| Finding a sport for me | | | | programme is intended to run for 10 years. Call |
| As well as a large number of local clubs you can | | | | your local authority to find out what is available |
| join and facilities you can use there are also | | | | for you locally. |
| national organisations which promote sport for | | | | You don't have to play sport in a sports hall or |
| young people like Sport England. There are also | | | | recreation centre, kicking a ball in the park, walking |
| national funding programmes like the National | | | | the dog or practising yoga at home are all |
| Lottery which can give young people an | | | | beneficial sporting activities. You and a group of |
| opportunity to develop their sport. This section | | | | friends may like to form your own football team, |
| concentrates on these organisations. Almost all of | | | | running group or perhaps even a Frisbee challenge |
| them will be able to put you in touch with a local | | | | team! All of these activities can be enjoyed |
| organisation. This section also includes information | | | | informally. If you want more details about any |
| on being a spectator and supporter. | | | | sporting activity, contact one of the sports |
| Most people's experience of playing sport begins | | | | organisations in our listing. |
| at school, either in the playground at break time | | | | Are you getting enough exercise? |
| or in games lessons. Some people love school | | | | The Health Education Authority (now the Health |
| sport and go on to play in their spare time. For | | | | Development Agency) published a very useful |
| others it is a weekly chore and the sooner it is | | | | leaflet called "Getting Active - Feeling Fit". The |
| over the better. | | | | guide encourages you to make exercise part of |
| If you never really liked sport at school you | | | | your weekly routine. They have the following |
| probably wont feel very enthusiastic about taking | | | | advice for young people: |
| it up later. But sport is a very broad term and | | | | "When you're young, it's easy to think that you |
| just because you had a miserable time doing | | | | don't need to bother exercising. But it's vital to |
| cross country at school doesn't mean you won't | | | | keep active to keep yourself in good shape. Not |
| enjoy archery or rollerblading for example. | | | | only will you look and feel better but you'll be less |
| Perhaps you're just not so good at running but | | | | likely to store up health problems for the future." |
| you might have a really steady arm for snooker! | | | | The leaflet suggested you do some or all of the |
| Some of the most popular sports are easy to | | | | following: |
| play without much equipment The most important | | | | -Join a local leisure centre; |
| thing about sport is being able to participate in it. | | | | -If there is a particular sport you enjoy, make |
| The more you play the better you get. You may | | | | enquiries with your local sports centre to see if |
| find that you want to play in a team and | | | | there is a club you can join; |
| compete with others and this is the point when | | | | -If you prefer individual activities, try cycling, |
| your sport gets more serious and questions about | | | | walking or jogging. You may know someone who |
| equipment, access to facilities and travel costs | | | | would like to train with you; |
| become more important. | | | | -There may be discounts available to young |
| Sport is also a great way of getting to meet | | | | people in your area. Find out from the local council |
| people. If you're stuck at home or feeling lonely, | | | | if schemes like this operate in your area; |
| joining a sport club can give you an excuse to | | | | -Don't forget dancing... A night on the dance floor |
| meet new people. In the section on different | | | | can use up as much energy as a full workout! |
| sports we've included information on how much it | | | | Contact the HEA if you would like to receive a |
| costs to play the sport, where to go for a local | | | | copy of their leaflet. |
| contact and what kind of opportunities there are | | | | There are a number of organisations in the UK |
| for disabled people. | | | | promoting sport in general or the development of |
| Where can I play sport? | | | | a particular sport. Here we have included details of |
| All local authority leisure departments provide | | | | organisations promoting a general interest in sport, |
| sports facilities in their area. The Government has | | | | including the Sports Council, National Coaching |
| introduced new Sport Action Zones to enhance | | | | Foundation and the Sports Council Lottery Fund. |
| community sports across England. The | | | | |