Football, basketball, rugby, netball… whatever to you all. We’ve played enough of these same old sports to know that they are not for us. Are there no original, entertaining and exciting sports out there that we could be playing in London? Sure there are. Granted they are more about socialising and meeting new friends than cutthroat competitiveness but then that is what we’ve been looking for. So for those that want fun over fanaticism, here are some of London’s best alternative sports to try.
Ultimate Frisbee
Something a little like a non-contact version of American football with a flying disc instead of a ball, Ultimate Frisbee adds a few more rules to the popular picnic activity. Get hooked up with the website londonultimate.com and a few clicks later you could be ready to join a pickup game of ultimate Frisbee. Little did we - and probably you - know but there are weekend Frisbee games going on in parks and on commons all over London. Gnarly.
Disco Dodgeball
We assume that the majority of you readers have seen the movie Dodgeball so we won’t presume to tell you anymore about what is without doubt one of the most fun sports in the world. What we will tell you about though, is a new musical twist on the game. Running monthly events at a sports hall on the South Bank, Disco Dodgeball puts the funk into lobbing balls at one another. Check out their events on Eventbrite, find a team, get a crazy costume and prepare to have a baller time.
Roller Derby
Being a relatively flat city, London is perfect for Rollerskating. And being the vibrant city that it is there are plenty of groups and clubs out there to help you get involved. You can be a lone wolf and explore popular skating areas like Hyde Park alone, or you can join a group and create your own skate posse. There is the weekly London Friday Night Skate, RollerDisco in Vauxhall or various roller derby teams – like London Roller Girls.
Bike Polo
You’ll need a bike with a high gear, a stick and a helmet for bike polo but when you’re set, you’re ready to join one of London’s fastest growing urban sports. Like polo, the aim of the two-wheeled version of the toff sport is the same - to score on your opponent’s goal as many times as possible. The only difference is that a battered old bike costs a lot less than a thoroughbred horse. Beginners are welcome at courts all over London and if you want to get hooked up then visit www.lhbpa.org for more information.
Rock-Paper-Scissors
If you don’t much like the idea of getting sweaty/meeting new people/venturing beyond the comfort of a pub then don’t worry, we have the sport for you. This one can be played every Friday night at The Kenton Arms in Clapton and you already know how it works. Play the bartender at rock-paper-scissors between 6pm and 7pm and if you win you get your drinks half price. If they win you pay the regular price. You can’t really lose.
Alternative Sports in London: Join the Madness
Bored with the usual outdoor sporting activities? Then why not get involved in some of London’s more obscure sports.
Published Mar 6, 2014