Joining a local football/rugby weekend team
The Basics
Football and rugby are great ways to get fit. They combine cardio exercise with stamina as well as co-ordination skills – not forgetting the social aspect too.
There are local football and rugby clubs all over the country. If time on the weekend is tight, look for a lunch time, 5 or 7-a-side competitions.
Common Myths & Misconceptions
- “You need to know how to play football and rugby to join.” Most local football and rugby clubs will welcome new members. They are able to help you with all the things you will need to know and assist you with training. They often train on a particular night of the week and compete at weekends
Tips & Tricks
- Ask around locally, look on the internet and the phone book to find your local football and/or rugby team.
- Call them up and ask them when it would be a good time to visit them for a chat.
- Find out where they are next playing and go along as a spectator – offer to help out and get involved e.g. drive the players to the ground etc.
- Ask the club what you will need to wear – you are likely to need your own football boots and socks and the football ‘uniform’ they wear.
- The FA is the national governing body for football. It promotes and protects the interests of the game at all levels. To find out about local foot balling opportunities you can contact your local secretary of the Football Association (the FA can give you the number http://www.thefa.com/Grassroots/ClubSearch/). At local level there are various opportunities for people including football for people with disabilities, competitive football, courses and coaching schemes.
- You can find a local rugby club by visiting the Rugby Football Union.