As a part of our #madetomove campaign, Living360 talked to two women about the impact that joining a sports club has had on their social lives and fitness.
“I used to play tennis to a very good level, but stopped since having kids,” says Sarah Campus.
Working full time and a mother of three children, she found it difficult to get away and spend time practising her hobbies — something that most mothers can attest to.
But when padel began to gain momentum in the UK, Sarah decided to pay a visit to her local club one evening to see what all the fuss was about.
Read more: A beginner’s guide to padel — the trendiest sport right now
“From what I had heard of it, padel seemed very accessible and social. Since starting to play a few months ago, I didn’t realise I’d take to it as much as I have done,” Sarah explains. “Since joining the club, it’s given me a different goal to train for, as well as tournaments to participate in and also a personal challenge to conquer.”
Now, Sarah plays padel two to three times a week, and while the sport has taken her outside of her comfort zone, it’s rebuilt her confidence since having children.
“When I go to tournaments now, I feel so welcomed as everyone around me has a similar interest and I’ve met so many incredible people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I certainly feel part of a community.”
Meanwhile, Angela Wilson had enjoyed fitness since she was a girl, but like a lot of women, dropped out of participating in team sports after finding the teams “unwelcoming” and “cliquey”.
“As I aged, I got back into running and enjoy going to the gym, but when I had my children, I struggled to keep up with sport,” she explains.
It was only when Rankin’s Cricket Club established a women’s team — after not having had one for over 100 years — that Angela considered getting back into sports.
Read more: Should women be adapting their training and exercise for their menstrual cycle?
“It was more by luck than design that I joined,” she says. “My children are members of the club and go to practice on Friday nights. While I was there, I was asked if I wanted to join in with the women, and it’s been one of the best things I’ve done in years!”
Angela’s team — otherwise known as Rankin’s River Maidens — have been training twice a week for the past three months and have played three matches, with three more lined up before the end of the season. The team are currently in talks to host a tournament next season.
“One of the best things about the club is that I can bring my children with me. The ground is secluded and safe, and other parents and coaches are there,” she explains.
What are the benefits of joining a local sports club?
“My experience has been brilliant. Everyone in the team has been welcoming and friendly from the get-go, and it’s completely changed my perception of team sports and clubs. I’ve met a wonderful bunch of ladies who are so supportive and encouraging — on the good days and the bad days,” says Angela.
Sarah also points to the social benefits of team sport, noting that it’s helped her to find like-minded mums who also prioritise their health and fitness.
“The whole process of booking a padel court and then finding different people to play with is fantastic, and then when you play with different people, you learn so much.”
Read more: The best brands for women who play tennis
How to find local women’s sports clubs to join
To find local women’s teams and clubs, we’d recommend visiting your local council website or searching on Facebook for a group in your area. You can also see if anything is going in at your community centres, gyms or parks.
Like Angela, it could also be useful to check in with teams or clubs that your children are involved in, as they may have separate teams for parents.
If you’re looking for local football clubs in London, we’ve created a list here of the top clubs to try. Similarly, if boxing is what you’re after, click here for the best gyms in the city.
Feature image: Pexels
