The Central City Roller Girls is a team on the forefront of the global phenomenon of roller derby…read more They're relatively new, but have aggressively pursued greatness and recently were recognized as the #2 team in Europe. They take beginners and train them. They have multiple teams and play all over the UK. Their home base is in Birmingham. Their bouts are high energy and exciting. centralcityrollergirls@blueyonder.co.uk It's interesting to see the number of mothers on the team. One corner of the arena seems to be a playland of mothers and their children.

For my daughters 8th birthday i took her and some friends to watch CCR in a bout. I was nervous…read morethat the kids may get bored.... how wrong i was, to be worrying! Feedback from parents was that their kids won't stop talking about it! I bought each of the girls a lovely pin badge and sticker, from the merch stall (instead of the usual goody bag of tat) and when given them at the end of the day, they all handled them like they'd been given a piece of treasure, which was lovely to see. One mum has reported back to me that her daughter is wearing hers everyday. To top it off, the birthday girl said it was the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER. From my perspective, the day out to watch CCR, went down a treat because the children could watch when and as much as they wanted to yet still play and be typical kids. Not many places they are allowed to do that! As soon as we walked in everyone was very welcoming and friendly, one lady brought colouring sheets of roller derby players and a huge box of crayons over to the kids, whilst another chap brought extra chairs out for us. Right at the end everyone lined up so the derby players could roll past and slap their hands... the hand slaps went down a treat, you'd think the kids hand all just shook hands with royalty! The CCR girls went out of their way to give my youngest (2yr old) mini slaps, kudos from me and the grandparents there it was so cute! There was just a wonderful atmosphere, buzzing, lively, fun, friendly! Even my parents really enjoyed it, now they want to go back to watch more and at first they weren't going to come with us at all! Under 12s were free to get in, I only had to pay for the adults which worked out at about five quid each having bought online in advance. There were cupcakes for sale, a raffle, merch stalls for the different teams and a skate hut stall selling all sorts of bits and bobs for any skaters needs. There were vending machines in the sports centre for buying drinks but we took bottles of juice in and snacks to. I knew my best friend and I would enjoy the day, we have all our outdoor skate gear and so far have managed to wobble up and down the hall lol. Me far more pathetically than she. I need to hurry up and let myself fall, so I can get over the fear! We were both oozing friendly jealousy at the awesomeness of the skating from CCR We have been inspired to get on and learn properly by taking advantage of the lessons offered by CCR, on a Saturday. This really is a sport for any age, wether you be watching on the side lines and cheering the skaters on. Or if you want to strap some skates on your feet and have a go yourself.... Go for it, I promise you won't regret it. Especially within such a lovely environment full of skilled, friendly folks.

Another fine sport venue in Birmingham with plenty of history to be discovered. Edgbaston Priory…read moreClub is dated from 130 years ago but the currently facility is a complex dated from 1964, as a result of the merger between two traditional clubs: Edgbaston Law Tennis Club and Priory Lawn Tennis Club. Edgbaston Priory Club also hosts some important competition such as AEGON Classic and the traditional WTA Tour stop. Placed in a very privileged area of Birmingham, this very modern club has 29 tennis courts, 10 squash courts, indoors and outdoors swimming pools, a fitness centre, bar and restaurant and it's considered one of the largest and most popular racquet and leisure clubs in UK.

Been going here for 11 years. It has just recently (2013) renovated, and is more awesome than ever…read more There are two swimming pools, over 10 squash courts, many tennis courts, two restaurants, and much more. They give lessons of squash, tennis and swimming. The service in priory is just amazing. It's like one big family. It is VERY children-friendly-my son goes there for his swimming lessons on his own- and my whole family go on Sundays to swim in the pool. We also do squash. Once you are a member, you can book out squash courts, tennis courts, get points when you buy food, get deals on lessons, and children even get their own card to buy food with (only if you want them to), get themselves into the place by scanning their card (my daughter feels like a secret agent scanning her card into the machine). Overall, priory is one of the best leisure clubs around Birmingham. I would definitely recommend this place.

I've recently joined this gym as it's conveniently locate opposite my work. While the building…read moreitself from e outside may look a little worn, it's not like that on the inside! As you enter, you have the reception desk in front with the gym area to your left, and swimming pool off to your right. The gym is full of equipment for cardio work and has a huge weights area. I've always managed to use the equipment I want and it's very modern. If you want you can charge your iPhone and watch/listen the television on your own treadmill. This is also available on the bikes. There is a separate room of weights we well, where you can have larger weights on the machines. And, much to my liking, a separate women's only section (at certain times) which has treadmills, cross trainers, bikes and weights. I've been in here four times this week and most of the time I'm the only person (I go around 4pm). I've been before at 6pm and while it was busy, I was able to do my full routine without having to hang around waiting for a machine. The swimming pool is 25m pool (I think). There are changing rooms right on the pool as well so no need to go far! There is lanes swimming and while it can get busy (at lunch) between lunch and the end of the work day it gets quiet. There are classes you can do which may or may not be included in your package but you can pay per class. You can only book classes on the day, so the best way is to reserve your space first thing in the morning. There's yoga, Zumba and even HIIT. The changing rooms have lockers, showers and toilets. There are also additional lockers near the gym as well; all require a pound to operate, which you get back. The staff are very helpful and willing to show you how to work the machines should you forget (like me). I really like it here and if nothing else, it's got me going to gym mor regularly. I paid £300 upfront for the year, which works out to £25pm so it's well worth it!

