Britain is known for its diversity of sports. Sports play a crucial role when it comes to nurturing talent and for recreational activities. A good number of people are also professional sportsmen. So what’re the most popular sports in Britain?
Football
Football, otherwise called soccer, is certainly the most popular sport in the United Kingdom. Every country has its own football association, and almost every town has its own clubs. The best football clubs are found in Britain, including the two Manchester giants, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, and of course Liverpool. Additionally, some of the best footballers play or have played in England, including Ronaldo, Rooney, Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Hazard.
Rugby
A game which was considered to be suitable only for the elite in society is now one of the major sports in Britain. In fact, the sport is sponsored by the national government. And Wales and England, when it comes to national teams, are known for their prowess in this game. The national league, which features various rugby clubs, attracts top talents and a massive following from all over the United Kingdom.
Swimming
In Britain, swimming beats athletics in popularity. Many people participate in this sport for fun. But still, there’s a large number of people who engage in this sport professionally. British Swimming is responsible for the promotion and management of the sport in the United Kingdom. The national teams have enjoyed unrivalled success in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. And ultimately, there are many professional swimming clubs in Britain.
Cricket
This list would be incomplete if cricket was not mentioned. This game ranks among the most popular sports in the UK. England doesn’t have its own national team, so it jointly fields a team with Wales. Of the 18 professional cricket clubs in the United Kingdom, more than half this number are found in England and Wales.
Other popular sports in Britain include speedway, tennis, horseracing, and hockey.