If you’ve just moved into a new neighborhood, it’s easy to feel like an outsider.
Unless you move to be with friends or family, making new contacts can be daunting.
Sport is the best leveller, no matter who you are, if you can share your love for the sport, you will make new friends without even trying.
The other benefits include:
Finding a new sport you love
Becoming fit and socializing
And even boosting your self esteem
Let's have a look at the best sports to try when moving into a new neighborhood.
Starting off with…
1. Rugby
Rugby is a great team sport, and the post-match activities are even better! Most people think of Rugby as a male-dominated sport; however, there is a women's league, and more importantly, it's popular with kids, especially those with loads of excess energy.
Boys and girls can play touch rugby from 4 years old and at that age, it's just a lot of running around and playing tag, which leaves parents on the touchline to chat with others. Perfect for networking and if you used to play and want to take it up again, there’s always the veteran’s team.
2. Football
Football is an obvious choice, the local club is family orientated and relies on volunteers to help with kids football and associated activities. It’s just a case of signing up to pay the subs, and you’re part of the team.
With women's football featured on the television every week, football as a sport has become more inclusive and this is true of local clubs, after all, without players and spectators, there is no club.
Another sport you can try when moving into a new neighborhood is…
3. Kayaking
The great thing about kayaking is that you can do it in any weather. All you need to do is take to the water and glide. Kayaking clubs up and down the country have been able to continue through the pandemic as they operate exclusively outside.
You even have the option of pairing up or kayaking in three’s or blissfully alone. All you need is a basic premise of what to look out for when kayaking and the right kit. Most clubs will provide the equipment, but it can be great to have your kayak, take to the water and get some much needed time out.
No sea legs? What about a game of tennis?
4. Tennis
Tennis clubs offer a friendly introduction into the neighborhood. Whether your style is more John McEnroe than Rafael Nadal, it doesn’t matter - although shouting at the umpire is not recommended.
You don’t have to join a club to play tennis; tennis is a game you can play in the park, mixed doubles or singles. Kids love tennis, and the court is easy and inexpensive to hire in your local open space.
5. Golf
If you're lucky enough to live near a golf course, you should consider joining. Golf has moved on from the old stereotype male-dominated sports with men only clubhouses.
Ladies golf is more popular than ever according to Golf Digest; women make up 41% of off-course members. While men dominate the professional game and this is likely to continue. Golf is still a great team sport and excellent exercise as the walk to the 18th hole is about six miles give or take a trip to the bunker.
Always fancied yourself in whites? Try cricket.
6. Cricket
Imagine a sunny day and the local cricket club playing on the green. Cricket is fun for those who play and others who just want to watch.
Team sports need team members and cricket clubs are always looking for fresh talent and back up support, people to make tea, run the bar, or just turn up and clap. Cricket is a laid back way to meet new people.
Do you love the Tour de France? If you do, cycling might be for you.
7. Cycling
Cycling clubs have sprung up all over the country, every Sunday without fail lycra-clad individuals can be seen everywhere.
A unique form of exercise, generally the clubs organize themselves into areas, so if you’re new to the neighborhood, this is a great way to meet new people.
If all this team sport is exhausting and you would like to try something sedate, what about fishing?
8. Fishing
Surprisingly fishing is one of the most popular sports after football and kayaking. Considered by non-anglers as more of a pastime than a sport, fishing is something you can do alone or as a group.
Think about the endless opportunities to talk about the one that got away with all your new friends and neighbors in the local pub.
Author Bio:
Alistair is a writer for Kayak Reviewer and is dedicated to educating, informing, and inspiring users online. He's also an SEO Executive at Breakline! You can follow him on Twitter @AlistairKnight3
