Last updated: 16 December 2024
Next review: 16 December 2025
A mark of quality for sports clubs and providers
We believe that sports clubs, leisure centres, and community organisations play a vital role in providing physical activities for our residents.
That's why our Sport and Leisure Team has developed a Feel Good Mark to recognise high standards and support our local providers.
Applying for the Feel Good Mark is easy, and you should already have most of the evidence we need. Accreditation will focus on your governance, delivery, safeguarding, and commitment to providing top-quality sports and physical activity for our residents.
Apply for the Feel Good Mark
Benefits of the Feel Good Mark
- It shows residents your organisation is well run and a safe environment to take part in sport and physical activity.
- Addresses issues like equality and child protection. Gives parents confidence that your organisation is a suitable place for their children to play sport
- Coaches and instructors get access to coach development courses organised by our Sport and Leisure team.
- Provides a link to our Sport and Leisure Team and the support and expertise available. This includes help with accessing facilities, support in gaining funding and support with development planning for your provision.
- Use of Feel Good Mark logo on any publications.
- Provides exclusive access for clubs to be involved in delivery of Waltham Forest Holiday Programmes.
- Be recommended for external delivery to partners such as local schools, internal council departments etc.
- Promotion and exposure via the council’s social media channels.
- Framed London Borough of Waltham Forest Feel Good Mark Certificate.
Feel Good Mark accredited organisations
Athletics
Eton Manor Athletics Club runs sessions suitable for all ages and abilities. The club trains at March Lane on Tuesdays, and at Feel Good Centre for Monday Junior Track Sessions.
Email treasurer.etonmanorac@outlook.com for more information.
Orion Harriers Running Club is a friendly, running and athletics club that runs 0 to 5km sessions. The club train at Jubilee Retreat, Chingford or Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre.
Email Orionharriersjuniors@outlook.com for more information.
Mini Athletics Chingford and Stratford offer fun weekly sessions for children aged 2 to 7 in Higham Hill Park and Ridgeway Park.
Badminton
Black Arrows Badminton Club runs sessions where people can play badminton socially and in competition, in a friendly environment.
Tuesdays at 7pm. Located at Pastures Youth Centre, 15 Davies Lane, London E11 3DR. You can contact them by emailing henry@blackarrowsbc.com.
Boxing
East London Boxing Academy is based in Drapers Field, Leyton. They offer Junior, Senior and Women only boxing sessions. Open five nights a week and Sunday mornings.
Email eastlondonboxing@hotmail.com for further information.
County Amateur Boxing Club has been a staple in the community of Leyton and surrounding areas since the 1960’s. The club offers boxing classes for juniors (8 to 16 years old) and seniors (over 17 years old) of all abilities. Competitive amateur boxing is also available for those that wish to reach higher levels within the sport.
Through the beautiful art of boxing, they bring people together. They help to build confidence and improve fitness, which has created a welcoming community spirit at the club.
Email contact@countyabc.co.uk for more information.
Community groups
Salaam Peace provides sports and recreation for all residents. This includes children's sports, cycling for beginners, and women-only boxercise.
Email contact@salaampeace.org for more information on sessions.
Olive Kane Dance runs weekly classes in ballet, tap, and street dance in Leyton for children aged 2 and over. focus on inspiring the next generation of dance and arts enthusiasts. Their sessions are centred around building a strong technical foundation and supporting each child to reach their full potential through manageable steps and goals, enjoyment and nurture at the heart of classes with each child treated as an individual, children (and their families) feeling part of something special and making friends for life.
Email olive.kane@icloud.com
Everyone on Boards is a community program that aims to inspire young people and communities through skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. They deliver programs, activities, and events based on action sports. They focus on skateboarding as well as field trips, snowboarding, and surfing. Everyone has the opportunity to participate and is welcomed into the community of action sports. Sessions are based in Lloyds Park on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Email hello@everyoneonboards.com for more information on how to join.
Sport for Confidence is a social enterprise organisation that deploys the collective intelligence of Occupational Therapists and Coaches. They utilise sports and physical activity to enhance a person’s health and well-being.
Email contact is Hannah@sportforconfidence.com
Super Star Sport currently deliver sessions to over 6000 children each week. They run sessions in nurseries, primary schools, and children's centres. Sessions also run through their very own evening and weekend sports sessions, youth football teams, and sports birthday parties.
Email: billydensham@superstarsport.co.uk
SportWorks is an award-winning social enterprise that support people to improve health, gain qualifications and move into sustainable employment or further training. They passionately believe in the power sport to effect positive social change that enriches the lives of individuals and communities.
