Daily News Lesson Collection: Sports Stories
Did you know that Engoo offers free study materials for English learners? Our most popular type is Daily News, lessons based on real news stories from around the world.
In this article, we've collected 10 lessons about sports, including everything from volleyball to basketball — and maybe even one that's new to you!
In addition to the main story, each lesson includes a useful list of related vocabulary and discussion questions you can chat about with a tutor. Let's go!
A Giant of the Sport: The Lionel Messi Story
Level 5: Intermediate
Some athletes are so famous that they've become "household names," even for people who aren't big sports fans. Lionel Messi, a soccer player from South America, is one of them.
In this lesson, learn about his history and what makes him such a special athlete.
Japanese Snowboarder Lands World's First '2340' Trick
Level 6: Intermediate
The X Games is a series of competitions in sports that aren't quite as popular as ones like baseball and soccer. But the events are just as exciting — and the athletes are just as impressive.
This lesson is about a unique trick that has put a young man from Japan into the history books.
Filipino Volleyball Sees Spike in Support
Level 6: Intermediate
Is volleyball a popular sport in your country? When you think about it, do you imagine one gender playing it more than another?
In the Philippines, volleyball has been gaining lots of new fans in recent years — but not all of the players are getting the same amount of attention.
Kawamura, NBA’s Shortest Player, Winning Fans in US
Level 6: Intermediate
Most people think of super-tall athletes when they imagine NBA players. However, you don't have to be big to play basketball — especially if you have skills that make up for your lack of height.
In this lesson, learn about how one player is working to do his best despite being smaller than his teammates and rivals.
How Padel Became the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport
Level 6: Intermediate
Have you ever heard of padel? There are many people who haven't — but that number is shrinking rapidly.
Although padel isn't a new sport, it's gaining popularity around the world. Read to learn how it's played and why so many people are discovering it now.
Australian Open Uses Avatars to Stream Live Tennis
Level 7: Advanced
If you had a choice, would you prefer to watch real athletes play a game or digital versions of them?
The organizers of a major tennis competition are trying to attract new viewers by streaming matches in both forms. Which do you think is more popular?
Onosato Becomes Sumo’s New Grand Champion
Level 7: Advanced
Sumo is officially Japan's national sport — but if you look at the top sumo wrestlers in recent years, you might be surprised by who you see.
Because of this, the sport's newest champion is unique in a way that's a bit ironic.
New Rugby Tournament Gets Qatari Sponsorship Deal
Level 7: Advanced
Unlike nations like New Zealand and England, Qatar may not be a country you think of when talking about rugby. However, that may start to change now that the Middle Eastern nation will be sponsoring a new international competition.
What does this mean for the sport and for Qatar itself? Read to learn about some popular ideas and theories.
17-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Darts World Champion
Level 7: Advanced
You might be shocked to learn just how early in his life Luke Littler began playing darts. But all of his practice paid off when he broke the record for the youngest person to win the world title.
Littler's fame isn't limited to only the world of darts players, however.
Drama On and Off Field as Eagles Win Super Bowl
Level 8: Advanced
American football's Super Bowl is a big deal for several reasons. But 2025's edition was especially interesting for things that happened before and during the game that weren't related to the competition between the two teams at all.
(If you'd like to learn more about the Super Bowl and why it's so important in American culture, you can read about it here.)
Wrap-up
This is only a small sample of the thousands of Daily News lessons available. So even if sports aren't your hobby, you can find something that appeals to you.
We encourage you to do a search until you find something you like — then study it together with an Engoo tutor!
