sports/clubs for teenagers?

[whatasave]

So DD(15) is homeschooled, and doesn't really socialise, I think she's quite lonely and I'd like to find something she could join. She left school last year due to bullying and left all her clubs before that because she was just unhappy generally, and I'm finding it really hard to find activities/clubs for her to join.

She plays the violin, and I'm getting her a tutor so she can continue. Her tutor may suggest an orchestra which I think she'd take if the tutor suggests it but not me! I know sports like netball hockey etc. are hard to get involved in at this age, there are only clubs for those who are already a high level. She enjoys drama but all the schools require auditions at this stage and I don't know if she'd get in as she hasn't really done any before. It's a weird age of being too old for children's classes but too young for adult!

Her concern is knowing people and then making fun of her, which I understand, we see people on the street sometimes and they'll call her name and laugh etc. Really nasty, and I'd feel awful putting her in a situation where that could happen.

I was thinking things like skiing or rowing, tennis maybe? Less team dependent and could be learned individually?

Was also considering the gym? About a 45 minute walk but could go during the day so would be quite quiet?

Thank you so much for any ideas, I'm really struggling with this!

The Senior Section ( = Rangers) in Guiding or Explorers in Scouting? Great social aspects with many different activities. Always worth visiting several potential units before chosing as they do differ widely in style.

My dd is 15 and considering joining St John's Ambulance cadets. She's also found a swimming club that isn't competitive. She does play netball and there will be clubs that would suit someone who hasn't played much but you need to find the right club as some as you say only really suit those of a good level at that age. Sports that you can pick up at an older age with no experience might be volleyball, handball, water polo/underwater hockey, badminton, squash, rowing, climbing?
There are drama clubs round here where you don't have to audition. Hope you find something for her.

Didn't think of guides or cadets, will look into both!

I think rowing is a good idea as we have clubs near us, and DD played for her school in badminton so will also see if there's anything on for that.

Will also see if I can find a drama club without auditions, there probably will be one near us actually.

Thank you!!

I work for a tennis coaching provider, we have lots of kids age 13-16 that take up the sport for the first time. Tennis can be in groups or as individual lessons so she can get as involved as she wants. In a good club a group lesson will have max of around 8 per class at that age so it’s not too daunting to join. I know loads of children that have made good friends playing tennis. Most tennis club also have social sessions for their juniors so if she enjoys it there’s a chance to meet up and play with/against lots of different kids

Yoga

I don't think going to the gym fits your criteria for socialisation but that's not to say it's a bad idea generally. What about a choir or art club? We have a games place, board/role play rather than computer, if something like that might appeal. More nerdy and accepting of people I think. Definitely look at scouts etc. The older age groups are usually easier to get into too.

Thank you for the info about tennis, sounds really good for her! Will ask the local club about lessons :)

Also didn't think of yoga, I think there's a yoga studio (?) near us actually so that's a good idea.

Art really not her thing, but choir could be an option. Not sure how she'd feel about auditioning though, I'll see what the local ones are like. Games is interesting, I haven't heard of any groups like that but I'll check. Sounds like it would be good for socialising!

There are choirs that accept people without auditions. I spent time on archaeological digs from the age of 16.

I know things like archery and fencing they do beginners courses so she won't be the only new one. When I looked into archery I was surprised how many clubs there are.

My 15yo ds started archery last year, there was a beginners course which was mostly adults, ds and a 9yo. The club itself is an adult club which accept accompanied juniors (so I had 3 months of sitting in a cold hall) but they now let him attend on his own as they are happy he is sensible and he knows people there so will be comfortable with them until I can get there if something happens.

He is also involved in scouting, both as an Explorer (14-18 in their own group doing activities) and a Young Leader helping with the Beaver (6-8) pack.

He goes to the junior joggers section of a running club, which is actually shirt distances not jogging. He says he doesn't massively 'enjoy' it but it is good for him (his words!).

My friends teens go to youth groups at their church.

Park run free on a Saturday morning, then if she likes running join a running club or althletics club, triathlon club, Cycling club. We have all these in our local area that cater for younger members but obviously different may not

Kayaking or rock climbing? Sort of individual sports but you do them in a group.
And martial arts is great to take up at any age. Again, you work at your individual level. I started aged 34. We have new people joining our club all the time and everyone is made welcome. Laughing at people would be completely out of the question.

What about doing Duke of Edinburgh? Either through a Scout group of there are commercial groups if money isn't too much of an issue. Sometimes local councils have groups running. That could then be a focus for the activities and would also include volunteering which would be good for socialising.

I run a girls football team for 14/15 year olds and whilst we are in a league and competitive we also invite girls to join and just train with us for as long as it takes for them to feel comfortable to be match ready, has taken a couple of years for some girls.

So don’t dismiss competitive team sports if she quite likes the idea.

A team sport may be good so that she mixes with others her age so maybe netball or basketball.

Hi, okay so I know this is not your typical answer but... I am a 14 year old home Ed girl living in the uk. Societies and clubs I like are: St. John’s ambulance cadets. Police and army cadets any thing sporty e.g. tennis, rugby, gymnastics, duke of Edinburgh etc

My DD has played cricket for years. Lots of new girls teams are getting set up, they don't need any experience and it's good fun.

Cadets. It's a complete social life & will fill her entire weekends (including with sport). Cheap subs.

Some adult racquet sports clubs round here will take teenagers. A community brass band (some of the beginner ones will provide an instrument and teaching) might fit the bill too or perhaps a sport like sailing - it can be done individually but also in pairs or groups.

DS1 does rookie lifeguarding and his group includes older teens. Far less competitive than a swimming club and a useful life skill.

What sort of violin does she like? Could she play in a Ceilidh band? Or a strings group? Tutor should have suggestions.

Choir or Choral Society is a good idea and I' hope you can find some that don't require auditions.

Rowing would be great as you can't start much before 15 so most people her age would be novices. Sailing is also taken up later by many people- you could see if you have a local Sea Cadets as she'd get to try a range of water sports.