Netball is transcending its image as a ‘schoolgirl sport’ as social-media-savvy professional players (like Laura Malcolm) and prestigious events (like the Vitality Netball World Cup) boost its profile. It’s also becoming increasingly inclusive, with more male, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC athletes hitting the court. Alongside this, the physical and mental wellness of female players is gaining heightened attention.

Pickleball is booming. With less ground to cover and a slower pace than tennis, the sport can be played standing or in wheelchairs. While it traditionally attracted older players (see Key Stats), younger fans are now joining the ranks. Meanwhile, padel has smashed records as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

The commuter cohort has kept cycling resilient. However, the sport has also benefited from fitness-seeking recreational riders and those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. Providing a boon for the activity, British doctors are offering patients social prescriptions (involving walking and cycling) as a tool towards better mental wellbeing.

As golf extends its reach beyond wealthy retirees, the game is skewing younger, while more women, kids and players with disabilities are hitting the greens. However, there remains room for improvement on the diversity front, with 66.2% of US golfers being white, 13.4% Hispanic/Latino, and only 9% Black or African American (Zippia, 2021).

Water sports received a boost when pandemic-induced lockdowns prevented fitness enthusiasts from enjoying many other (often indoor) sports. Now, interest is further rising as the mental benefits of surfing and swimming come to the fore. Meanwhile, diverse communities are demonstrating that they too have a right to enjoy the ocean.