New here
How to join
Sessions include everything already — no need to do anything other than sign up, pay and have fun!
1. Secure your place
Filter events by community, sport, date and type. Book one date, or tick the box to take the next four weeks of a weekly session in one go. After you've paid you'll automatically get an email with the event details and how to join the event's WhatsApp group.
2. Introduce yourself in the WhatsApp group
Say hello and ask any questions you have — the event lead and regulars are happy to help, especially if it's your first time.
3. Turn up 5 minutes early and meet everyone
Your event lead meets you at the venue and sorts the introductions. Equipment is included — just bring trainers and water.
4. Event lead explains the sport, rules and basic skills
No experience needed. The lead walks everyone through the rules and the basics before a warm-up and games.
5. Warm up and games
Mixed-ability teams, balanced by the event lead so everyone gets a fair run around.
6. (Optional) restaurant or café afterwards
Most sessions finish with a drink or a bite nearby — the social bit is half the point.
We encourage all participants who are attending an event for the first time to reach out to the event lead with any questions they have. We will do our best to accommodate and settle the first-time nerves.
Session types
Currently, we offer three types of sessions: Casual, Coached and New Sport Every Week. To find out what's available, head to our events page and filter by your preferred location, sport, date and type.
Casual
Turn up and playCasual sessions are designed for people to meet new people and socialise while playing a sport you're interested in.
Each session is sport-specific, and held weekly at the same time and location — either after work or at the weekend.
Casual events are determined by demand. If enough people like you want to play a certain sport every week then we do. If there's anything you'd like to play, request it in the WhatsApp groups, the feedback form, or email andy@thesocialsport.com.
Coached
Learn with a coachCoached sessions include a qualified coach alongside your event lead, so you get proper pointers on technique while still playing games with the group.
Like everything we run, all abilities are welcome — you're there to have fun, not to be tested.
New Sport Every Week (NSEW)
A different sport each weekAfter every event, suggestions are collected for the next week's sport. On Mondays we release a poll based on these suggestions in the NSEW WhatsApp group, and the winning sport is announced on Wednesdays.
These events are designed to be social and are similar to the casual ones in that all abilities are welcome. Everyone is there to have fun and try something new while being surrounded by a supportive group.
To vote you must have already attended an NSEW event and be in the WhatsApp group.
Please note these sessions only run in the Summer in some locations.
Common questions
- What if the session is full?
- Join the waiting list. When someone cancels, everyone on the list is emailed at the same time and the first person to book takes the place.
- Can I cancel?
- Yes — free cancellation up to 24 hours before the session. Credits go straight back to your balance and card payments are refunded. Inside 24 hours we can't refund, because the court is already paid for.
- It's my first time — any advice?
- Reach out to the event lead with any questions before the session. We'll do our best to accommodate and settle the first-time nerves. On the day, turn up five minutes early and your lead will do the rest.
- Do I need to be any good?
- No. Sessions are mixed-ability and mostly people in their twenties and thirties who are picking a sport back up. The event lead balances the games.
- Do I need to bring anything?
- Just trainers and water. Racquets, balls, bibs and nets are all provided.
- Do I need a membership?
- No. Anyone can book a single place with a card. Membership just makes it cheaper if you play regularly.
- How old do I have to be?
- Sessions are 18+.