This is the year for swapping boring monotonous treadmills for the real thing. Participation in team sport can pack far more punches for aspiring fitness fanatics as 2026 unfolds – whether that is rolling back the years to engage in a long-lost school sport or taking the bold plunge to get out of your comfort zone and trying something completely new.
Currently there is a resurgence in team sports that not only provide fantastic physical and mental benefits but, more importantly, the fun that takes the edge off increasingly stressful lifestyles. There’s also the challenge, and the sense of community spirit and achievement, that comes with it.

Let’s have a look at what’s on offer:

Football – including the walking version for seniors – is great for all ages, with the latter making it super accessible for older adults or those easing back into exercise. This is a great cardio workout that enhances heart health, endurance, and aerobic capacity while reducing body fat and improving muscle tone, strength, flexibility and bone health.
It boosts coordination, balance and mood through endorphin release, reducing stress and enhancing mental wellbeing. Cognitively, it sharpens decision-making, concentration, working memory and quick reflexes, while promoting teamwork.

Local clubs include Kent United Football Club (a club where everyone is welcome) and Surrey FA (a charitable organisation which is responsible for leading the development of grassroots football within Surrey), while the Sussex Walking Football provide ample opportunities for the more laidback seniors.

Netball is another great option, offering a fast-paced game, ideal for building agility and team vibes. The sport delivers a comprehensive full-body experience through running, jumping and rapid direction changes, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, agility, coordination, strength, endurance and muscle tone.
It can also improve mental health by fostering social connections and releasing endorphins, which elevate mood, reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
The Kent Netball Association, Surrey Netball League and Sussex Netball should be the first port of call.

Then there is pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports, which is low-impact, very social, and rather addictive! It’s relatively gentle on joints, improving cardiovascular health, balance, hand-eye coordination, agility, flexibility, strength and overall fitness – and it’s great for all ages, including seniors.
This fun sport also goes a long way in improving mental wellbeing and helping people socialise in an easygoing environment.

For brain health, it boosts strategic planning, focus, decision-making, memory, reaction times, and helps slow cognitive decline, supporting sharper thinking via better blood flow and neural stimulation.
Surrey Pickleboard and East Sussex Pickleboard clubs set the agenda.

Finally, but not least, hockey is a dynamic sport that is brilliant for cardio and teamwork. Again the health benefits are extraordinary. Fitness, breathing, weight management, stamina, coordination, balance and overall physical conditioning provide plenty of incentives. It also builds mental resilience, self-esteem, energy levels, better sleep and emotional wellbeing through team spirit and physical activity. Executive function, teamwork skills, and mental agility improve, with the sheer speed of the game sharpening up all aspects of decision making.
Find clubs through englandhockey.co.uk, the Kent Hockey Association and Sussex Hockey.

Whether you’re after low-key sessions or full-on games, sports clubs and leisure centres are a great starting point to find something local. So why not dive in, have a laugh and treat your mind and body with the richness it deserves. And have a load of fun in the process!

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com and on social
@sarahmaxlife