Remember the team sports you played at school? How working out never felt like a chore? Now that summer’s here, it’s time to ditch the gym for outside activities to burn the fat, have fun and make new friends. Here, we look at some of the clubs on offer in London.
Go Mammoth, London-wide
Go Mammoth has netball teams across London, including Balham, Clapham and Tooting. Play in either mixed or ladies-only leagues, and you can make it as serious or fun as you want with recreational, intermediate or competitive levels available. There’s also fun off the court, with a social club offering everything from bar crawls and costume parties, to boat cruises and charity events. Registration is from £65 and includes eight to 12 games. Also check out the website if you’re up for volleyball, touch rugby, dodgeball and football.
gomammoth.co.uk
Tag Rugby, London-wide
Tag Rugby is a minimal contact team game in which each player wears velcro patches with two tags on their shorts. They then attempt to dodge, evade and pass a rugby ball while defenders try to prevent them “tagging” – pulling a tag from the ball carrier. Having started in August 2009, there are now 142 teams across London at 13 venues. The good news is you don’t have to be super-fit to take part, plus, there are organised social events, including to Royal Ascot. Bonus.
trytagrugby.com
London Wayfarers, Battersea
If the thought of someone belting towards you brandishing a weapon is your idea of fun, hockey is definitely for you. The London Wayfarers, based in Battersea, field seven men’s and seven women’s sides every Saturday. You don’t need to be an experienced player to join the teams – training nights depend on what level you’re at. Most Saturday evenings, players can usually be found drinking in their clubhouse, The Latchmere.
londonwayfarers.com
Putney Basketball, SW London
Know your dribbling from your ball hogging? Then sign yourself up to a basketball team in London. Putney Basketball Club plays every Tuesday and Thursday nights. And they’re currently looking for more people. “The club is open to all. We play mixed games with people of all abilities. Come along and get involved, we are always delighted to meet new people,” a spokesman says. Sessions cost from £4.
londonbasketball.com
Exiles, London-wide
Providing a team for ex-pats and immigrants from around the world, this group first started in 1987, and now has clubs across London. Home games take place in South Park, Fulham, and there’s a special Exiles v Exiles match on Saturday, August 4. “It’s
not too late to join if you’re looking to join a London cricket club, just send us an email,” a spokesman says.
exilescc.co.uk
8th Day Adventure, London-wide
Play tennis, go horse riding, try archery, attempt rollerskating or go for a mountain bike ride – whatever your preference, there’s something on offer every day with this organisation. Members pay £14 a month, and some activities cost extra, but there’s a load of sports taking across the capital which are included. There’s a huge emphasis on socialising, with weekends away surfing as well as monthly events and quiz nights.
8thdayadventure.co.uk
