf throughout Britain. It is supported by all the governing bodies of golf as well as individuals and companies who believe in its objectives and wish to contribute to the long-term future of the sport.

‘The aims of the organisation are: to provide support for golf sessions at schools and golf facilities so that young people are given their first introduction to golf; to encourage young people to take up the game, develop their playing skills, improve their understanding of the game and work towards the achievement of a playing handicap; to provide competitive opportunities for performance motivated youngsters.’

Find out more:
Golf Foundation


Gymnastics
Gymnastics covers many different disciplines. All are skilled and challenging. Gymnastics clubs across the country offer training with skilled, qualified coaches.

Under the overall description of gymnastics lie the individual disciplines and activities of:

• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
• Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Trampoline and Tumbling Gymnastics
• Acrobatic Gymnastics
• Aerobic Gymnastics
• General Gymnastics
• Double Mini Tramp
• GMPD

Boys and girls receive warm welcomes at clubs across the country. Many stay in gymnastics and compete through their club. Others find that the balance and skill developed through gymnastics training can be applied to different sports.  

Training and support from qualified coaches is key to enjoying gymnastics and becoming successful. Your local gymnastics club or sports centre can give you more information.

British Gymnastics Association is the only recognised Governing Body for the sport of gymnastics within the UK, and a good source of information.

Find out more:
British Gymnastics Association


Handball
Handball can refer to several different sports:

Team handball, a sport similar to football where two teams try to throw the ball into their opponents' goal.

American handball - an American form of fives played against one or more walls

Chinese handball - a form of American handball popular on the streets of New York City during the 1960s and 70s

Four square - known as handball in Australia and New Zealand, a game played on two or more squares

Gaelic handball - almost identical to American handball, a sport similar to squash where players hit the ball with a gloved hand instead of a racquet

Australian Handball - a variation of Chinese Handball with more rigidly defined rules, popular in schools.

England Handball is the national governing body for handball and beach handball in England. It’s responsible for the administration, promotion and development of the sport in England. The Association organises leagues and competitions, including men’s and women’s national leagues and an annual international beach handball championship, runs coaching courses and enters junior and senior national teams in international competitions. It can help you find your nearest club and how to get into handball.

Find out more:
England Handball


Hang gliding
Hang gliding is a sport you do in the air. There are different types of hang glider, some termed rigid and others flexible. The basics are the same. Essentially the kit consists of an aluminum - or composite-framed fabric wing with the pilot mounted on a harness hanging from the wing frame. The pilot exercises control by shifting his or her body weight. You can take part for fun or in competitions through your nearest club. Hang gliding has evolved over several years and now hang gliders can soar for hours, gaining altitude in thermal updrafts, and fly cross country over large distances. The sport is related to paragliding.

As with many sports, getting training and support from a qualified coach is key to enjoying hang gliding. Clubs welcome new interest in the sport.

‘We hope that when you've found a school appropriate to your needs, made contact and begun training, you'll discover for yourself the excitement and challenge that makes free flying such a great pastime. If you do you'll also find that the level of support and camaraderie amongst pilots is one of the many great strengths of the sport. You'll make friends, go places and achieve things that you may have only dreamed about in the past. It's a fantastic sport... join us and never look back.’

This is the message from the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

The Association oversees pilot and instructor training standards, provides technical support such as airworthiness standards and run coaching courses for pilots.  

Find out more:

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association


High jump
High jump has been an Olympic sport since ancient Greece.  It’s also enjoyed by amateur sportspeople across the country.

High jump is a fascinating example of how sports evolve over time. Years ago competitors would jump straight on or ‘scissor’’ over the bar with one leg in front of the other. This changed in the 1960s when innovative high jumper Dick Fosby ‘flopped’ over the bar; that is he launched himself over the bar head and shoulders first. He landed on the padded mats that had replaced hard sand pits of previous years! The Fosby Flop changed the sport radically – and won him a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics.

If you’ve always wanted to see if High Jump could be the sport for you then one of the best ways to get involved is through your local athletics club.

Find out more:
UK Athletics


Hockey
Hockey is a sport in which two teams compete by trying to maneuver a hockey ball, or a hard, round disc called a puck, into the opposition’s net or goal using a hockey stick. There are several sports in the hockey family – such as ice hockey.

When the term ‘hockey’ is used on its own it usually means the sport played on grass or artificial surfaces.  Hockey can be played and enjoyed at all levels by boys and girls, men and women. It is popular in schools and clubs and is an Olympic sport.

