what having a place in sports actually looks like
exploring why more people belong in sports than they think, and what that can look like for you
You don’t need to be an expert to belong in sports, and I think more people need to hear that.
Picture this:
It’s a Saturday morning, you’re heading to a run club, matcha in hand, looking forward to having an active morning. Or maybe it’s Sunday, you’re on the couch with a game on in the background.
Maybe it’s something else entirely.
And honestly, if none of that matches what you think of when you hear “sports,” it actually doesn’t have to.
Because being part of the sports world doesn’t look one way.
It can be playing, watching, or just building a lifestyle around movement and being active in your own way.
And I think that matters more than we realize.
Because for a lot of people, the hardest part isn’t interest, it’s access.
There aren’t many spaces that actually teach you how to get into a sport, how to follow it, understand it, or feel part of it. So most people assume it’s not for them.
But the truth is, you don’t really learn sports from a manual. You learn by being around it, watching it, by picking things up over time and by talking about it with other people. By being part of the environment, even if you don’t fully get it yet.
Also, sports fans are actually some of the most welcoming people. Every game I’ve been to, every person i’ve interacted with online, there’s always been someone willing to answer a question or explain what’s going on.
And that’s what I want this to be, a way in.
When the barrier to entry is low, people are more willing to try.
And once they try, they start to understand. They recognize players, follow storylines, get familiar with the game.
What starts as just showing up for the vibes slowly turns into real interest.
That’s how people become fans, not all at once, but over time.
Weekend Report isn’t traditional. I probably won’t ever be here breaking down stats or analyzing every play because I care more about the experience of it.
Like this year, I 100% plan on going to the US Open, trying the food, getting the iconic honey deuce cocktail, and walking through all the brand activations.
Do I know much about tennis? Not really, but I don’t really need to.
It’s proof you don’t need to know everything to be part of that.
Even knowing a little bit, like recognizing a player, following a team, understanding the basics, can open the door to connection with your friends, your family, even complete strangers.
It gives you something to talk about, share, and be part of.
Most of the time, I’m learning too, reading Substacks from people who actually know the game and picking things up as I go.
Like I enjoy watching basketball, but I still have to search “what’s a backcourt again?” (other than it being in the back of the court…?).
And somehow, I still ended up making sports one of the main topics of these letters.
I also think sports are meant to be experienced, kind of like wellness.
For some people, the two are one. But I hope Weekend Report is a reminder that living sports matters just as much as watching them.
There’s a whole world around it, and it’s just as interesting. I promise, sometimes it’s even more interesting than your reality TV show (I mean… remember the Luka Doncic trade situation?).
But anyway, you don’t need to know anything to wear a cute outfit and sip a honey deuce by a tennis court with your friends.
However you choose to show up, it still counts.
And if you’re already deep into sports (I admire you!), you definitely don’t need this. But if you want to learn a little more (or convince your friend to), I’m sharing a few resources below.
Simple intro videos for the NFL and NBA, these are very much for the girls, but honestly, they made learning funny and way more fun.
Feel free to send this to the person you’ve been trying to convince to go to a game.
And if you ever feel intimidated by the sports jargon, I’ll be saving you a seat (and a snack) at my table.
I love this! As a girl who doesn’t know much about sports, you really make it sound so fun! 💕💕💕
Love this. Your adventures in sports is so exploratory. You walk in with a boldness that says “I know why I’m here” but balance that with a curiosity, like you’re asking “what keeps fans here”
I enjoy the way you approach sports. Like a travel blog. An experience to be had.