A - Z of Sports
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Aikido:
Aikido means ‘the way of harmonious spirit’. It’s a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. His goal was to create a martial art through which a practitioner could achieve the ability to defend himself without injuring his attacker. The British Aikido Board is the governing body for Aikido in the United Kingdom. The British Aikido Board aims to ‘further the advancement of all styles of Aikido in the United Kingdom and to establish and monitor standards of safety and behaviour conducive to the safety of practitioners of Aikido’. The Board also acts as an agent for insurance which is compulsory for both students and instructors. It also promotes a nationally recognised coaching scheme and is currently developing standards for the National Vocational Qualifications.
Find out more: British Aikido Board
(British) American Football:
American Football is a sport from over there that’s doing very well over here! ‘Contact’ is the term for the version of the sport where protective wear (helmets and pads) are worn – otherwise known as tackle or kitted. ‘Non-contact’ is the term for the version of the sport called ‘Flag’ or Flag Football. The British American Football Association (BAFA) is the national governing body for the sport of American Football in Great Britain. Through its member bodies, the association offers participation for both the contact and non-contact versions of the sport.
Find out more: British American Football Association
Angling:
Angling remains hugely popular across the country. Angling can be exciting, and competition at the highest level is fierce. It can also be very relaxing – often fishing sites are in tranquil settings, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to unwind and lower your blood pressure. It’s a perfect sport for people of all ages. As well as the internet - there are always great books on angling in local libraries. Don’t live in the countryside? Don’t worry. Angling is very popular in towns and cities – see what’s happening at your local stretch of river or canal. The National Federation of Anglers is the governing body for freshwater angling in England. ‘We actively promote and encourage angling development from grass roots, through clubs and regional bodies to the International squads’.
Find out more: National Federation of Anglers
Sea Angling is also one of the largest participation sports in the UK. There are at least a million sea anglers of all ages, gender and ability, who fish from beaches, harbours, piers, and from boats both close to shore and offshore over wrecks where marine life thrives. The National Federation of Sea Anglers directly represents more than 30,000 sea anglers and works with over 300 angling clubs. Sea angling clubs welcome new members of all ages – boys and girls.
Find out more: National Federation of Sea Anglers
Salmon and Trout fishing is game angling. It is a skillful sport which requires patience and practice. It can be learned and appreciated by people of all ages. There are game fishing sites across the country – and they’re not just in the countryside. The Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) represents the interests of the UK’s game anglers, fishery owners/managers and affiliated trades, in all issues relevant to angling and fisheries legislation, regulation, management and conservation. S&TA has 15,000 individual and 85,000 club-based members.
Find out more: Salmon and Trout Association
Archery:
‘Archery is a sport for all people!’ That’s the message from the Grand National Archery Society - the sport’s governing body. Men, women and juniors from all sections of the community are encouraged to participate at all levels in the sport: shooting, administration, coaching, judging, competition and representing Great Britain at international events including the Olympics. Archery is increasingly popular with people with disabilities. If you’d like to try this proud and skillful sport check out your nearest club or sports centre which offers archery. Archery clubs welcome anyone who’d like to try out the sport and you don’t need to own equipment to take part.
Find out more: Grand National Archery Society
Athletics:
The sport of athletics has a proud heritage and it continues to be one of the country’s favourite sports. It covers ‘track and field’ – which is everything from running to jumping and throwing. There’s an athletics discipline for everyone. UK Athletics is the governing body for the sport of athletics in the United Kingdom. As the national governing body for athletics, UK Athletics oversees the development of athletics from grassroots right through to podium. It works to encourage more people to take part and can provide useful information on where and how to take part. The Olympic Games in 2012 provides an exciting focus for getting involved in athletics, no matter what your age, ability or background.
Find out more: UK Athletics
The English Schools' Athletic Association is dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of athletics in schools, thus enhancing the moral and physical welfare of children, by providing the right environment so that hidden talent can be discovered and visible talent can be encouraged. It achieves this aim by organising some of the premier events in the Country, and by running an award scheme for pupils of all ages.
Find out more: English Schools' Athletic Association
Australian Rules Football:
Aussie Rules Football is quite different from UK or Association Football. It’s played with a rugby-type ball, on large oval shaped fields (cricket fields), with four posts at each end. No more than 18 players of each team are permitted to be on the field at any time, with three so-called interchange players on the bench, and the main aim of the game is to score by kicking the ball between the posts. The rules may take time to learn – but at least there’s no offside rule! This most Aussie of sports welcomes everyone – increasingly the Sheilas (as well as the Bruces) are getting involved!
Find out more: British Australian Rules Football League
