As fans queue up at Wimbledon in the hope of securing a ticket to watch some of the biggest names in sport, many tennis lovers face another challenge: trying to book a court to play at this time of year can be as hard as returning a professional tennis player’s serve. And for families trying to be healthy, active and entertained by any sport, money is often a hurdle. Yet, there are a host of opportunities to try out sport for free.
Simon Hayes, chief executive of Sport England, said: ‘Record numbers of adults and children are active, and cost should never be a barrier. But the reality is that for many people and families, amid rising bills, it’s increasingly a concern – particularly in the communities which face the greatest challenges. We’re focused on supporting the people and places that need the most help.’
“Free sport opportunities from park tennis to street cricket are available across the UK despite rising costs.”
Football – with the men’s World Cup currently giving it unrivalled prominence – is often held up as a mass participation sport because it is so cheap to play. However, the well-worn ball-and-jumpers-for-goalposts image may ignore the cost of kit, club fees and transport to matches.
Tennis has faced a more complex reputation, with some considering it to have been an elitist sport. But anyone wanting to try tennis without the costs of hiring a court or any equipment can attend free sessions – often on Saturday mornings – as part of a Lawn Tennis Association scheme. Not every area of the UK is covered, but you can search for a park near you running the sessions.
Beyond tennis, there are a host of leisure centres offering free fitness class taster sessions. Cricket is another high-profile summer sport: the Chance to Shine charity runs hundreds of free street cricket sessions around the country throughout the year, often within walking distance of children living in poorer areas.
British Blind Sport runs ‘Have a Go’ days for people with sight loss to try sports ranging from rugby to rowing for free. Parkrun has become a hugely popular free running and walking activity across the UK.
There is no centralised database for free sports activities, but lots of campaigns are designed to get people moving to help their physical and mental health. They include Every Body Moves for people with disabilities, regional schemes such as London Sport Get Active, and the This Girl Can campaign. Sport England also invests in the Active Partnerships network, which boosts free sporting and exercise activities in different areas.
On a local level, charity-run possibilities range from free table tennis sessions in Brighton to street dance in Blackpool.