Sports for young people

Whether spectating or participating, Britain is well-known for our love of sport. Wherever you are, you’re never far from the action and the options are huge. There’s a non-stop calendar of events with many sports played in summer or winter. It’s no wonder many British people think in sporting seasons rather than years.

Tickets for Premiership football may seem like gold dust, but it’s always worth trying to get in to see the bigger clubs as you may strike it lucky. Pretty much every town has a lower-division team you can turn up on the day and watch. There’ll be a good standard of play and a cracking atmosphere generated by passionate local support with the same level of excitement as Premiership games.

International cricket, in both five-day test match and one-day format, is similarly popular. Taking a picnic to the cricket and getting merry is a time-honoured tradition. If you can’t get in, try a county match – games are often played at idyllic old-fashioned grounds. In Wales rugby is king and a local match will introduce you to the deep-rooted love for the game. Rugby is huge in England too, and getting bigger thanks to the national team’s thrilling victory in the 2003 World Cup.

Interest in tennis centres on Wimbledon fortnight and though it’s tough to get onto the major courts, those who are dedicated should be able to gain access to the outside courts to sample the atmosphere.