Field hockey is played on gravel, natural grass, sand-based or increasingly on artificial turfs, with a small, hard ball. Clubs and teams are open to girls and boys, men and women. Many clubs have outreach programmes where they work closely with schools and colleges. Indoor hockey is also popular at all levels – and enables players to enjoy the sport all year round. England Hockey is the national governing body for the sport and its website contains lots of useful information.

Find out more:
England Hockey


Horse racing
Find out more about the sport of kings by visiting the official website of the British Horseracing Board. It contains a wide range of information on British racecourses, horseracing tickets, major events, promotions, competitions, betting, race results, racehorse ownership, breeding, careers in racing, sponsorship and news.

Find out more:
British Horse Racing Board


Horse riding
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is the national governing body for horse sports in the UK, affiliated to the international governing body of equestrian sports. It exists to provide leadership, vision and purpose in steering the direction of equestrianism.

The BEF is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of 4.2 million riders, vaulters and carriage drivers in Great Britain via 16 independent member bodies. Established in 1972 it is the largest representative body within the equestrian industry and together with the British Horse Racing Board and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association forms the British Horse Industry Confederation. (BHIC). Many horse riding clubs offer lessons to beginners – and you don’t need to be a horse owner or have any specialist equipment to join in.

Find out more:
British Equestrian Federation


Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor Celtic team sport. In Irish it’s called iománaíocht or iomáint.

It’s played with sticks and a ball. It’s very, very fast. Why is it called hurling? The object of the game is for players to use a wooden axe-shaped stick called a hurl, or a hurley, to hit a small ball between the opponents' goalposts either over the crossbar for one point, or under the crossbar into a net guarded by a goalkeeper for three points.

The women’s game is called Camogie.

It’s played mainly in Ireland, although hurling and other Celtic sports are growing in popularity in the UK. Many Irish social and community clubs in England have links to Gaelic sports, and are a good place to find out more.

For more information:
Gaelic Athletic Association


Ice hockey
Hockey played on ice is fast, skillful and demanding. The players learn excellent skating and ball skills. The game is huge in countries like the US and Canada. It continues to grow in popularity in the UK. The English Ice Hockey Association has administered ice hockey in England since 1982. In that time the number of teams has risen from 60 to 257. There are currently 32 affiliated clubs and this year there are over 8000 licensed players, officials and coaches. Some but not all players can already ice stake when they take up ice hockey. Clubs welcome new members, and you don’t need to own equipment to try out the sport.

Find out more:
English Ice Hockey Association


Ice skating
Lots of different sports can be played on ice. Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, mixed couples, or groups perform spins, jumps, and other moves on ice, often to music. There are a number of ice skating rinks across the country – and some additional outdoor rinks which are in use during the winter months. Clubs offer tuition and coaching, and equipment for hire so you don’t need to buy anything before you try.

Find out more:
National Ice Skating Association


Javelin
Javelin is one of the Olympic track and field events, and one of the oldest disciplines. It is practiced in schools and athletics clubs across the country. The javelin itself can be made from metal, fibre glass or carbon fibre. And you don’t need to own a javelin to try out the sport. A good way to find our how to get involved is through your local athletics club (or school if you’re under 16).
Find out more:
UK Athletics


Judo
Judo has its roots in ju-jitsu, which goes back many centuries in Japanese history when it was a brutal and often lethal method of self-defence and unarmed combat. Judo was established as a modern physical activity when in 1882; Professor Jigoro Kano founded his Kodokan Judo. The first Judo school to open in Europe - the Budokwai which still operates today - was founded in 1918 by Gunji Koizumi who became known later as "The Father of British Judo". There are now nearly 1,000 Judo clubs registered with the British Judo Association in the United Kingdom. It is an Olympic sport and an art form. Kano said: ‘Judo is a teaching for life itself and with it we learn to overcome the pitfalls and obstacles of everyday living’.

Find out more:
British Judo


Ju-Jitsu
Ju-Jitsu loosely translated means "science of softness" or "gentle art" and is applied to many schools of unarmed and hand-to-hand combat. The soft grappling style was intended to help unarmed soldiers to fight against armed enemies in any way possible, using the least amount of force necessary. Ju-Jitsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the Samurai.The Ultimate Self Defence,armed and unarmed combat system.Many other Martial Arts are modern day descendents of Ju-Jitsu. Ju-Jitsu emphasizes turning an attacker's own force against him or herself, putting them off balance. Ju-Jitsu also emphasizes certain grappling moves and strikes to vital areas. A Ju-Jitsu student is expected to learn how to gauge the force of an opponent's attack and use it against him, evade attacks, use leverage against an opponent and how to attack nerves and pressure points.  The British Ju Jitsu Association is the national governing body.

