“But I've Never Really Done Sport…"
That's fine. Most people at a beginner level feel exactly the same way walking through the gates for the first time.
The truth is, community sports clubs are not like the PE lessons you might remember from school. Nobody is keeping score of how good you are. Nobody is going to shout at you.
What they are doing is passing the ball, making room, and saying "good effort" — because that's what club sport actually looks like at grassroots level.
The hardest part is turning up the first time. After that, it gets easy.
Why Getting Active in a Club Is Better Than Going It Alone
Joining a gym is easy. Going to the gym consistently is not.
Studies show that people who exercise as part of a team or club are significantly more likely to stick with it long-term — because showing up stops being about willpower and starts being about people who are expecting to see you.
At ELCSA, that community element is built into everything. You're not just signing up for a sport. You're joining a group of people who meet regularly, support each other, and — more often than not — end up as genuine friends.
Which Sport Is Right for You?
Not sure where to start? Here's a plain-English guide to what's on offer at Memorial Park:
Rugby
Good for: People who like physical activity, team play, and want something a bit different.
Don't be put off by the size of the players you've seen on TV. At club level, rugby has positions for every body type and pace. East London RFC runs beginner-friendly sessions and has a strong tradition of welcoming new faces into the game.
Football
Good for: People who want a classic team sport with short bursts of activity.
If you've ever kicked a ball around in a park, you already know the basics. Football at grassroots level is for all fitness levels, and many clubs run specific sessions for newcomers or recreational players. Memorial Park's 3G Astro pitch is one of the best surfaces in East London.
Ultimate Frisbee
Good for: People who want something fun, social, and not too serious — at least to start with.
No, really. Ultimate Frisbee is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK and one of the most genuinely beginner-friendly things you can try. The rules are simple, the community is incredibly welcoming, and you'll be out of breath within ten minutes.
Weightlifting, Strongman, Powerlifting
Good for: People who prefer solo training or want to build a fitness base.
If team sports feel like a step too far right now, starting with something more personal — like weightlifting — can build your confidence and fitness before you try anything else. Structured, progressive, and something you can measure your improvement in week to week.
What Do You Actually Need to Bring?
For your first session at most clubs, very little.
Generally:
- Comfortable trainers or sports shoes
- Clothes you can move in
- A bottle of water
- Yourself
Most clubs will lend or share equipment for a first session. Don't let "I don't have the right kit" be the reason you don't go.
The borough of Newham has one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the country. Community sport here reflects that — you'll find people from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds training together at Memorial Park every week.
ELCSA is a registered charity, which means its mission is genuinely about community, not profit. The facilities — including a top-quality 3G pitch opened by West Ham and England legend Sir Trevor Brooking — are here for local people to use and enjoy.
