As the leading provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure, no matter where you're at in life or on the map, has the facilities, activities and expert support needed to help you get active and reach your fitness goals.  If you’re a fan of ball sports, you’re in for a treat.  From Boccia to Tennis, let’s dive into nine ball activities you can participate in at Edinburgh Leisure.

1. Basketball:

Are you ready to dribble, shoot, and score? Basketball is a fast-paced game that helps you improve your skills and accuracy. Join us for court bookings at Ainslie Park, Jack Kane Sports Centre, Kirkliston and Queensferry High School. Plus, we have adult social basketball classes at Queensferry High School and our new junior basketball coaching at Ainslie Park and Meadowbank for kids aged 18 months to 9 years.

2. Boccia:

Boccia is a target ball sport like bowls but played with blue and red leather balls. The aim of the game it to get your colour closer to the white ball. The session is aimed to improve participant’s skills and tactics in a fun social environment. The session is open to both adults and young people with sensory, physical, and learning disabilities.

3. Football:

We might not agree with Scottish football player and later manager of Liverpool, Bill Shankly OBE, who once said:  "Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple."

We think football takes a lot of skill and if you want to hone your skills in the beautiful game or just have a kick about with a load of mates, we offer 5-aside indoor at Ainslie Park, Gracemount, Jack Kane Sports Centre and Meadowbank and outdoor 5/7 aside football at Kirkliston and Meadowbank, including floodlit venues for year-round play.

Kids as young as 3 years can join our coaching sessions, available at Ainslie  Park, Drumbrae, Gracemount, Kirkliston and Meadowbank to develop confidence, spatial awareness, and teamwork.

4. Golf:

Edinburgh Leisure boasts six picturesque golf courses, all playable with a single membership. Enjoy a round of golf at Braid Hills, Carrick Knowe, Craigentinny, Portobello, Silverknowes, and the Wee Braids Golf Course while taking in breathtaking views of our iconic city.

5. Netball:

Did you know according to World Netball, the sport is played by more than 20 million people in more than 80 countries? It’s a thrilling ball game played by two teams of seven players on a rectangular court. Perfect your pivots and chest-passes while staying active and social. Court bookings are available at Queensferry High School.

6. Pickleball:

Don’t get yourself in a pickle!  Invented in the USA over 50 years ago by a family who named it after their dog Pickles, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world.  Played on a court very similar to badminton, it is played with a ball and a paddle, and uses racket skills from tennis, squash, badminton, and table tennis. The rules and scoring system mean that pickleball is very accessible for the young and not so young, making it a family activity for everyone to enjoy. 

Available at Ainslie Park, Craiglockhart, Drumbrae, Gracemount, Kirkliston and Meadowbank

Book your place online or via the App under 'Social Sport Class.'

7. Squash:

Squash is an exhilarating game that challenges agility, strategy, and physical and mental strength. It's a fantastic sport for improving health and fitness, suitable for players of all skill levels and can be played all year round. With 25 million fanatical players from every corner of the world, you can play it at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre.

8. Table Tennis:

Table tennis, aka ping-pong, has been an Olympic sport since 1988. It’s a fast-paced racket sport derived from tennis.  Challenge your friends or join our social classes at Craiglockhart, Drumbrae, Gracemount, Jack Kane, Kirkliston, Meadowbank, Leith Victoria, Queensferry and Wester Hailes

9. Tennis:

If you're looking to serve up aces, check out our flagship tennis centre at Craiglockhart. We offer junior and adult coaching programmes tailored to age and ability, including wheelchair tennis. Our racquet sport sessions are pre-book only and you must book online or via 'Court Bookings' or Social Sport Classes via the app.  Available indoor and outdoor at Craiglockhart, outdoor at the Meadows and Kirkliston. 

No matter your age or skill level, Edinburgh Leisure has a fantastic range of ball activities to keep you active and engaged throughout October and in the winter. Whether you're shooting hoops, perfecting your swing, or making the perfect serve, we've got you covered. Join us at Edinburgh Leisure and let's have a ball this October!