Anime is now one of the UK’s fastest-growing clubs, with searches for ‘anime club’ up 44% since 2023, according to new data.
The hobby has overtaken traditional sports in online popularity, reflecting a shift toward interest-led and creative extracurricular activities.
The term ‘anime club’ now attracts 119,410 average monthly searches, 57% higher than sports clubs, which ranked sixth with 75,910 searches.
Together with games clubs, anime-related activities generate more than 230,000 monthly searches, signalling strong demand for social spaces built around shared interests rather than competitive performance.
The rise mirrors the growing mainstream popularity of Japanese animation and gaming culture among younger audiences.
Roughly 60% of 13 to 17-year-olds identify as anime fans, with the report highlighting that the genre plays a ‘meaningful’ role in self-identity for 40% of them, whilst 30% say it has even influenced their ‘outlook’ on life.
While music and book clubs remain the top two most-searched activities, anime’s position near the top highlights a cultural shift in how families view enrichment, with hobby-led and fandom-based communities increasingly gaining ground on conventional physical activities.
Matt Routledge, Deputy Head Academic at Wycliffe College, said: “Extracurricular activities play a vital role in a child’s development. They’re not just a way to fill time after school, they’re where young people build confidence, discover their interests and develop the social and life skills that stay with them far beyond the classroom.
Parents are increasingly looking for clubs that feel purposeful and engaging, whether that’s music, reading, creative arts or shared hobbies. When children find something they genuinely enjoy, they’re far more likely to thrive.”
Education experts say interest-led clubs such as anime can help students build confidence, develop communication skills, and find belonging through shared passions.
With families spending an average of £69.14 per week on after-school provision, the findings reflect a move towards more personalised enrichment experiences.
While some parents may associate anime and gaming with increased screen time, educators say structured clubs provide valuable social and creative benefits when delivered in a supervised environment.
Unsure about anime or gaming clubs? Here’s what parents should know
As anime and gaming clubs grow in popularity, experts advise parents to:
1. Recognise the skills behind the screen – Anime and gaming communities often involve storytelling, design, strategy, critical thinking and collaboration. Many clubs include creative writing, drawing, character design and group discussion, not just screen time.
2. Focus on community, not just content – Clubs provide structured, supervised environments where children can socialise around shared interests. For some pupils, these spaces feel more accessible than competitive sports.
3. Look for creative extensions – Anime interest can lead to art, digital illustration, costume design, animation, coding and even language learning. Encouraging children to explore these spin-offs can turn a hobby into a broader skill set.
4. Keep balance in mind – Like any extracurricular activity, moderation is key. A well-run club should complement schoolwork, physical activity and downtime rather than replace them.
5. Talk about what they’re watching or playing – Engagement builds understanding. Asking about favourite characters, storylines or game strategies can help parents connect and better assess content suitability.
6. Avoid dismissing it as ‘just a phase’ – Interest-led clubs often build confidence precisely because they centre on genuine enthusiasm. When children feel their interests are respected, participation and engagement increase.
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-drawing-on-a-bond-paper-6617288/