Find out more:
British Ju Jitsu Association


Kabbadi
Kabaddi is a team sport that originates from is a team sport originally from South Asia. The name — often chanted during a game — derives from a Hindi word meaning ‘holding of breath’. The team games is played like this: two teams of seven players occupy opposite halves of a field of 12.5m x 10m. Each team has five additional players (reserves).The game is organized into two 20-minute halves. The teams take turns sending a ‘raider’ across to the opposite team's half, where the goal is to tag or wrestle (‘capture’) members of the opposite team before returning to the home half. Tagged members are ‘out’ and are sent off the field. The raider must not take a breath during the raid, and must prove it by constantly chanting (called 'cant' or 'dak') during the raid. The chant-word is kabaddi in India and Pakistan but varies across Asia.

Kabaddi is growing across the UK and there is a strong number of clubs.

Find out more:
National Kabbadi Association


Karate
Karate is a martial art known primarily as a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes and open handed techniques. However, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints/traps, throws and vital point striking also appear in karate. It has a proud tradition and respect is at the heart of the discipline. There are Karate clubs across the country – all welcome new members, boys and girls, young and older people who wish to try the sport for the first time.

As well as improving fitness many people find that learning a sport like karate improves their skills in balance and overall agility. It can also improve confidence.

Find out more:
Karate England


Kayaking
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It differs form canoeing in several ways. Kayaker use a two bladed paddle and unlike canoeists they sit in a seat on the bottom of the boat with their legs extended out in front of them. There are five primary classifications which include: whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping and general recreation. The governing body is the British Canoe Union.

Find out more:
British Canoe Union


Keep fit
Keep fit classed take place at sports clubs, gyms and leisure centres across the country. Classes vary in intensity and style – so it is easy to find one that works for you. Many people also enjoy keep fit videos or DVDs – which offer easy to follow work outs that you can do in your own home. Videos and DVDs can be borrowed from libraries – so you don’t even need to buy one!

Kendo
Kendo is the martial art of Japanese fencing. It was developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as kenjutsu. Kendo is physically and mentally challenging, combining strong martial arts values with physical elements. Kendo embodies the essence of Japanese fighting arts. Practitioners are called kendoka (one who practices kendo) or kenshi (swordsman). Around eight million people world-wide practice kendo  -  seven million in Japan. It is growing in popularity in the UK.

Find out more:
British Kendo Association


Kite surfing
Kitesurfing or fly surfing or kiteboarding involves using a power kite to pull the rider through the water on a small surfboard, a wakeboard, or a kiteboard. The surfer uses a kitesurfer uses a board with foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel himself and the board across the water. It is challenging. A kitesurfer's body is the only connection between the kite and the board. The kite is piloted in the sky while the board is steered on the water.

It can be seen on windy beaches across the country and clubs are growing all the time.

Find out more:
British Kite Surfing Association


Kneeboarding
Kneeboarding is a water sport where the participant is towed on a buoyant, convex, and hydrodynamically shaped board at a planing speed behind a motorboat. Riders sit on their heels on the board, and secure themselves to the deck with an adjustable strap over their thighs. Like in wakeboarding or water skiing, the rider hangs onto a tow-rope.

It began after Californian surfers tried using homemade boards behind tow boats. By about 1970 kneeboards were starting to be specially designed for the purpose. It shows that new activities are invented all the time!

Find out more:
British Water Ski

Korfball
Korfball is similar to netball. However is played by mixed teams – 4 men and 4 women. It can be played either indoors or outdoors on a court divided into two halves called zones. In each zone there is a post (3.5m, shorter for the young) with a basket at the top. The ball is similar to a football. Players score by throwing the ball through the other team's basket. After two goals the teams change zones: the defenders become attackers and attackers become defenders. At half-time the teams swap halves of the court.

