Let’s be real: making friends as an adult is surprisingly hard. Once you leave school or university, the “natural” ways to meet people start to dry up. You can only attend so many awkward “networking drinks” or swipe through “friendship apps” for so long before it starts to feel like a chore.

At Sportas, we’ve noticed a shift. People aren’t just coming to us to break a sweat; they’re coming to find their “tribe.”

If you’re looking to expand your social circle in 2026, here is why hitting the court is the ultimate shortcut to meaningful connection.

---

The “Shared Goal” Shortcut

Ever stood in a room full of strangers trying to make small talk? It’s exhausting.

Sports eliminate that awkwardness. When you’re chasing a football or diving for a volleyball, you have a shared mission. You’re communicating, laughing at missed shots, and high-fiving over goals. By the time the whistle blows, the “stranger” barrier has already been broken. You aren’t just two people talking; you’re teammates.

Consistency Without the Pressure

One-off mixers can feel transactional. Real friendship is built on consistency. Because Sportas hosts regular games—from weekly Social Basketball to Mixed Netball—you start seeing the same faces every Tuesday or Thursday.

It’s low-pressure. You don’t have to “ask” someone to hang out; you both just know you’ll be there next week. Over time, “Great pass!” turns into “See you at the pub after?”

A Community That Goes Beyond the Game

For us, the game is just the beginning. The Sportas community is built on “The Social.” Many of our players have gone from being “the person I play Padel with” to:

• Holiday Buddies: Joining annual skiing or surfing trips.
• Housemates: We’ve literally had players find new flats through people they met on the pitch.
• Weekend Crews: Whether it’s a post-game pint or a Saturday morning coffee, the Sportas community lives offline.

No “Skills” Required

A common myth is that you need to be an athlete to join a social sports team. Incorrect. Most of our most social games are “Discovery” or “Social” level. We prioritize people who are there for the vibes rather than the scoreboard. If you’re worried about your fitness level, don’t be—everyone is there to have fun and meet someone new.

“I moved to London knowing nobody. I joined a Sportas volleyball game on a whim, and six months later, that group of players is my entire social circle.” — Sarah, Sportas Member

---

Stop Swiping, Start Playing

If you’re tired of the digital grind and want to meet people who actually show up in real life, it’s time to get on the pitch.

Find your next game and meet your future best friends at Sportas games!