The historic town of Loughborough is home to an impressive number of sports clubs as well as a university that is revered for its sporting prowess. Although it can no longer boast a professional football club, Loughborough RFC plays at Derby Road and there are other societies for netball, tennis, cricket and swimming.
The Japanese Olympic team chose Loughborough to be their base for the 2012 games, and this has helped secure Loughborough's place on the UK's sporting map. A large student population combined with a good number of permanent residents means that there's no shortage of sports shops to supply pretty much whatever the amateur sportsman or woman needs.
Whilst big chains like JJB Sports occupy The Rushes Shopping Centre, if you travel just a little further afield you will discover some great independent retailers like Running Fox on Ashby Road that offers running shoes, clothing, gait analysis and much more. Similarly, Talent Cricket is based in Loughborough and provides one of the most extensive ranges of cricket gear you'll find anywhere.