Find out more:
England Korfball


Lacrosse
Lacrosse is an exciting team sport that is played with either six, ten or twelve players – each of whom uses a netted stick (the crosse) in order to pass and catch a very hard rubber ball with the aim of scoring goals. It’s a fast and skillful game; ideal if you are looking for a team sport with a difference. There are mini-Lacrosse sets which help younger players to get started in the sport. It is played in some schools, and in clubs across the country. New players are always welcome.

Find out more:
English Lacrosse Association


Lifesaving
Lifesavers, The Royal Life Saving Society UK, is the UK governing body for Lifesaving and Lifeguarding and is the leading drowning prevention organisation in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 1891 the Society has more than 13,000 members in 50 branches and 1,400 active lifesaving and lifeguarding clubs throughout the UK and Ireland.

Find out more:
Lifesavers


Long jump
Long Jump is an Olympic sport and is popular is schools and sports clubs across the country. Athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in an attempt to land as far from the take-off point as possible. There are four main components of the long jump: the approach run, the last two strides, takeoff, and action in the air and landing. Speed in the run-up, or approach, and a high leap off the board are the fundamentals of success. Many sprinters also compete successfully in the long jump.

Other athletes focus solely on the jump. The easiest ways to try out Long Jump is through your school, college or local athletics club.

Find out more:
UK Athletics

Luge
Luge events were included in the Olympic Winter Games in 1964.

The rules are fairly simple. The course is timed, and the athlete must depart from the start handles within a certain time once the track is declared clear.

There are weight restrictions on the sleds, as well as restrictions on the design and construction. The 'steels' (the metal blades on the bottom of the runners on which the sled slides) must be within a certain temperature range relative to the air temperature. There are also weight restrictions on the athletes, as well as many other restrictions related to equipment including speedsuits, booties, helmets, gloves, spikes, etc. It may not be as easy to take part in as many other sports but the website of the GB Luge Association is a good place to start!

Find out more:
Great Britain Luge Association


Modern pentathlon
The Modern Pentathlon comprises pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running. It is often referred to as delivering the ‘complete modern athlete’. The five diverse and unrelated sports arose out of the romantic, tough adventures of a liaison officer whose horse is brought down in enemy territory. Having defended himself (with his pistol and sword), he swims across a river then delivers the message on foot.

Famous WWII General George S. Patton – then a young soldier – finished fifth in the first ever Olympic Modern Pentathlon competition.  Men and women complete all five events of the Modern Pentathlon in one day. Youth events are completed over two or exceptionally three days. A points system for each event is based on a standard performance earning 1,000 points. The winner is the Pentathlete who has accumulated the most points after the five events. At official competitions held under the auspices of the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM), there is some flexibility in the order of events, but the running must always be the final event. The Modern Pentathlon Association website contains a wealth of information about this unique event.

Find out more:
Modern Pentathlon Association Great Britain


Motorcycling
There are different types of motorcycling and the sport can be enjoyed for recreation or competitively. There are clubs and centres across the country.

The Autocycle Union (ACU Motorcycling GB) is the governing body of motorcycle sport throughout Britain. The role of the ACU Motorcycling GB in British motorcycle is to provide all participants in motorcycle sport with enjoyable, safe and competitive days of sporting action. With over 700 clubs divided into 21 centres, there are many opportunities available if you’re interested, irrespective of age or ability. You don’t always need to own a motorcycle to try out the sport at one of the clubs.

Find out more:
Autocycle Union GB


Motorsports
The term motorsports includes rallying and karting. Both sports can be enjoyed for fun or in serious competition. There are motor sport centres across the country, offering different ways to experience the sports. The sports bring a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘driving test’! If the thrill of skillful, fast maneuvering is the thing for you why not find out more? The Motor Sport Association is recognised as the sole governing body of motor sport in Great Britain. It is responsible for the administration and control of the motor sport rules. The website contains lots of information on racing, rallying, karting and marshalling.

Find out more:
Motorsport Association


Mountain-biking
Mountain biking off road requires endurance, bike handling skills and self-reliance.
The sport of mountain biking is roughly broken down into five categories: cross country, downhill, freeride, dirt jump and trials/street riding. The sport offers participations a thrilling experience and a wonderful cardio and muscular work out. It’s a sport which can be enjoyed with friends and there are clubs up and down the country – not just in mountainous areas!

Find out more:
International Mountain Biking Association UK


Mountaineering
Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are popular ways to get fit and to test your abilities in wonderful natural environments. Clubs welcome new members and can provide specialist training and guidance which is essential.