Bloss as its affectionately known is the place where I used to play tennis many years ago. It…read morecontains 7 tennis courts, two of which are fairly new but the rest are really ageing. It also has a football pitch and a place to play bowls. There is also a very old little pub attached to it. My memory of it is being kicked off tennis courts by older members who thought they were more important than us. Unfortunately you don't have much choice of where to play tennis so this is one of the best courts in the area unless you can afford David Lloyd which is also nearby. On most days you can play just by turning up and there is no one there so there is little need to book a court. Its a nice place but its really badly managed and unfortunately I can't see it improving in the future.

A fantastically welcoming social and sports club…read more I had been told about the place by a friend and decided to stop in to see what the fuss was about. First impressions; the facilities they have are brilliant. There is a beautiful cricket pitch, several impressive Tennis courts, a stunning bowls green, to name but a few. There is a large function room with its own access to the bar. Upon entering the bar you immediately feel welcomed and pick up the vibes of this homely environment. All of the members were extremely welcoming and more than happy to answer any of my questions. I understand that 'The Bloss' also boasts several highly competitive Hockey teams. Along with a Chess and Petanque league. There is also a Drama section, for any budding thespians! A Darts board, Pool table or (like me!) if you just simply fancy a pint or two then this is a fantastic find, the beer prices are the cheapest in Solihull, easily! This is an easy 5 star review and I will certainly be using this Social/Sports club in the future.

Formed in the 1860s and known by members as the Archery rather than the less catchy EALTS this…read moretennis club has quite a history and boasts that is one of the oldest lawn tennis club in the world. The facilities are varied and include a mixture of grass and shale courts as well as 2 floodlit artificial grass courts and the club is open to single sex and mixed teams, seniors and juniors. It has 2 LTA licensed coaches who offer individual or group lessons to all ages and abilities. Best of all the grounds are beautiful - they're situated practically next door to the Botanical Gardens and it shows.

Me and a friend went to Temple Martial Arts as a bit of a giggle after we were handed a flyer in…read moretown. I am so glad we went down now, we were really looked after when we got there and had a fab lesson with Jess! Pretty cool to have a female black belt show you how its done! The classes are lots of fun and we've made tons of friends since we've been there.. but best of all I can fit into my skinny jeans again! :) Would recommend it to everyone (and do to anyone who will listen!!), whether you want to get fit, learn some really cool self defence moves, that actually work! or just for something fun and different to do!

What a gem of a place!…read more The two girls who work there are just so lovely. Always smiling, always happy to help out. Temple really is a refreshing change from all the other "macho, we're gonna kick your head in" places you find in Brum Centre. Simon, the chief instructor is mature, respectful, kind and an awesome tutor. I really cannot, having had bad experiences at other city centre academies, say a bad word about Temple. Well done guys!

A good gym. Showers, protein shakes on sale with various flavors or will be made for you if you…read moreask, protein bars, Seating area, mirrors to aid you with your personalized work out, free weights, machine weights, pictures of the owner who competes himself, such fashions such as t shirts, tracksuits wrist weights for the weights, punch bags, environment is a masculine one so if you ain't in there to go hard, go home just the little things you will need to aid you for a full body work out. 45 bus stop that goes to and from town is on the door step plus an amateur boxing gym next door. Local shops further up the road and kings norton train station.

An impressive gym for people who want to 'pamp ze iron'. I've been here once and it has a…read morecomprehensive amount weights and weights machines to a small range of cardio machines. The owner competes himself so I imagine he's confident in the quality of the gym-equipment he's supplying. They sell protein shakes, bar, tees, tracksuits etc. It is mainly a heavy-lifters gym, so if you had a dainty jog in mind or some pseudo-fitness-hype-fad-trash, you won't get it here. You'll get heavy, focused, no-nonsense training for power, mass, strength and supreme fitness. It's a good gym. Period.

Midland is as about as friendly as it gets for a sailing club…read more OK, I admit it's my home club and I am biased, but I am not the only one who says so, all the members do, and that MUST be a good sign. There is nothing like a sailing club for a sense of friendship and community, people from all walks of life, of all ages and 'varieties', all sharing a common love of the water and 'messing about in boats'. Be honest, how often do you find that in the middle of a big city? For you competitive types (OK I put my hand up!), there is racing on Saturdays throughout the year, whatever the weather...only the ice stops the Midland crew from the starting gun...and Wednesday evenings during the more inclement seasons. If you watched Ben Ainslie become the most celebrated Olympic sailor in 2012 and wondered what it was all about, there are plenty of training courses on offer to find out for yourself. With club boats for hire for less than a pint (that's the price of a pint in town, not in the club bar) you can throw away any assumptions about sailing being for the rich. A particular shout out goes to the junior training sessions where all ages are welcome, from 'cheeky little monkeys' to stroppy 'I hate everything' teens, on Saturday mornings, catering for complete beginners to those who fancy their chances as the next Ben. Kids are coached by sailors who compete in national and international championships. But, more importantly, the sessions are run by volunteers who love nothing better to pass on their passion for sailing and make it FUN. Check out this little video for a taste of the variety of stuff that goes on on Edgbaston Reservoir, I bet you'll be surprised http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n5bGismfEY.