Email: Ernest.ako@sportworksltd.co.uk
Footstepz are a community interest company based in East London. Who provide high quality football coaching and mentoring sessions to young people between the ages of 3 and 16. They aim is to help create pathways and opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas of London. Those that face the greatest disadvantages also face the greatest risk to their mental health and well-being.
Email: admin@footstepz.org
Blossom ASA CIC deliver social prescribing, health and wellbeing activities for people seeking understanding of health and dealing with everyday life’s challenges. Activities include yoga for health, walks, games, health discussions, workshops, and their flagship Togetherness Café programme.
Contact: hello@blossom.place
Cricket
Capital Kids Cricket uses cricket to reach across boundaries and unite young people in a team environment. Sessions at Leyton Urban Hub, 465 High Road, London E10 6PY.
Email: joe.fisher@ckc.london
Walthamstow Cricket Club is a friendly, diverse, and active community club, with new members always welcome. There are sessions for juniors, seniors and women only.
Email: walthamstowcc@gmail.co.uk
Hawks Cricket Club is a friendly and community based cricket club, offering cricket for juniors, adults and women & girls. Based in Higham’s Park at Jubilee Sports Ground, the club welcome new members and volunteers. If you think this could be the right place for you, get in touch and arrange a visit or join a training session.
Email: hawkscc1969@gmail.com
West Essex Cricket Club is a friendly, inclusive & diverse club with an open membership policy that was granted Community Amateur Sports Club status in 2014. All sides play home games at The Rolls Sports Ground in Highams Park where they have 2 cricket grounds adjoining the main clubhouse and private bar. The club welcomes new members and volunteers.
Email: baxter_c4@sky.com
Chingford Cricket Club is a competitive and social cricket club for boys and girls of all ages - young and not so young! New members always welcome.
Email: ianbutcher@yahoo.com
Avengers Cricket Club provides teachable cricketing skills while making it a fun and approachable game for young players.
Email: info@aca.london
Neo Cricket Club foster and promote participation in the sport of cricket within the community, providing facilities for playing cricket, opportunities for recreation, coaching and competition.
Email: info@neocricketclub.com
Cycling
COG is a community cycling and bike maintenance project based at Higham Hill Hub in Walthamstow. It runs weekly BMX sessions for young people aged 6-16 and women-only sessions at Cheney Row BMX track, Walthamstow. All equipment provided.
Email: info@cogcycling.co.uk
Cycle Sisters inspires and enables Muslim women to cycle. It has groups in Redbridge, Walthamstow and Chingford/Highams Park which meet for weekly rides in term time.
Email: cyclesistersrides@gmail.com
Dance and Drama
All About Dance UK primary mission is to provide high-quality dance, acro, gymnastics, drama, and creative movement programs to children and young people, regardless of background or ability.
Email: info@allaboutdanceuk.com
The Blair Academy uses hip-hop and dance to improve lives. Sessions are for 5 to 11 year olds and run every Tuesday from 5 to 6pm. Sessions are held at Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road, Walthamstow E17 7BY.
Email: theblairacademy@gmail.com
Bolly X with Mevy empowers women through fitness and dance. There are women-only classes at Frederick Bremer School and Waltham Forest Community Hub.
Email: bollyxwithmevy@hotmail.com
Leaders Community Ltd. aims to support children and young people through creative arts. It runs weekly sessions for young people aged 7+ in Walthamstow and Chingford.
Email: enquiries@leaderscommunity.org
Mile Rainbow CIC offers FREE Exotic East Asian Dance Classes for All, including Korean, Chinese and Japanese dances as well as gentle martial arts movements.
Every Saturday at Leyton Sports Ground mirrored dance studio from 1pm to 2pm.
Email: hongz2012@gmail.com
ShowKids Theatre School provides confidence building Performing Arts workshops for children aged 4 to 16 across Waltham Forest. Free taster workshops are available. Call Natalie on 020 3488 5384 or visit the website to find out more.
Wee Movers offers dance and yoga classes for children aged 2 to 7, including dance techniques, storytelling and adventures. Sessions at Leyton Cricket Ground.
Email: info@weemovers.co.uk
Fitness and leisure
Better is a not for profit charitable social enterprise which aims to deliver top quality fitness and leisure, libraries and performing arts facilities for everyone. Find out more about Better's leisure centres and sports offer in Waltham Forest.
ACE Outdoor Fitness provide friendly fitness classes, based in Highams Park. Sessions include a mixture of cardio, strength and conditioning work and all abilities and fitness levels are welcome to attend.
