Google Maps for Sports Fans: Locate Venues, Events and Training Routes in the UK

Got a match, a race or a training session coming up? Google Maps can help you find exactly where you need to be, quicker than scrolling through endless websites. In this guide we’ll walk through the most useful tricks, from searching for a local football pitch to creating a custom route for a long run.

Finding Sports Venues with Google Maps

Start by typing the sport you’re interested in followed by a location – for example, “tennis courts London”. Google will drop pins on every possible venue, along with ratings and opening hours. Click a pin to see photos, phone numbers and even whether the place is busy at the moment. If you want a specific club, just enter the name; the map will zoom straight to it.

When you’re looking for bigger events like a marathon or a rugby match, use the "Events" tab that appears after a search. It shows the official route, start‑point and nearby parking. You can also enable the "Live View" feature on your phone – it overlays walking directions on the camera feed, making it easy to navigate crowded streets.

Don’t forget the "Save" button. Add the venue to a custom list such as "My Training Spots" or "Weekend Games". The list lives in your Google account, so you can pull it up on any device, share it with teammates, or even export it as a CSV for a club spreadsheet.

Tips to Make the Most of Google Maps for Your Training

For runners and cyclists, the "Measure distance" tool is a lifesaver. Drop a pin at your start point, then trace the route you plan to follow. Google will show total distance, elevation gain and an estimated time based on your speed.

If you train in areas with spotty internet, download the map area for offline use. Open the venue’s page, tap the three‑dot menu and select "Download offline map". Your phone will keep giving you directions even when the signal drops.

Want to discover hidden gems like a quiet park or a community gym? Turn on the "Explore" tab and filter by "Parks", "Gyms" or "Outdoor activities". The suggestions are based on your location and recent searches, so you’ll see options you may have missed on a simple Google search.

Finally, share your route with friends. After you create a custom path, hit "Share" and send a link via WhatsApp or email. They can open it directly in Google Maps, see the same turn‑by‑turn directions, and even add their own notes.

With these tips, Google Maps becomes more than a navigation app – it turns into a personal sports hub. Whether you’re hunting a local basketball court, planning a weekend hike or tracking a city marathon, the map has you covered. Grab your phone, open Google Maps, and start exploring the sports scene around you today.