Is it too late to take up a sport at 17/18?

I've never taken part in sport (apart from snowboarding, which I can't do too often because it costs a fortune) :/ Everyone I know who is into a particular sport started at an early age but I've never been encouraged to. Is it too late to start? If not, how do you get involved if you've never played a sport before? (I am a fit, active person so I am capable, I think :/ )

Reply 1

Double Agent

Of course its not. Just contact the club and say you want to get involved.

Reply 2

marcusmerehay

Many people don't take up 'recreational' sports such as golf, snooker and fencing until their thirties.

I know of plenty of people who only start playing sports such as badminton and lacrosse when they get to 16/17 years old in any case.

Reply 3

puma21

No unless you want to go pro

Reply 4

around

marcusmerehay

How is fencing in any way a recreational sport?

Reply 5

Danny the Geezer

Hmmm depends how seriously you are about it.

erm, not recreationally, by any means you're not too old.

Reply 6

chippyminton91

Not at all, unless you want to be a pro. I also was never really encouraged to do sports much, but have taken up both badminton and kayaking fairly recently and found I soon became good enough to at least not be a total laughing stock! Then again - so what if you are really bad?

Reply 7

chris-carnage

Thanks

yeh, I want to start a sport for recreation, not planning on going pro lol!

Reply 8

marcusmerehay

around

How is fencing in any way a recreational sport?

I meant in relative terms. :p:

It's a damn sight more recreational (certainly individually) than something like rugby, hockey, football or cricket.

Reply 9

jimber

Yeah just make sure the group your joining is of similar ability....you dont wanna have a bad exp and then lose your confidence. Maybe play the sport with your friends before to practice

Reply 10

bighairedmike

puma21

No unless you want to go pro

Not true. Take Simon Shaw, rugby player. Didnt pick up a ball seriously until he was 16. Not exactly the same age but y'know.

Reply 11

sarah2g

Chris, it's never too late to take up a sport, especially for recreation.

Sports are for fun, so you can take part at any age. Jimber's right, it's better to join a group of players with similar ability, you'll enjoy yourself more and it'll build your confidence.

Reply 12

Baltimoron

Take up lacrosse. Greatest sport ever.

Reply 13

bananaslug77

Nah, I used to do loads of sport when I was little but I didn't really like any of it to take it up for life. Now I've grown up a bit I know what I like - I've done some martial arts at age 15/16 (t'ai chi) but it was too slow for me so I've taken up Karate instead. I also started horse riding when I was like... 13/14? It's never too late to start - my dad took up cycling at age 50!!

Reply 14

Kodias

Yep, too late, you've missed the boat, you're screwed.

Reply 15

partoftheweekend

Takes 5-10 years of proper training to make Olympic standard. 17-18 is definitely not too late for most sports. 30 probably is.

Reply 16

surviveinstyle

No it isn't. I started playing badminton at 17, I am 24 now and at good club standard so def not.

Just don't expect to be one of the best in the country.

Reply 17

Carina Alex

Original post by puma21

No unless you want to go pro

Okay…so I want to start muay thai. I used to compete in karate kickboxing between the ages of 7 and 12 and then when I was 16 I started to practice the original karate for a couple of months. (And then stopped because there was a massive incident). I am 18 now and I am dying to get into a combat sport that only involves sparring and such. I know I am very gifted in the field. Yet…I have been starving myself for two years (long story) and I got to a breaking point where sports seem hardly possible at the intense level I used to practice them. I am definitely getting better but I am worried I am plainly dreaming since everyone keeps telling me it’s too late.
yes.. I will try relentlessly either way regardless of what people tell me haha. Plus I love sports especially combat. But will I be taken seriously?