ACE Outdoor Fitness coaches, Adi Hewitt, Chris Hewitt and Ellen Dace have all received the Feel Good Mark in recognition of their high quality coaching.
Our Parks offers free, group exercise classes in local parks, including Lloyd Park (E17), Langthorne Park (E11), Ridgeway Park (E4) and Leyton Jubilee Park (E10).
Email: getfitnow@ourparks.org.uk
Kate Purcell has practised Hatha yoga for over 15 years. She offers a weekly class in Leytonstone, an an online Gentle Yoga session every Sunday.
Email: katepurcell66@gmail.com
Personal Trainers
Giulietta De Lissandri is a qualified Personal Trainer and a specialist wellness coach for women in their 40s plus. Sessions take place in Lloyd Park and Thomas Gamuel Park, with muscle toning, cardio and resistance exercises, plus pelvic floor strengthening.
Email: gettasmetime@yahoo.com
Leah Jung runs circuit training classes at Leyton Jubilee Park for strengthening, toning, agility, motor skills, weight loss and flexibility stretching. She also offers regular online Zoom classes and one-hour personal training sessions.
Email: Leahs_nutrition_p.trainer1@aol.com
Football
AFC Leyton gives girls aged 3 plus and women the chance to play football in a safe and nurturing environment. The club aims to build confidence and ability on and off the pitch.
Email: secretary@afcleyton.co.uk
Interwood FC stands as a vibrant grassroots football club, led by ex-professional footballer Danny Bailey devoted to nurturing young talent between the ages of 7 and 16. Committed to instilling sportsmanship and skill development. The club provides a dynamic training environment for aspiring young footballers in the local community.
Email: interwoodfcic1977@gmail.com
Leyton Orient Walking Football Club was started in 2015 by enthusiasts. Now it has over 50s, over 60s, over 65s, and women's teams competing across south-east England.
Email: leytonorientwalkingfc@gmail.com
Ridgeway Rovers Football Club runs soccer sessions for children aged 6 plus, men and women. The club is based at Parmiters Sports Ground and Peter May Sports Centre.
Email: ridgewayroversfc@btinternet.com
Soccer Days offers fun football classes to boost the confidence and life skills of children aged 2 to 8 in Walthamstow.
Email: walthamforest@soccerdays.co.uk
WO Sports aims to promote healthy living and to build better lives through sport, nutrition and diet. Football can be harnessed to support communities and people.
Email: Info@wo-sports.co.uk
Youngers Football Club are a grassroots football club based in Walthamstow that delivers football and character development activities to children and young people.
Email: Youngersfc@hotmail.com
Coppermill Swifts Football Club aim is to provide an opportunity for all girls and boys to play football. We want to create a safe, fun and engaging environment in which each child is able to develop and improve their football skills.
Email: cjsloan1@yahoo.co.uk
Handball
Olympia Handball Club always welcome new players to the club. They have both a junior and adults section, providing competitive and training opportunities for members. Olympia Handball club are based in Leyton at the SCORE centre and are one of the most diverse handball clubs, with members from over 23 nationalities. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of ability and your first session is free.
Email: info@olympialondonhandball.co.uk
Hockey
Waltham Forest Hockey Club is a friendly and sociable hockey club who welcome players of all levels. It also has a youth section and disability programme, Forest Flyerz.
Email: growth@walthamforesthc.co.uk
Martial Arts
Leyton Tang Soo Do is a friendly community martial arts club. Sessions are on Wednesdays 6.45 to 8.30pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm at Leyton Parish Church Hall, Lindley Road, E10 6QT.
Email: m.islam@me.com
Mushin School of Karate runs classes for 4- to 16-year-olds in 8 different Japanese Martial Arts including Karate, Jujitsu, Judo and Kendo. Sessions are held at Henry Maynard Primary school, Addison Road, E17 9LT on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Email: mushinschoolofkarate@yahoo.co.uk
Roding School of Karate is a safe, friendly and fun environment for children and adults alike to develop self-confidence, fitness, stamina, self-discipline and respect for others. Get involved every Friday at New Road Methodist Church, Chingford at 5pm.
Email: robertfresco@talktalk.net
Shotokan Karate Club hosts karate classes throughout the week at Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre, for all levels. Everybody is welcome. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
Email: shotokarate.east@gmail.com
Gakusei Karate offers a range of classes including Combat, Self Defence and Karate. Based at Leyton Cricket Ground, there are sessions for all levels. They even offer a free two-week trial, so you try out as many classes as you like,
Elite Karate Club is based at the Walthamstow YMCA, an offers karate classes for children and adults of all abilities. Free trials are available for your first session.
