People across the United Kingdom are looking for ways to play tennis, football and cricket without paying as household budgets come under pressure.

Rising living costs have made participation in organised sport a financial concern for many families, especially in areas facing economic challenges.

Free programmes are available: the Lawn Tennis Association runs Saturday morning sessions, the Chance to Shine charity delivers street cricket sessions year‑round, and British Blind Sport offers Have a Go days for people with sight loss to try a range of sports at no charge. Football, boosted by the men's World Cup, still requires spending on kit, club fees and travel.

Simon Hayes, chief executive of Sport England, said record numbers of adults and children are active and that cost should never be a barrier to participation.

No central database lists all free sport activities, but numerous local campaigns aim to increase participation for physical and mental health benefits, and organisers expect demand to grow.