Switch on your television or visit any national news site, and you’ll see countless stories about sports. The summer of 2024 will be remembered as a time when professional sports fully recovered from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns. Doubters predicted the pandemic would crush sports at every level, from junior and youth to amateur and professional. Thankfully, the doom and gloom proved to be wide of the mark.
Summer 2024 is a UEFA European Championship year with the best soccer-playing nations meeting in Germany for Euro 2024. The host nation is the favorite, with traders working at the best sportsbook online while the likes of Spain, England, France, and Portugal should challenge. It has already proven to be a thrilling renewal of one of soccer’s best-loved tournaments. But there’s more going on if soccer isn’t your thing.
It’s also a Summer Olympic Games year, with Paris 2024 taking over when Euro 2024 ends. With the world’s best athletes gathering in the French capital, excitement levels are rising. Which nation will collect the most gold medals and prove the cream of the crop? Team USA sends a star-studded squad to Europe, where they’ll face a talented French team as well as the best athletes worldwide.
You can watch Euro 2024, Paris 2024, Wimbledon, and other favorites live on television or through the best live-streaming apps on your smartphone.
Get inspired this summer
Every major international sports meeting aims to showcase the most talented competitors and the latest technology and inspire the world to get more involved in sports. Playing sports like soccer, football, and baseball promotes healthy living, good habits, and improved mental health. But which sports are the best, safest, and most fun to try without breaking the bank?
Our sports content team took time out from breaking local stories and reporting on the success of our favorite teams to help encourage readers to get more active. Summer is the best time to try a new sport, and you can play alone, join a team, bond with friends and family at your local park, or ramp up your fitness. It’s also a great way to interact with your local community, make new friends, and improve your social life.
Keep reading as our sports team advises some safe and fun sports to enjoy this summer. You can watch the best performlive on TV or get outdoors and learn a new skill. You’re never too young or too old to pick up a sporting talent and enjoy the process of improving, even if you have no desire to compete or train in public.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), involves standing on a large, stable board and propelling yourself through the water using a long paddle. It’s a versatile water sport that can be done on lakes, rivers, and oceans, making it accessible in a variety of locations.
Paddleboarding is an excellent full-body workout. It engages your core, arms, and legs while improving balance and stability. Additionally, it provides a great cardiovascular workout, especially if you paddle at a brisk pace.
To get started with paddleboarding, you’ll need a board, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD). Many coastal and lakeside areas offer paddleboard rentals and beginner lessons, making it easy to try without a significant investment. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore various aspects of paddleboarding, such as SUP yoga or racing.
Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a team sport played on sand, usually with teams of two or four players. The objective is to send the ball over the net and land it in the opponent’s court while preventing them from doing the same.
Playing beach volleyball is an excellent way to improve your agility, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. The sandy surface provides a lower impact on joints compared to indoor volleyball, reducing the risk of injuries. Additionally, the sport fosters teamwork and social interaction, making it a fun and engaging way to stay active.
Beach volleyball courts are commonly found at public beaches and recreational areas. You can join local leagues or pick-up games or simply gather friends for a casual match. All you need is a volleyball and a net, and you’re ready to play.
Trail Running
Trail running involves running on natural terrain, such as dirt paths, forest trails, and mountainous routes. It offers a refreshing alternative to road running, immersing you in nature and providing a more varied workout.
Trail running is an excellent way to build strength and endurance. The uneven terrain engages different muscle groups compared to running on flat surfaces, helping to improve balance and stability. The natural surroundings also provide a mental boost, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
To start trail running, you’ll need a good pair of trail running shoes with proper traction. Begin with well-marked trails that match your fitness level, and gradually progress to more challenging routes as you gain confidence and experience. Joining a local trail running group can provide support, motivation, and access to new trails.
Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf, also known as disc golf, is a sport in which players throw a disc at a target, typically a metal basket. Similar to traditional golf, the objective is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.
Frisbee golf is a low-impact sport that improves hand-eye coordination and cardiovascular health. It’s accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a great activity for families and groups of friends. The sport also provides an opportunity to explore parks and natural areas.
Disc golf courses are found in many public parks and recreational areas. You’ll need a few discs, which are specifically designed for the sport and come in different types (drivers, mid-range, and putters). Many courses are free to play, making it an affordable and easy sport to try. The ball is now in your court.
Decide which sport you wish to try this year and begin to research how to get started. You’ll find there are more options in your local community than you might expect.