Find out more:
British Mountaineering Council


Netball
Netball is derived from basketball. It’s now the most popular women’s participation sport. As in basketball the game is played on a hard court with scoring rings at both ends, where players score by netting the netball. There are seven players on each team. All have named positions on the court such as wing defence or centre. The netball hoops are smaller and lower than those used in basketball and there are no backboards. The netball court is divided into thirds which regulate where players in each team can move, and two semi-circular ‘shooting circles’ at each end. This is where all scoring shots must be taken.

Many girls, and now increasingly boys too, enjoy netball at school. Many women have great fun coming back to netball – often years after they have left school or college. There are community clubs and teams across the country. Netball courts can be found in sports and leisure centres as well as in play grounds and parks.

England Netball is the national governing body. Its website contains useful information on how to play and where to play. Clubs across the country welcome new members to play for fun or to compete in leagues.

Find out more:
England Netball


Octopush
You may never have looked at the bottom of a swimming pool. Try Octopush and that will soon change! Octopush is a non-contact sport in which two teams compete in a swimming pool to maneuver a puck sliding across the bottom of the pool into the opponent's goal with a short stick. It’s underwater hockey and many of the rules of hockey apply. Getting involved in Octopush improves stamina and fitness as well as swimming abilities. If more unusual sports appeal to you why not find out more?

The game is played in swimming pools across the country and many colleges and universities also have teams and clubs.

Find out more:
British Octopush Association


Orienteering
‘Orienteering means maps, varied terrain and adventure. It doesn't matter how young or old or fit you are. You can run, jog or walk, you decide your own pace. Orienteering is a sport where competitors navigate their way between control points marked on a specially drawn map. There are various orienteering disciplines, foot orienteering is the most common.’ So says British Orienteering. Everyone is welcome to join in this sport which improves skills as well as fitness and is great fresh air fun for people of all ages and abilities.

Find out more:
British Orienteering


Parachuting
Put simply a parachute is a device that slows the vertical descent of something (often a person) falling through the atmosphere, or the velocity of a body moving horizontally (a high speed car for example). Because the parachute increases the body's surface area, it increases air resistance – which slows down the body in motion. Parachuting has evolved over many hundreds of years. Today it is a sport which is enjoyed across the country.


There are different ways to enjoy parachute jumping – increasing in skill level until you’re able to master the accelerated free-fall! You can take part for fun or competitively, even progressing to aerial display teams.

Many people start off with a static line jump which means the parachute opens automatically as soon as you leave the aircraft. You make your first jump after completion of a training course of at least 6 hours. Others join a highly experienced trainer in a tandem jump. Which ever source you take parachuting is one of the biggest thrills in sport. The expert training and support you’ll need is provided at parachuting clubs can be found across the UK and all welcome new members. You don’t need to buy expensive equipment to have a go.

The British Parachuting Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of parachuting.

Find out more:
British Parachuting Association

Paragliding
Find out more:
British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association


Parkour
Have you wondered at TV footage of agile young people jumping off street furniture, running up walls and gracefully tumbling off buildings? This is the street sport of Parkour (sometimes know as PK). In France where it originated it is known as Parkour or ‘l’art du déplacement’ – the art of displacement – filling the spaces between things. The aim is to move from point A to point B as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the possibilities of the human body. A practitioner is called a ‘traceur’. The focus on efficency means that a traceur moves as fast as he can, but in a way that is the least energy-consuming and the most direct. It is skillful and can look stunning.

An action sequence in the James Bond film, Casino Royale, is a roof-top chase that includes many aspects of parkour. Parkour takes practice, fitness, skill and above all – great care. There are lots of internet sites dedicated to parkour or freerunning.

Find out more:
www.parkourcoaching.com


Petanque
Pétanque is a form of boules where the goal is to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet which means piglet. The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel, but can also be played on grass or other surfaces. Because of this it’s ideal for backyards, playgrounds, parks or campsites. It’s a low impact activity so whatever your age or fitness level it could be the sport for you. British Pétanque promotes the sport. It says; ‘Pétanque is played throughout the British Isles. It is a sport for all ages and both sexes, it is classless and can be played wherever a reasonable surface can be found or created.’

Find out more:
British Pétanque


Pilates
Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It focuses on using your mind to control your muscles. Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso muscles – great for helping and preventing back pain. It is enjoy by people of all fitness levels and ages.

Many sports clubs, gyms and leisure centres offer Pilates classes or sessions.


