Stories

Sun, 28 Jun 2026

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 Got the tennis bug? How to play sport without paying

As the world's best players begin play at Wimbledon, how can you get into sport on a budget.

* Record numbers of adults and children are participating in sports, but cost remains a major barrier.
* Sport England's Simon Hayes states that "cost should never be a barrier" to participation.
* Free sports activities are available through various initiatives: + Lawn Tennis Association scheme: free tennis sessions on Saturday mornings + Leisure centres: free fitness class taster sessions + Chance to Shine charity: hundreds of free street cricket sessions + British Blind Sport: Have a Go days for people with sight loss to try out sports + Parkrun: free running and walking activity across the UK
* Various campaigns aim to get people moving, including: + Every Body Moves (for people with disabilities) + London Sport Get Active (regional scheme) + This Girl Can (campaign) + Active Partnerships network (boosts free sporting activities in different areas)