Shanghai Expat Clubs

You go to the gym late at night after a long day at work. You find your old treadmill and start your routine; your iPod is tuned to the same music, drowning out the repetitive hammering of your trainers as you speed up on the never-ending black path. You chuck back your bottle of water, stumble off the machine, wipe the perspiration off your face, and head home half an hour later, no farther than where you started. You say to yourself, "There has to be a better way to work out."

There is, indeed! Shanghai has a plethora of expat sports groups and leagues to meet your demand for fitness as well as your desire to socialize. Sports clubs and leagues provide a fun alternative to the bright glare of the gym. You'll have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and take in the (sometimes) fresh air.

Aussie Rules Football: The Shanghai Tigers

Australian Rules Football, often known as Aussie Rules, is a quick and action-packed sport that emerged from the concepts, tactics, and techniques of football, rugby, and Gaelic football.

The Shanghai Tigers are looking for players of all ages and skills. They train at Shanghai Rugby Football Club once a week on Saturdays from 12 pm to 2 pm. They compete in interclub competitions as well as the Asian Champs, a regional competition.

Cricket: Bashers Cricket Club

This is the classic gentleman's game. Teams are divided into three categories: high quality, social standard, and novices. The club spirit is about friendships, beer, tea, and scones as much as it is about cricket.

Weekly training is held at the tennis court at San He Gardens on Yanping Lu on Thursday nights from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by social drinks at Big Bamboo. On Saturdays, matches are hosted in Pudong.

Gaelic Football: Shanghai Saints and Sirens

Gaelic Football, Ireland's national sport, blends football and rugby abilities and techniques. The objective of the game is to kick or ‘strike' the ball through your goal and score more goals than your opponent. It has been played in Shanghai since 2002, and its popularity has skyrocketed.

The Saints and Sirens are presently preparing for the Asian Gaelic Games in Bangkok, which will take place in October.

Training sessions are held twice a week, on Tuesday nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Luwan Stadium and on Saturday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Shanghai Rugby Football Club.

Hockey: Shanghai Hockey Club

Since 2003, the Shanghai Hockey Club has competed in international competitions. The team competes in both a Shanghai-based league and regional hockey competitions.

The Club meets once a week on Saturday afternoons at the Minhang District's National Field Hockey Stadium. Because O' Malley's sponsors the team, post-match reflections are directed back to them!

Rugby: The Hairy Crabs

Since the early 1900s, rugby has been played in Shanghai. The Hairy Crabs are currently a member of a formalized Asian league that includes clubs from China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

Players of all ages and skills are encouraged to participate in their rugby love. They train twice a week at Huo Che Tou Stadium from 8pm to 10pm on Mondays and Thursdays, and play matches on Saturdays at SRFC throughout the year.

Running: Hash House Harriers

The Hash House Harriers, founded in 1986, bill themselves as "A Drinking Club with a Running Problem." This group meets once a week on Sunday afternoons to run 8 to 12 kilometers. They refill their fluids with large amounts of beer once they've crossed the finish line.

Touch Football: Shanghai Touch and the Sassy Shrimps

Touch Football is a contact-free sport that evolved from rugby. The game replaces tackles with "touches," and the side with the most tries wins. Touch is a fun game for men and women of all ages and abilities to play.

Tuesday nights and Saturday afternoons are dedicated to Shanghai Touch.

On October 31st, the Shanghai International Touch Tournament will take place. You may join a team for the forthcoming event by registering today. Men's, mixed, master (35 years and up), women's, and juniors teams and individuals are invited to compete in one of five divisions.