Pole Vault
Pole Vault is an Olympic sport and athletics event. It is one of the four jumping events together with long jump, high jump and triple jump. It’s also the eighth event in the decathlon (competitive event consisting of ten athletics disciplines). The athlete uses a long, flexible pole (usually made either of fiberglass or carbon fibre) as an aid to leap over a high bar, landing on padded mats. The opening height is determined by the event official, it then progresses, getting higher in small increments.

If the bar is knocked off by the pole – the jump is declared illegal – even if the athlete his/herself made it over. In the rare event that the pole snaps – the athlete is allowed another jump!

It requires fitness, speed, skill and mental as well as physical strength. Pole jumping competitions were known to the ancient Greeks, as well as the Cretans and Celts. These days your local athletics club is the best place to start.

Find out more:
UK Athletics

Polo
Inspired by William’s and Harry’s prowess on the polo field? The sport of Polo is played throughout the UK and you don’t need to be royalty to get involved! The sport itself is a stick and ball game usually played on horseback – though some people play on bikes. The basic objective of the game is simple – it’s to score points. Riders do this by driving a white wooden or plastic ball into the opposition’s goal using a long-handled mallet. Goals are only valid if the scoring rider is mounted, so you can’t get off the horse and run!

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) is the governing body of polo in the UK, Ireland and many other countries throughout the world. As such, it is responsible for the regulations and rules under which the game is played. This includes the handicapping of any one playing in the U.K. or Ireland. The object of the HPA is to further the interests of polo generally and support by all possible means the common interests of its affiliated clubs and associations. Its website is a good place to find information on where polo is played near you. You don’t necessarily need to own a horse to take part, though of course horse riding lessons do help.

Find out more:
Hurlingham Polo Association


Pool
Pool is enjoyed in clubs and pool halls across the country. Pool is played on a billiard is table with six pockets along the rails. The stereotype of smoky clubs is past its sell-by date. New players, boys and girls, men and women of all ages are always welcome to join clubs, whether you’d like to compete or just learn the game and have fun. The English Pool Association (EPA) is the governing body for pool in England. It controls of all disciplines of pool in England from professional players to the local pub players. It runs and maintains the national squads of men, women and youth players that represent England in all international matches, as well as organising the Inter-County and Inter-League for players who want to play above the local league level. So if you have the talent, there’s support available.

Find out more:
English Pool Association


Quoits
Quoits is a traditional game played on grass involving the throwing of a metal or rubber ring over a set distance to land over a pin in the centre of a patch of clay. It is closely related to horseshoe pitching and the fairground game hoopla. The game's centre of popularity is in parts of the North East England countryside. The game is also popular in the Scottish lowlands, Wales and the Yorkshire Dales.

Find out more from your local sports centre or County Sport Partnership.


Racketball
Racketball is played with racquets and a hollow rubber ball on an indoor or outdoor court. It was invented in 1948 incorporating rules from squash and handball. Unlike in other raquet games like tennis, here you can hit the ball against the walls, floor, and ceiling of the court – within the rules! It’s an easy game to learn; it’s fast and popular with women and men. The governing body is England Squash. It’s website is one useful source of information.

Find out more:
England Squash


Rambling
Walking is the most popular form of active recreation in the country. It’s a fantastic way to get fit and stay active; as well as a wonderful way to meet new people and see new scenery. Rambling takes place in urban as well as rural areas. Organised walks are a great way to get involved, whether you join in individually or with friends. Walks vary in length and difficulty, so there’s always something for everyone. If group walking isn’t for you just put on your comfortable shoes or trainers, open the front door and see where the mood takes you!

The Ramblers Association is Britain's biggest walking charity. It promotes walking and to improve conditions for everyone who walks in England, Scotland and Wales.

Find out more:
Ramblers Association

The Long Distance Walking Association is an Association of people with the common interest of walking long distances in rural, mountainous or moorland areas. The LDWA nurtures those interests in many ways.

Find out more:
Long Distance Walkers Association

Real tennis
Real tennis is the original racket sport from which the modern game of tennis or lawn tennis is descended. Real tennis is mentioned by Shakespeare and has been played by English and French royalty through the ages; and courts were built near the Louvre in Paris and Hampton Court.

The real tennis court looks very different from a modern day tennis court, with asymetic walls and window openings which form part of the game. The rules of the game also differ in several regards from lawn tennis.

