Sports Clubs in Wapping
By Elliot Shimmin (with support from OpenAI Deep Research).
Last updated 5 March 2025
John Orwell Sports CentreBelow is a table of active sports clubs for adults that meet in Wapping. The list may not be comprehensive, but its a good place to start. There are plenty more clubs that meet in Southwark and elsewhere in Tower Hamlets.
You can scroll the table to the right.
Sport | Club Name (link) | Meeting Times | Meeting Location (Wapping) | Skill Level / Requirements | Cost | Sign‑up Process |
Hockey | Training on weeknights; league matches on Saturdays. “Back to Hockey” beginner sessions every other Monday 7:30–8:30pm. | John Orwell Sports Centre (Tench St, Wapping) (home astroturf; higher teams play at Lee Valley). | All levels welcome (from complete beginners to national league players); adults (18+). | ~£275/year membership (adult) plus ~£10 per match. New joiners get first year at ~£200. “Back 2 Hockey” sessions are free for newcomers | Contact the club via the online Join Us form (or email) on the website to get involved. New players can also drop into a free Back2Hockey session to try it out. | |
Volleyball | Club night every Tuesday 7:20pm–10:00pm (mixed social play for all club members). Team training and league matches on other days (seasonal schedule). | John Orwell Sports Centre (Tench St, Wapping)(indoor court). | Adult players of all abilities (multiple men’s & women’s teams compete in regional leagues, plus social sessions) – beginners welcome at the Tuesday social play. | £25 per year club membership; then £5 per session for members (Tuesday open session) or £8 as a non-member drop-in. | Download the membership form and bring it to a club session to sign up. (You can also contact the club via their website or social media for inquiries.) Once a member, just turn up on Tuesday nights to play. | |
Running | Wapping Running Club (community group) | Group run every Tuesday at 6:45pm (about 5km distance). | Meet at Wapping Gardens (behind the Turk’s Head pub). Route is around Wapping/Thames path. | All abilities welcome – it’s a friendly social run (no specific pace requirement). Adults only. | Free (no membership fee). | No formal sign-up required – simply show up at the meeting point on Tuesday evening and introduce yourself. (For updates or community info, see their Instagram/Facebook; new runners are always welcome.) |
Taekwondo | Adult classes on Monday & Thursday evenings 8:20–9:20pm. Additional all-levels class on Saturdays 11:00am–12:00pm | John Orwell Sports Centre | Ages 14+; all fitness levels and beginners welcome (no prior experience needed – just loose clothing) | First trial class is free for new members. Thereafter, students pay monthly/class fees and an annual TAGB membership (contact club for current rates). | Arrange the trial lesson via the website. Important: The club announced it is closing, so you may be referred to their affiliated classes in Mile End. | |
Kayaking / Canoeing | Tower Hamlets Canoe Club (THCC) | Club paddling night every Tuesday year-round, meeting at 6:30pm (sessions typically run until ~9pm, followed by an optional social in the local pub ). Occasional weekend trips and training courses as arranged. | Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre (Glamis Rd, Wapping E1W) – sheltered open-water basin and Thames river access. | Must be over 18 and able to swim 50m (with buoyancy aid). Beginners welcome via the club’s monthly 4-week induction course (introductory training). Experienced paddlers (BC 2* / “Explore” level or above) can join after a skills assessment at a taster session. All abilities beyond basic criteria are accommodated (the club offers training from novice to advanced white-water/sea kayaking). | £60/year club membership (waged; £30 unwaged) + £60/year Shadwell Basin facility fee. Beginners induction course has a one-time fee (varies by season). Experienced paddler taster session costs £15. All equipment is provided. | Beginners: book a place on the next monthly induction course via the club’s website (advance booking required). Experienced paddlers: sign up for a monthly taster/assessment session (£15). After induction or passing the assessment, you can register as a full member (sign up on the club forum and pay the membership fees). Club members meet every Tue at 6:30pm; just come down with gear (or a change of clothes) and join in once you’re enrolled. |
There are other non-club based sports/activities available at the John Orwell Sports Centre, inc. group fitness, tennis, table tennis, netball, basketball, and plenty more for kids.