Email: info@elitekarateclub.net
Dao Lu offers weekly sessions including Tai chi and other activities to the whole community for a healthier and calmer mind, body and lifestyle. Sessions are based across Waltham Forest as well as virtually and cater for all ages and experience.
Email: info@daolu.co.uk
Multi-Sports
Leyton Orient Trust runs health, wellbeing, educational attainment and life skills programmes in Waltham Forest in schools, higher education and community settings.
Email: enquiries@leytonorienttrust.org.uk
Sporting Pillars supports young people and the community using the power of sports. The group offers weekly football sessions at Score Centre in Leyton.
Email: sham.motin@sportingpillars.co.uk
Dalmage Active support the wider community on a larger scale to improve their health and wellbeing. They are dedicated to helping young people who struggle with academics to find a passion in sports as this helps to build their confidence and widen their career perspectives.
Email: admin@dalmageactive.co.uk
The Little Foxes Club offers football, tennis, rugby and multi-sports activities for boys and girls, from toddlers to early teens. Our fun, friendly and safe sessions are year-round, during term time and over the school holidays. All activities are energetic and engaging, and delivered in an organised, safe and inclusive environment by our professional, qualified coaching team.
Email: info@thelittlefoxesclub.com
Little Soccer Stars deliver fun football sessions in a friendly environment with great coaching where children can learn and develop new skills. Catering to a range of ages and abilities since 2009 with weekly sessions, mini-leagues, camps and LSS Academy.
Email: tolunay@littlesoccerstars.com
2 Percent Sports Group believes that a thriving community is built upon the active engagement and collaboration of its residents, businesses, and organisations. Through this community interest statement, they aim to create a positive and inclusive environment for all.
Email: 2percentsportsgroup@gmail.com
KDW Sports deliver fun football development sessions to primary school aged children, which aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for every child.
Email: welcometeam@kdwsportscoachinglimited.com
Netball
Phoenix Flames Netball Club is based at Frederick Bremer School in Walthamstow. Sessions for girls aged 11 plus, through to adult Back to Netball sessions.
Email: rianetballcoach@gmail.com
Rowing
Lea Rowing Club in Clapton welcomes people of all levels of experience from age 13 up, to row on the River Lea. Sessions include learn to row, junior and adult recreational and racing squads.
Email: secretary@learc.org.uk
Rugby
Paul Quill, from Viking Rugby, uses rugby to coach and inspire a new generation of players through local primary schools. For children aged 4 – 11.
Email: paul.quill@sky.com
Squash
Walthamstow Squash Club offers coaching for players of all levels, whether you're entirely new to squash - or a seasoned player looking to up your game.
Email: e17squash@gmail.com
Swimming
Gators, the Borough of Waltham Forest Swimming Club, is accredited by Swim England. It offers structured classes and competitive swimming trainers for all abilities, age 4 up. Training is based at the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, Chingford Leisure Centre, Leytonstone Leisure Centre and Feel Good Centre, Walthamstow.
Email: gatorstrials@gmail.com
Tennis
Chingford School of Tennis offers tennis provision for all, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, we have something to offer. We provide an all year round, all weather, playing, coaching and training facility.
Email: info@ten-ace.co.uk
Volleyball
Side Out Beach Volleyball Club welcomes players of all ages and abilities to join sessions at Leyton Beach. Group and Open Play training sessions are at Feel Good Too on all weekday evenings. The club also runs a junior programme for to 18 year olds.
Email: gabi@sideout.co.uk
Weight loss with Better
GLL has a free weight loss programme, which is available at all Better leisure centres and gyms in Waltham Forest. The main features of the weight loss plan include workshops on healthy eating, supervised gym sessions, free access to online classes and much more.
Please note the free weight loss programme can be accessed via referral from your GP and consists of weekly two-hour group sessions over 12 weeks. More information and full benefits can be found on Better Leisure Centre's website.
Outdoor Sports
The Leaside Trust provide a variety of exciting activities within an educational framework. They deliver inspiring and engaging outdoor activities to young people such as canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking, mountain biking, Nordic walking, orienteering, offsite trips and expeditions.
The minimum age to participate in our activities is 8 years old. Youth age range 8 to 19.
Email: info@leaside.co.uk
Silverthorn Bowling Club welcome new bowlers from members of the general public, ladies and gentlemen from ages 18 +. The club offer a great social side to their membership with bar facilities social game nights and indoor short mat bowling during our closed periods.
Email: silverthorn.bowls@gmail.com
Our Parks deliver free fitness and exercise classes to encourage inactive people to get moving. The sessions take place in four parks within Waltham Forest.
Email: getfitnow@ourparks.org.uk