When it comes to getting active, nothing’s more inspiring than joining a sports group. It’s easy to shirk off a quick kick about in the garden, but things feel more serious when you have a team. What’s more, this can be a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and put your love of sports into practice.

Of course, it does take a great deal of courage to join a club like this. It’s normal to feel nervous before your first meeting Your sporting ability is, after all, going to come into question. And, that can be stressful when you’re the new one on the block. But, you don’t have to stew in your fear for the preceding weeks. Instead, you’d be better off taking active steps to prepare. This also has the benefit of ensuring you’re as good as you can be. But, what do you need to do?

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Know what you have to take

First, speak to your group leader so you know what to take. Ask whether players provide their own football uniforms or get given them. Find out whether you take clubs along with you, or use the ones on offer. One thing’s for sure; turning up without the right equipment will be an instant mark against you. You’ll be like the new kid who forgot their kit. In case you hadn’t realized, that’s not the first impression you want to give your team members. Instead, be prepared. Write a checklist of everything you need, and pack your kit well in advance, so you know you’ve got this under control. When you know you’re ready as can be, those nerves may ease at least a little.

Plenty of practice

It’s also worth getting plenty of practice in during the lead-up. It may seem strange to practice for your practice, but you’ll be glad you took this step. This is especially important if you don’t play many sports. During your group sessions, it’s likely you’ll all be doing pretty strenuous stuff. Don’t turn up unfit and unable to complete the tasks. You want your teammates to see what you can do. And, the best way to ensure that is to get your body ready in advance. Start small and build these efforts up until you feel you can comfortably face the sessions ahead of you.

Speak with your teammates

There’s a good chance you already have some idea of who else will be on your team. It may even be that you met them when you signed up to take part. If possible, then, it’s worth reaching out and speaking together before you start playing. After all, team sports are all about teamwork. If you don’t all have some connection, you may struggle to make this work. So, taking time out to meet up for a meal and a chat could make a massive difference to how you operate on the field. Plus, you’re sure to earn brownie points for having the initiative to arrange something like this.