The Best Community Sports Teams in London
For many of us, team sports ended the day we finished school. But it doesn’t have to stay that way! There are plenty of local sports teams in London where adults can rekindle their love of sports. From football and netball to badminton, running, boxing and rugby, if you’re looking to have fun outdoors, improve your fitness and make some new friends, it’s time to join these community amateur sports clubs.
Social Sports in London
Whether you’ve just moved to London and are looking to meet people, or you just want to expand your friendship circle, you’ll find your tribe at these social sports clubs in London.
Rabble
Rabble’s mantra is: “Have fun. Get fit. Meet people.” Which says it all really. If you miss school PE games like British Bulldog, dodgeball and capture the flag, you’ll be in your element at Rabble, which works hard to encourage a real sense of team spirit in its members. There are currently four Rabble locations in London: Finsbury Park, Shoreditch Park, Southwark Park and Clapham Common.
Social Sports Mix
If you’re a beginner or long out of practice, Social Sports Mix is for you. The group organises friendly and inclusive football, table tennis and rounders games for people of all abilities and genders. If you want to get involved, join the meetup group and the organisers will inform you or upcoming games.
Playfit
Running a wide variety of sports for varied skill levels as well as tournaments, leagues and even coaching sessions, Playfit is the community sports club for anyone with a more competitive streak. With regular social events to bring together players from all sports, enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition that only sports can bring.
GO Mammoth
Perhaps the best-known organiser of after-work sports leagues, GO Mammoth organises local netball clubs as well as, football, volleyball, basketball and a whole host of other team sports. Their sports games take place in venues across London, which you can enter on your own, with a friend, or even as a full team.
Women’s Sports Clubs in London
Feeling intimidated by the men hogging the machines at the gym? These women’s only teams will welcome you with open arms. Meet likeminded ladies and get fit in the process.
Fly Girl Collective
Fly Girl Collective is a running club helping black and brown women to break stereotypes and pursue a fitness lifestyle. Feel empowered and encouraged through group runs, training and wellness activities, not to mention their popular brunch runs.
Ladies who lift
Whoever thinks lifting heavy is for men hasn’t met Ladies Who Lift. Their classes teach strength training by women, for women, building confidence and muscle simultaneously! Ladies Who Lift runs beginner and intermediate classes for women keen to get into the world of lifting weights. We’ll see you by the squat rack!
Inclusive Sports Teams
From LGBT sports groups to disability-friendly sporting activities, these inclusive teams are here to make sports accessible to everyone.
London Otters
This LGBTQI-friendly rowing club was established in 2014 by two friends who struggled to find a rowing club where they could be openly gay. Today London Otters has a large following of members with squads for every rowing ability, from novice to social to senior, as well as offering rowing and coxing courses.
Graces Cricket Club
Proudly the world’s first LGBT cricket club, Graces provides an opportunity for people to watch and play cricket irrespective of gender or sexual orientation. It’s a proper club – they practice at Lords and The Oval no less – but don’t be put off as they play friendlies and host social events too.
Waltham Forest Flyerz
The free pan-disability hockey sessions have been run by Waltham Forest Hockey Club since 2011, teaching members to improve hockey skills while making friends and having fun. What’s more, there are regular coaching sessions, open days and competitive teams to join in with.
Amateur Football Clubs in London
There’s no shortage of local football clubs in London. Here’s how to find yours.
London Football Club
A friendly and welcoming London football club which welcomes newcomers. London Football Club is part of an 11-team league, so it’s perfect if you have a competitive streak. You’ll need to take part in trials to join the squad, so although its an amateur league you’ll need a level of skill to make the team!
Southern Amateur League
This club directory and locator lets you search by location, skill level, or using the interactive map. Whether you’re based in north, south, east or west London, there’s a football team for you on the Southern Amateur League.
London FA
The home of grassroots friendly football in London, London FA is also promoting women’s football and disability-friendly football. With cups, competitions and leagues and clubs for all ages and abilities, visit their website to find out more and join a club near you.
Running clubs in London
Running in London is easier when you’re part of a club. From sprints to marathons, these London running clubs are here to help you lengthen your stride and up your miles.
London City Runners
Perfect for running novices who need a little extra motivation, London City Runners, based in Bermondsey, will guide you through couch to 5k, with longer runs on Tuesdays and three free runs per week.
Onetrack Run Club
If you’re keen to get into track running, this is the running club for you. Expert coached sessions on the track, along with strength and mobility training to help you fun faster for longer. If you want to give Onetrack a try, head to the Duke of York Square track near Sloane Square.
Parkrun
A huge part of so many people’s fitness journeys, Parkrun is an inclusive, welcoming and accessible weekly event taking place in parks across the world, not only in London! Run entirely by volunteers, the ever-popular parkruns are a great way to ease yourself into running in a crowd if you’re training for a race.
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