From adapted versions for the elderly and disabled, to camps and coaching aimed at getting kids into sport, competition isn't everything for Gloucestershire's leading sports clubs – with many running a range of initiatives for the community all year round, too.
SoGlos rounds up 11 ways the county's leading clubs and organisations are helping local communities stay active in 2026, whether it's helping players reach the next level in their chosen sport, or simply to keep moving, have fun and meet like-minded people.
Tennis in the Park from East Glos Club
Gloucestershire's oldest and biggest racket sports institution, Cheltenham's East Glos Club not only provides tennis coaching for all ages and abilities at its base on Old Bath Road, but it also runs affordable sessions for 150 regular players in the town centre throughout the year.
Run in conjunction with Cheltenham Borough Council and In The Park, anyone can book onto its weekly Tennis in the Park sessions at both Montpellier Gardens and Pittville Park, with coaching for adult beginners, those looking to reach the next level and a range of sessions for under 16s, while there are social ladies-only sessions and fitness-focused cardio tennis, too.
Rugby camps for kids from Gloucester Rugby
Home to Gloucestershire's most elite men's and women's sports teams, Gloucester Rugby inspires future generations of players across the county with year-round holiday camps for kids, through its charitable arm, Gloucester Rugby Foundation.
In the first part of 2026, the club is hosting mixed camps at several county rugby clubs, including Cinderford, Old Cryptians in Gloucester, Painswick and Stroud, along with a girl's masterclass at Kingsholm Stadium.
Disability cricket from Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation
Closely aligned with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation provides opportunities for disabled people of all ages to play cricket throughout the year.
It's weekly Super 1s sessions invite young people with disabilities aged 12 to 25 to turn up and play in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud, while it also provides coaching for SEND schools, an adult disability cricket programme and competitive teams for the disabled and visually impaired, all through its Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation.
Walking football from Gloucestershire Football Association
Encouraging older people and those less mobile to dig out their boots for a regular kickabout, Gloucestershire has great provision for walking football, an accessible version of the beautiful game, with a notable exception – no running!
Gloucestershire FA runs men's leagues for over 50s, over 60s and over 70s, along with a women's league for over 35s, featuring teams from across the county including Abbeymead Rovers, Cam and Dursley, Cirencester Phoenix and Quedgeley Wanderers.
Football camps for kids from Cheltenham Town Community Trust
The county's highest-placed men's football team, League Two side Cheltenham Town, hosts regular holiday camps for kids in Cheltenham and Gloucester each year, through its Cheltenham Town Community Trust.
Running in every school break in 2026, club coaches host sessions for boys and girls across a range of age groups at local primary schools and sports centres, while it also provides coaches for both for curriculum lessons and after school clubs at selected schools.
Tennis camps for kids and schools festival from East Glos Club
As well as offering regular coaching for all age groups, East Glos Club runs tennis camps for kids during the school holidays, including Mini Tennis for ages four to eight; and junior camps for ages nine to 16.
And going further with its mission to get kids into sport, the club hosts a schools tennis festival every year – with more than 50 local schools participating – in conjunction with charity Move More; while it also provides coaching for local schools, along with early morning breakfast clubs at Richard Pate School in Cheltenham.
Walking cricket from Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation
Similar to walking football, walking cricket is designed to keep cricket fans with limited mobility active – with regular sessions taking place across the county led by Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation.
Played with a softball and at a gentler pace with less impact, older cricketers can dust off their bats for affordable weekly sessions in Cheltenham, Cirencester and Coopers Edge in Gloucester.
Confidence building, non-contact rugby for women from Gloucester Rugby
Part of England Rugby initiative, Strive 25, Gloucester Rugby is inviting women and girls aged 16 and over to attend non-contact rugby sessions designed to build confidence, using beginner-friendly rugby format, T1.
Aiming to engage women and girls who are inactive, lack confidence, or have previously felt excluded from sport – with emphasis on participation and confidence rather than competition – the club is hosting three, free-to-attend sessions at Leisure at Cheltenham in February and March 2026.
Football camps for kids from Forest Green Rovers
Recognised by FIFA as the world's greenest football club, Nailsworth-based National League side Forest Green Rovers also does its fair share to boost health and wellbeing in the community, including hosting football camps for kids during the school holidays.
Its camps run at primary schools in Dursley, Nailsworth and Stroud, with club coaches helping boys and girls aged five to 13 develop their football skills – while away from sport, as part of its commitment to the environment, it also runs sustainability sessions with local schools, including teaching them how to make healthy, vegan meals.
Walking and wheelchair tennis from East Glos Club
With regular participants up to 92 years of age, East Glos Club also runs sport sessions for those with limited mobility – walking tennis.
Played with a variety of court sizes and ball types to suit the players, walking tennis sessions take place every Wednesday; and starting again in the spring, the club also offers wheelchair tennis sessions for juniors, too.
Inner city cricket and camps for kids from Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation
Helping inner city kids break down barriers, develop crucial life skills and create stronger communities, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation runs a free cricket programme for children aged eight to 16 in Gloucester, Wicketz.
Weekly, year-round sessions take place at Barnwood Park School in Coney Hill, after school every Thursday; while the foundation also provides school holiday camps for kids, including in Dursley, Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester in the first part of 2026.
