Tomorrow, September 23, marks the start of European Week of Sport 2026. Running until September 30, the European Commission’s initiative encourages people across Europe to make physical activity part of their lives.
This year’s #BeActive message welcomes people of different ages, abilities and experience levels to move in a way that suits them.
For anyone curious about a new sport, it is a timely invitation to take a first step. That could mean attending a local introductory session, joining a club activity or exploring a sports camp for a future holiday.
Start with curiosity
Is there a sport you have wanted to try but never quite found the opportunity?
Perhaps you are curious about tennis, basketball or swimming. Perhaps your child keeps asking about a sport that nobody in the family has played before.
You do not need to commit to a long programme straight away. An introductory activity can help you discover whether you enjoy the experience before considering a camp.
If you decide to explore camps, look for a programme that explicitly welcomes beginners. Ask whether “beginner” means no previous experience or whether participants are expected to know the basics.
What a camp can offer
A sports camp brings dedicated practice time into a structured programme. Depending on its format, it may include coaching, exercises, games and opportunities to ask questions.
The important step is finding a programme that matches your starting point.
Read the age and ability requirements, check the coaching language and ask how groups are organised. A sample timetable can help you understand how much training takes place and how the day is balanced.
Before buying equipment, find out what the organiser provides and what you need to bring.
Returning after time away? Start from where you are
Trying something new can also mean rediscovering a sport you once enjoyed.
If you are returning after a long break, describe your current experience and activity level to the organiser. Ask about session length, intensity and whether there is a suitable group for returning participants.
Think about what you want from the experience now. It might be refreshing your technique, enjoying group practice or simply making time for a favourite activity.
Choose a programme around those goals.
For families: let children help choose
European Week of Sport is also an opportunity to talk with children about what they would like to try.
Would they prefer a team activity or an individual sport? Do they want to attend with a friend? Are they excited about learning something unfamiliar?
Where available, a local taster session can give them a first impression. If they enjoy it, explore suitable clubs or camps together.
When comparing camps, check the daily schedule, age groups, supervision arrangements and the experience expected of participants. Give your child a clear picture of what their day would involve.
For organisers: make the first step understandable
Use this week as a prompt to review how your programme welcomes newcomers.
Does your description explain who can join? Can someone unfamiliar with your sport understand what happens during a session? Is it clear whether equipment is available?
Practical details help people decide whether to enquire. Describe beginner groups, introduce the coaching team and explain how participants can ask for support.
If you offer an introductory session, make the date, location and registration process easy to find.
Keep exploring beyond September 30
The week provides a starting point. Your next activity can take place whenever you find a suitable opportunity.
Explore the official European Week of Sport website for campaign information and ways to get involved.
For a future camp experience, browse TopSportsCamps.com, compare programmes and ask organisers which option suits your interests and experience.
You do not have to know your next favourite sport yet. Start by discovering what you would like to try.
