Sports around the world

UK

Football is the most popular spectator sport in the UK. The best English teams play in the Premier League. Some teams from Wales can also compete in the English leagues, but teams from Scotland and Northern Ireland play in separate leagues. Teams in the English leagues can also compete for the FA Cup. It's the oldest football competition in the world.

Teams that often win the Premier League are Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

USA

The most popular spectator sport in the USA is American football. The most important match is the Superbowl. About 90 million Americans watch it on TV on Superbowl Sunday. Famous stars like Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake sing at the Superbowl.

People in the USA eat about 5 millon kilos of crisps and 3.6 million kilos of guacamole on Superbowl Sunday!

Canada

Ice hockey is Canada's most popular spectator sport. It's a national passion! The most important competition is the Stanley Cup. Hockey teams from the USA can also compete. Lots of Canadians play hockey or go ice skating in their free time too. There are about 100 ice rinks in the city of Toronto!

About 500,000 Canadians are in hockey teams.

Level: Beginner

Book: Switch 1

Year: 2010

Cool Sports!

Capoeira

Capoeira is a very popular sport in Brazil. It's a combination of dance, acrobatics and martial arts. In capoeira, everyone sings or plays music in a big circle. Then people take turns dancing together in pairs.

 

Ultimate

Ultimate is a team sport from the USA. It's similar to football, but you play it with a plastic disc. It's a fast sport because the players have only got ten seconds to throw the disc. People sometimes play this sport indoors.

 

Sepak takraw

Sepak takraw is a popular team sport in many parts of Asia. It's a combination of volleyball and football. The players hit a small ball over a net. They can use their heads, legs and feet, but they can't use their hands.

It's important to be safe when you do sport:

1. Protect yourself. Wear the right protective equipment.
2. Warm up first. Do some easy exercises to get started.
3. Drink water. Your body needs water. It keeps you cool.
4. Be careful. Play in safe areas. Don't play in the street.

Level: Beginner

Book: Switch 1

Year: 2010