Something for everyone

We can’t all be star athletes but everyone can find a sport they enjoy. It may be a team sport or something individual like swimming, jujitsu or weights. Besides being great for your body, exercise releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals (endorphins) in your brain and gives you energy. Take the time to discover what’s available in your area, and don't just stick to what you know. Dragon boat racing or Tang Soo Do may be just what you’ve been looking for!

Where to start looking

Local sports centres, projects and developments are the responsibility of your local council. All the districts have got sports information on their websites, some of it specially for young people.

• Cherwell (Banbury, Bicester, Hook Norton, Kidlington, Upper Heyford)
• West Oxfordshire (Burford, Chipping Norton, Witney, Woodstock)
• Oxford (Oxford City, Cowley, Botley, Wolvercote, Headington)
• Vale of the White Horse (Abingdon, Faringdon, Kennington, Wantage)
• South Oxfordshire (Didcot, Henley, Thame, Wheatley)

You can also access sports groups and projects (or start them if none are currently running) at your local youth club.

Finding out what's on

Oxfordshire Youth Games Inclusive annual sports tournament for young people in the country.

• www.oxonactivesports.co.uk

Oxford Sports Network Looking for a club or group? This is great website to start with.

• www.oxfordsportsnetwork.com

Oxford Youth Sailing Want to get into sailing? This site will help you find out how.

• www.oxfordyouthsailing.info

Oxford Wheels Project Home is where the ramp is. Skating in Oxford and beyond.

• www.owp.org.uk

For more links like this see Spired.com's Sports page in What's On.

Sports for Cheap or Free

Slice card Under 17? You can swim for free in Oxford. Find out more about the Slice card, Oxford's discount sports and leisure card.

• www.oxford.gov.uk/leisure/slice-card

Experience: Getting out and about

I started kayaking when I was 15 at Riverside Outdoor Pursuits Centre. I don’t know why. I just fancied a change from my normal life. From my first white water experience I was hooked. I can’t find anything that even compares
with the fear and excitement of avoiding house-sized rocks or coming through rapids the right way up. The social side is brilliant too. Endless kayaking weekends of exhilarating water and a good meal down the pub. The best bit has to be the variety: a relaxing paddle, sea-kayaking, racing, playboating. There’s something for everyone no matter what size their adventure streak. Oh and one for the girls – nothing beats being the only girl at changing time. You get the male kayakers and surfers changing in the cold wind while you watch from the comfort of a van!
Catherine Bailey, 17, Oxford