Although in both sports game scoring is by fifteens, in real tennis 6 games wins a set, even if the opponent has 5 games. A match is typically best of 5 sets.

Serves are very different from those in the modern game. Another major difference is that players hit the walls of the court with the ball and in some cases can win a point instantly by hitting the ball into one of the window openings around the court. The largest window, located behind the server, is called the ‘dedans’ (which means inside) and must often be defended from hard hit shots coming from the opponent. It’s an old and complex sport but players pick up the rules quickly.

These days It is played at a relatively very small number of venues and new players are very welcome.

Tennis and Rackets is the UK National Governing Body for the sports of Real Tennis and Rackets and can help you find out who to play and where to play this interesting, competitive sport.

Find out more:
Tennis and Rackets


Rock climbing
Rock climbing is one of the greatest challenges of human strength, skill and endurance and one of the most rewarding sporting activities.

Climbers use gear and safety equipment specifically designed for the purpose. There are several different ways to undertake rock climbing and this sometimes depends on the terrain – for example climbing boulders or outcrops. Joining a club is the best way to learn about climbing and climbing techniques and how to use the gear and equipment safely. Some sports centres have indoor rock climbing walls and can offer courses and sessions. Rock climbing can be enjoyed for recreation or competitively. Beginners do not need to buy expensive equipment to try out the sport.

Find out more:
British Mountaineering Council


Roller hockey
Roller hockey is hockey on roller skates, sharing the vast majority of the rules. It is fast and exciting. Generally ‘roller hockey’ is played with quad roller skates (4 wheels), and ‘Inline Hockey’ is played with inline skates and is extremely popular in the USA. Both games are sometimes refered to jointly as roller hockey. The footwork and skill of players, particularly in the quad roller skate game, can rival that of football players. If you’d like to combine a love of skating with a team sport the roller hockey could be for you. It is most often played in sports and leisure clubs on indoor rinks, though can be enjoyed outdoors. Other related sports are artistic skating; inline hockey; skater hockey and speed skating.

Find out more:
British Roller Sports Federation


Rounders
Rounders is a sport for everyone. It’s played by boys and girls, men and women in every county, at different levels, from friendly games to international matches.

It is a striking and fielding team game, which involves hitting a small hard leather cased ball with a round wooden or metal bat and then running around 4 bases or posts in order to score a rounder. Players can be caught out or tagged if they don’t reach the base before the fielder throws the ball to that base. A maximum of nine players can play in fielding positions at one time.

Bowlers can bowl at over 60mph and batters can hit the ball at more than that! You can join a club or local team – or play in the park with friends.

Find out more:
National Rounders Association


Rowing
Have you ever used a rowing machine at a gym and wondered what it would be like to take to the water and try the real thing?

The sport of rowing has developed over thousands of years. It is an exciting Olympic sport with several disciplines. Put simply the rower sits in the boat facing backwards (towards the stern), and uses the oars which are held in place by the oarlocks to propel the boat forward (towards the bow). You can row on a river, lake, reservoir or even the sea. Competitive rowing teams are made up of 1, 2, 4, or 8 rowers.

The Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) is the national governing body for both British and English rowing and a good course of information on how and where to get started.  

The ARA sanctions over 300 competitions every year, has more than 500 affiliated clubs and 22,000 individual members.

Find out more:
Amateur Rowing Association


Rugby league
Rugby league is a full contact team sport. It’s one of the two codes of rugby – the other is Rugby Union. Both are distinct sports. A Rugby League team has 13 players in named positions, divided between forwards and backs. Each position has a designated number, 1 through to 13. The game is fast and strategic.

Rugby League goes from strength to strength – and not just in its traditional northern heartland. The sport of Rugby League is played in every English county as well as in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It is also played in all major Universities and throughout the Armed Forces. There are more than than 450 clubs and 40,000 registered players.

It’s hugely popular with female fans – more than 40% of active supporters are female. And girls are also taking up the sport in ever greater numbers.

The Carnegie Champion Schools tournament is the largest knock-out Rugby League competition in the world with more than 1,000 school teams entering with 16,000 players - 80 per cent of these are new to Rugby League. New players and volunteers are always welcomed.

