We don’t doubt you’ve slowed things down on the sporting front over the past month. And who could blame you? Baking hot days, daytime fasting, and of course if you’re into team sports, there’s just no one around to play with (sob). But it’s time to pick things up again at last, and Duplays – the capital’s favourite sports community – has plenty of tournaments, leagues and groups ready for you to sign up to this season. Here’s what they’ve got coming up in the months ahead.
Beach Volleyball, Sandbox Social III League: Duplays say this six-a-side co-ed beach volleyball competition is their most social event, and it’s easy to see why – just talking about beach volleyball makes you feel like you’re on holiday. So if you fancy pretending your starring in the opening sequences of Home and Away, sign up for the 10-week season.
When: Teams play three 18-minute matches every Wednesday, 8pm-10pm
Tournament dates: September 28 – November 16
Cost: Dhs3,200 per team, or Dhs450 for individuals
Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche Sports Park
Beach volleyball, Inter-Hotel Cup League: Also held at the beach, this is the Duplays beach volleyball league for hotels and companies in the hospitality sector. Mixed six-a-side teams play at a competitive level, and both corporate and independent teams are welcome to sign up. It’s the perfect way to bond with your colleagues, meet other people in the same industry and let off some steam if you’ve been dealing with demanding guests, clients and journalists all day.
When: 7pm-11pm on Wednesdays
Tournament dates: October 6 – December 8
Cost: Dhs3,500 per team
Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche
Bowling, Bowl-O-Rama: If it’s still a little too warm for you to take part in outdoor pursuits, but you don’t want to miss out on the team fun, get involved with this bowling league. Each team will be made up of seven bowlers – five male and two female, of which four guys and one girl have to play each session. This exciting championship has generous cash prizes. The winning team gets Dhs2,000 to be shared, a trophy and individual medals, while the two runners up get medals each.
When: Mondays 7pm-10pm
Tournament dates: September 19 – November 21
Cost: Dhs3,500 per team
Location: Al Jazira Sports Club
Basketball, Open Competitive league: This five-a-side tournament is just for the gents, and teams are generally made up of competitive players with a solid level of experience and skills. Games are played to strict FIBA rules and these are posted on the Duplays website at the moment – you’d do well to brush up before your first game as there’s plenty to remember. Best of all, it’s in the indoor Libra Sports Academy, so you can enjoy playing in a deliciously air-conditioned hall.
When: Saturdays, 5pm-11pm
Tournament dates: September 17 – November 19
Cost: Dhs 3,500 per team
Location: Libra Sports Academy, Al Raha
Football, Fever Pitch IV League: We know lots of you have been dying for a kickabout all summer, so now’s your chance. This league is just for men, and it’s an easy going seven-a-side tournament played out on Zayed Sports City’s pitches. Recreational it might be, but that doesn’t stop all the teams getting kitted out like they’re taking part in the UAE Pro-League itself. Each team receives 10 free Nike jerseys, and you can purchase shorts and socks, and customise your team’s jerseys at duplays.com/shop to make sure you all look the part.
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8.20pm-10pm
Tournament dates: September 20 – November 23
Cost: Dhs4,250 per team, or Dhs550 for individuals
Location: Zayed Sport City
Fins out more about Duplay’s activities at www.duplays.com
