Shanghai 2009
Thursday, 23 July 2009 03:07
Written by Phil Boyle
Foreign sports leagues and clubs are growing at the same rate as their Chinese counterparts, albeit at a more amateur level. Just about every sport under the sun can be found in Shanghai today, from the snowy planes of the Quiksilver Snowboard school (Yingixing Skiiing Site – 3415 1788) and Shanghai Ice Hockey Club (www.icehockeyshanghai.com) to the expat classics of the Hash House Harriers (www.drunkendragonhhh.com and 137 6138 0687) and tennis (www.shanghaitennis.com).
Foreign sports leagues and clubs are growing at the same rate as their Chinese counterparts, albeit at a more amateur level. Just about every sport under the sun can be found in Shanghai today, from the snowy planes of the Quiksilver Snowboard school (Yingixing Skiiing Site – 3415 1788) and Shanghai Ice Hockey Club (www.icehockeyshanghai.com) to the expat classics of the Hash House Harriers (www.drunkendragonhhh.com and 137 6138 0687) and tennis (www.shanghaitennis.com).
Expat sports are seen as a great way to meet new groups of friends in Shanghai with the same interests. And it doesn’t just stop on the sports field -- expect to head to the nearest bar or restaurant afterwards, or in many cases the bar sponsor, for a few social beers. In fact, if you never want to leave the bar why not join the darts league (www.shanghaidarts.com) or regular pool tournaments across Shanghai’s bar scene?
Across the broad range of sports available, you’ll be surprised by the variety of levels, from just a few guys getting together to for a game of Squash (
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
) to what has become established as the strongest Expatriate soccer league in Asia (www.eteams.com/sifl).
There are two 11-a-side soccer leagues to choose from, encompassing around 30 teams and a diverse group of plaerys from almost every nation on the planet. Playing every Saturday in Tianma is the Shanghai International Football League (SIFL), widely recognized as one of the strongest foreign leagues in Asia. The Sunday league (www.shanghaipremierleague.com) follows the same format, but with a more pedestrian approach. Both leagues turn out teams at tournaments across Asia, where Shanghai has a reputation as being the city to beat.
Golf is also hugely popular and easy to get involved in. Many of the popular expat-style bars organize golf days throughout the year, so keep your eyes open in the likes of Big Bamboo and Malone’s for notice boards with special golf days. The Chambers of Commerce all have their very own golf days throughout the year.
There are big popular expat community events that take place annually in Shanghai too. Every September the Shanghai International Sixes (www.shanghaicricketclub.org) takes place with special guests that in 2008 included the likes of Ian Botham and Merv Hughes. Then there’s the annual International Rugby Sevens tournament (www.rugbyinshanghai.com) in the same month – a sport that is growing rapidly in Shanghai with both touch and contact versions played each week. Every June there is the Annual Ultimate Frisbee Tournament (www.shanghai-ultimate.com), with 2009 being its 11 year anniversary and inviting over 300 participants from teams all over Asia to take part.
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