Find out more:
Rugby Football League


Rugby union
Most of us know that the game of rugby was developed from the rules used to play an early form of football at Rugby School in England, hence the name. Rugby Union and Rugby League are distinct sports.  Rugby Union is played by teams of 15 players and matches last for 80 minutes. From those early days it has developed into a very complex attack and defence strategy game involving highly developed skill and tactics. It is popular in every part of the country and across the world. The girls’ and womens’ games are growing and many clubs have teams across all age ranges. Players come in all shapes and sizes, and many clubs offer mini-rugby for young players new to the game. The Rugby Football Union works with schools, communities and clubs to grow and support the game. It’s a good course of information on where and how to get started in Rugby Union. New players and volunteers are always welcomed at clubs.

Find out more:  
Rugby Football Union


Running
You can run almost anywhere! Good sports shops can advise you on the correct running shoes and safety. A good place to start is at your local athletics or running club where you can get advice and even a running buddy!

Find out more:
UK Athletics


Shooting
Shooting is the sport of target shooting with a rifle, shotgun or pistol. It is an Olympic sport. Competitors aim either at a fixed target, or a moving target made of clay. This is called skeet shooting (a form of clay pigeon shooting).  The event used to be mixed, with men and women competing openly against each other, but nowadays the two sexes compete separately. The sport of shooting is highly regulated and there are clubs across the country where professional coaching is offered. If you want to get involved, the Great Britain Target Shooting Federation is a good place to start.

Find out more:
British Shooting


Shot put
Shot put is an Olympic track and field sport and is popular at athletics clubs, and in schools. Competitors take their throw from inside a circle 7 feet (2.135m) in diameter, with a toe board approximately 4 inches (10cm) high at the front of the circle. The distance thrown is measured from the inside of the circumference of the circle to where the shot lands. Your school or local athletics club is a great place to start if you think shot put might be the sport for you.

Find out more:
UK Athletics

Show Jumping
Showjumping is the sport where a rider skillfully steers he horse over a series of jumps. It’s one of a number of competitive equestrian events which originated in England.

The BSJA is the governing body of show jumping in Great Britain. It is a good source of information on how show jumping competitions are graded as it formulates the rules and codes of practice under which all affiliated competitions are held. The Association has classes to cater for all levels of ability whether you simply want to compete occasionally at weekends over a 2'9" course or aim eventually, for top class competitions at the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show or Olympia. It manages more than 2,000 shows each year. A wide range of individuals take part and compete on horses of varying ability. Your local equestrian centre can give you advice and information on how to get started.

Find out more:
British Show Jumping Association

Skateboarding
Skateboarding is everything – a great activity, an art form – a method of transport! It’s a relatively new sport, starting in the 195os and evolving all the way.

Women and girls are in a growing minority. The number of skateparks in England is also on the rise, with investment from sports bodies and local authorities, so it worth checking out what is available in your town or city. The internet is a great source of info on the skills and techniques employed by skaters.

Skiing
The sport of skiing consists of many variations, each of which fits into one of the major categories of alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, or telemark skiing.

Ski Club of Great Britain is a members’ Club; it’s also a member of Snowsport GB. The website contains info on where to ski in the UK on artificial slopes as well as information about going on the piste abroad! Ski clubs can offer group or individual lessons for children and adults, and equipment hire is available so you can always try before you buy.

Find out more:
Ski Club GB


Skipping
Skipping is a traditional way to keep fit – much prized by boxers and athletes who know what a good all round work out it offers. As a cardio exercise there’s not much better. Skipping ropes can be bought from sports stores for just a few pounds.


Skydiving
Skydiving is a form of parachuting. Skydiving and parachuting clubs can be found across the UK and all welcome new members.

The British Parachuting Association is the National Governing Body for the sports. Its website is a good source of information on how and where to get started.

Find out more:
British Parachuting Association


Snooker
Snooker is a cue sport that is played on a large (3.6 m x 1.8 m) baize-covered table with pockets in each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. It is played using a cue, one white ball (the cue ball), 15 red balls (worth 1 point each) and 6 balls of different colours (worth 2–7 points each). It is a highly skilled and professional game at the top level, requiring balance, precision and vision - but it is played for fun in clubs, halls and pubs across the country. The modern venues for the game are a far cry from old, smoky snooker halls. Snooker clubs welcome new members of all ages and both sexes.

Find out more:
English Association for Snooker and Billiards


Snowboarding
Snowboarding involved attaching (or binding) a lightweight, smooth snowboard to boots and travelling down a snow (or artificial slope). The sport also involves jumps and turns in the air such as half or quarter pipes, as skateboarders