The British invented and developed many of the sports and games which are now played all over the world and British sportsmen and women compete internationally in many different sports.
Improvements in facilities and growing interest connected with the importance of regular exercise for good health have contributed to increasing levels of partecipation in sport. It is estimated that 29 million people over the age of 16 regularly take part in sport or exercise. In recent years, the number of women taking part in traditionally male-dominated sports such as football, rugby and snooker.
Many sports like athletics, boxing, football and rugby have lately attracted a significant number of partecipants from ethnic communities. Young people are helped and encouraged in taking part in and enjoying sport.
British people are very fond of sports and organized games are part of normal school life. All school are expected to have a playing field and most secondary schools have a gymnasium. Some have other facilities such as swimming pools, sports halls and halls designed for dance and exercise.
Altrought cricket is considered the most typical English sport, infact it is played in schools, colleges and universities, association football, also called soccer, remains the most popular spectator sport in Britain.
English people love betting on sporting events. Most betting in Britain takes place on horse racing and greyhound racing.
In Britain it’s possible to practise almost all sports and sports facilities are provided by local authorities and private clubs.