Sporting life in Hertford
Hertford boasts a vibrant sporting community, with a wide range of clubs and activities available for all ages. Local, community-based clubs offer opportunities for both children and adults to enjoy various sports throughout the year. Hartham Park serves as one of the town’s main hubs of activity, featuring tennis courts and the Hartham Leisure Centre, which provides swimming facilities, a modern gym, and a variety of fitness classes.
Hertford Town FC
Hertford Town Football Club is based at Hertingfordbury Park and competes in the Southern League. The club’s state-of-the-art 3G facility is also home to the Women’s team and Hertford Town Youth, making it the hub of football activity in the town. The ground is open most days, hosting matches and training sessions throughout the week. In addition, the club is available for private hire, providing a unique venue for special events and football-themed birthday parties.
Hertford Rugby Club
Hertford Rugby Football Club (RFC) team is based in nearby Ware. The club fields five senior sides, a full range of junior teams, and a women’s section that includes three teenage squads. The First XV currently compete in Regional 1 South East. Throughout its history, the club played at six different venues before settling at its current home on Hoe Lane in 1949. In 1972, the club adopted its present name, Hertford RFC.
Hertford Hockey Club
Hertford Hockey Club, founded in 1987 and based at Balls Park, is one of Hertfordshire’s fastest-growing and friendliest clubs. With over 500 members across 11 senior teams and a thriving junior programme, the club offers hockey for all — from beginners to experienced players — supported by excellent facilities and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Hertford Tennis Club
Hertford Lawn Tennis Club (LTC) is proud to be a friendly, family-focused club offering tennis for all ages and abilities.
The Club’s Junior Section provides coaching, match play, tournaments, and social events for players up to 18, helping young players develop skills in a fun and supportive setting.
Adult members enjoy social tennis on weekday mornings, evenings, and Sunday afternoons, with opportunities to join club teams, leagues, and competitions throughout the year.
Hertford's Hartham Park
Hartham Common is a large, well-established public open space located in the heart of Hertford. It features wildlife-rich river corridors, cattle-grazed meadows, and a network of paths, along with a variety of recreational facilities. The site is owned and managed by East Herts Council.
A wide range of activities and events take place at Hartham Common, including tennis, swimming, running, Sunday football matches, fishing, canoeing, and other watersports on the nearby River Lea.
Hertford Canoe Club
Herts Canoe Club was founded in the 1970s. Over the years, the club has continued to grow and evolve, welcoming new volunteers whose fresh ideas have helped shape its direction. One thing, however, has always remained the same: its commitment to making paddlesports accessible to everyone. Based in Hartham Park, on the edge of the River Lea, the club continues to be a welcoming hub for paddlers of all abilities.