Sport is a great way to make friends alongside staying active and healthy, especially if you’re new to an area, which is what makes social sport such a popular choice. No matter if you want to try something new or you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, there’s many welcoming sessions across the city.
Football
Powerleague
Powerleague offers easily accessible 5-a-side football, with flexible pitch bookings for casual games, as well as competitive leagues you can join with your friends. Prices vary depending on time and duration of your game.
Footy Addicts
The Footy Addicts app was designed to make football more accessible. Simply sign up, find a game near you and book your spot! Footy Addict matches offer a relaxed and friendly environment, with everyone there just wanting to have fun and play football. Prices vary depending on the size of the game, venue and match length.
Netball
Netball Now
Netball Now offer a fun and friendly netball league on Wednesdays at Holyhead School. Memberships are £30 per month, allowing you to attend as many sessions as you’d like.
Play Netball
A Thursday night alternative is Play Netball, offering a welcoming environment. You can sign up as either an individual or a full team, with matches costing £4.50 per player.
Tennis
Birmingham has plenty of options for tennis enthusiasts, with social clubs offering memberships and pitch hire across the city, these Billesley Tennis and Fitness Centre, Kings Norton Tennis Club, Moseley Tennis Club and Barnt Green Sports Club. Many of Birmingham’s parks also offer free-to-use courts.
Swimming
Birmingham Community Leisure Trust offer several leisure centres across Birmingham, making swimming an accessible and low-cost way to get fit. You can go solo with lane swimming or take part in one of their aqua fitness classes with friends. Some of their leisure centres include Stechford Leisure Centre, Harborne Pool and Northfield Leisure Centre.
BCU Sport
Students can also take advantage of the many social sport activities offered by BCU Sport, alongside competitive teams that compete against other universities.
If you’re looking for other ways to keep fit, make sure you check out our running guide and our list of gyms around Birmingham.