Dive into the sports scene without spending a penny!

By Amrina Kaur, Employability Officer

We’re letting you in on the secrets to getting involved in sports for free, no matter where you are in your academic adventure.

The Power of Free Sports Participation

We understand the importance of finding affordable outlets for self-expression, growth, and well-being. That’s why we’re championing free sports participation, making sure everyone can access the multitude of benefits of an active lifestyle.

Free Sports

• Basketball: Check out the free basketball courts at Lenton Recreation Ground, where the only thing you’ll be investing is your time and energy.
• Football: Head to Forest Recreation Ground to play football on the grass.
  
• Tennis: There are numerous free tennis courts dotted around University Park and Jubilee Campus. No need to book, it is first come first served.
  
• Outdoor Gym: You can use the Active Trail for free, perfect if you’re working out on your own, with friends or with a sports club. There are also outdoor gyms at locations like Gawthorne Street and Lenton Recreation Ground.
  
• Walking: UoN Sport have put together a selection of walking routes on University Park campus and Jubilee campus for you to try. You can also download GoJauntly to see accessible and fun walking routes near you. Nottingham City Council also has a ‘Walks in the Park’ walking route guide.
  
• Table Tennis: Head to Forest Recreation Ground, Priory Church and Park of St Anthony, outside Jubilee Sports Centre, Wollaton Park, Radford Recreation Ground or Lenton Abbey Park to play without spending.
  
• ParkRuns: ParkRun is a free 5km timed run, jog, or walk every Saturday morning, this can be your weekly dose of exhilaration. Check out the Forest Recreation Ground, Wollaton Hall, and Beeston parkruns for an energetic start to your weekends.
  

Low-cost Sports Participation

• Just Play: Just Play is non-competitive, social, and open to all abilities and experience – so come and try a new sport, re-discover an old hobby or develop your skills! Delivered by UoN Sports student session leaders, our Just Play programme offers over 30 sports to try. Just Play sessions are drop in, so you don’t need to commit every week and you can take part in as many sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Sessions run across all three campuses.
• Tennis: Lenton Abbey Park on Derby Road and Clifton Playing Fields both have tennis courts for you to use. Pay and play for £6.50 per court, per hour.
  

Opportunities Fund

As part of the university’s Cost of Living support, the SU and UoN Sport set up an Opportunities Fund to help you get involved in more SU and sports activities. Check out if you’re eligible, and then use the fund to help cover the costs of student group memberships, as well as the ongoing costs of taking part in student activities.

Incorporating Sports into Your Career Journey

Engaging in sports isn’t just about physical activity; it’s a holistic experience that cultivates skills, friendships, and health benefits.

What’s more, your sporting journey can be incorporated into your job applications and CVs. Highlight your impressive values, mindset, and new ways you’ve managed stay active and engaged.

Let’s make sports a universal language, spoken by all, accessible to all!