Unique Sports Around the World
Sometimes, ballet or basketball just isn’t up a kid’s alley. Fear not, there are literally hundreds of weird and whacky sports out there for them to try, so they’re bound to find something they enjoy! Perhaps it’s just a case of thinking outside the box (or field, or court).
1. Bass Fishing (USA)
This competitive fishing event is popular among students in high schools and universities across North America. First introduced as a high school sport in the US State of Illinois in 2009, it has exploded in popularity, now hosting regular tournaments and championships for the over 600 college level teams
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2. Broomball (Canada and USA)
A similar game to floor hockey, broomball is played in schools and ice arenas across Canada and the US. Players must use their sticks to propel a rubber ball into the opposing team’s net. The odd difference here is that players do not wear ice skates, instead opting for boots or shoes
University of Nebraska
3. Synchronised Swimming (Australia)
We’ve all seen the beautiful display of synchronised underwater choreography of the swimmers at the Olympics, but did you know that synchronised swimming is still taught in some schools in the USA and Australia!
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4. Quidditch (UK)
Proving popular amongst muggles, Quidditch has begun infiltrating schools around the world, with many PE teachers claiming it has reignited children’s interest in physical education. Invented in the US around 15 years ago, teachers now use this game around the world as a combination of dodgeball, tag, basketball, and rugby to keep students fit
activecities.com
5. Rodeo (USA)
Although not an official National Collegiate Athletics Association sport, there is great demand for Rodeo as a college sport across the American Mid-West. Approximately 13,000 students take part in the sport each year, which sees them demonstrating the skills of a cowboy, such as roping and horse-riding
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6. Ultimate Frisbee (China)
With popularity soaring, ultimate frisbee is now the school sport of choice for most middle and high school students. Competing in teams of six, the goal is to get the frisbee across to the other side of the field. Ultimate Frisbee is so popular now, it’s almost considered fashionable to play in China
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7. E-Sports (USA)
With the League of Legends World Championship Finals reaching 5.15 million views at its peak, it’s no wonder universities have started offering video gaming as a varsity sport. Northeastern University was the most recent college to add Esports to their varsity team roster in May 2023, meaning they now offer scholarships to the best players!
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8. Futsal (Brazil)
Although you may have never heard of this sport, Futsal is hugely popular in South America. There is even a FIFA Futsal World Cup! It is essentially small, skillful indoor football played by two teams of five players, that is regularly played on the netball courts of schools
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9. Surfing (Australia)
It’s no surprise there are surfing championships for schools across Australia. With millions of recreational surfers on the giant island, it makes sense to educate their population on the nature of the rips and how to be safe in the water. Schools can nominate students from Years 7 to 12 for the championship events
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10. Korfball (Netherlands, China, Belgium)
Another sport you’ve probably never heard of yet has been around for over a century, korfball. Created in the Netherlands, this sport has skyrocketed in popularity and interestingly the Chinese and Taiwan teams are some of the best! This co-ed sport involves 4 female and 4 male players on the same team, with the goal of shooting a ball in the basket. It is taught in schools across the world, from Belgium to New Zealand
sportandrecreation.org.uk