We don’t doubt you’ve slowed down on the sporting front over the past month or so. 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. 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 join. Here’s what they’ve got coming up in the cool months ahead.
Indoor Women’s Volleyball League
Duplays say this six-a-side women’s 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. If you would like to play a sport that you love with other people in a social environment, then this is very much the right place for you.
When: Fridays, 5pm-8pm.
Tournament dates: September 28 – November 9.
Cost: Dhs3,000 per team, or Dhs350 for individuals.
Location: GEMS World Academy.
Beach volleyball, Inter-hotel Cup League
This is the Duplays beach volleyball league with mixed six-a-side teams playing at a competitive level. 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 clients all day.
When: Wednesdays, 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Tournament dates: September 19 – November 21.
Cost: Dhs2,500 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 is 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.
When: Mondays, 7pm-10pm.
Tournament dates: September 19 – November 21.
Cost: Dhs3,500 per team.
Location: Al Jazira Sports Club.
Basketball, Men’s 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 skill. 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 because there’s plenty to remember. Best of all, it’s indoors, so you can enjoy playing in a deliciously air-conditioned hall.
When: Saturdays, 5pm-9pm.
Tournament dates: September 22 – November 10.
Cost: Dhs3,675 per team.
Location: Abu Dhabi Country Club.
Football, Pitch Invaders
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 plays two matches lasting 24 minutes each, once a week. You can purchase shorts and socks, and customize your team’s jerseys at www.duplays.com/shop to make sure you all look the part.
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8pm-11pm.
Tournament dates: September 25 – November 27.
Cost: Dhs3,625 per team, or Dhs475 for individuals.
Location: Zayed Sports City.
Women’s seven-a-side Netballers’ League
Duplays say this seven-a-side netball competition is very popular. Teams play one game a week consisting of one 50-minute match. This is a great way to meet people, get fit and have some fun.
When: Mondays, 7pm-10pm.
Tournament dates: September 17 – November 8.
Cost: Dhs1,980 per team, or Dhs225 for individuals.
Location: Raha International School.
Mighty 8’s League
Ready to get out on the cricket pitch? Join this eight-a-side outdoor men’s league. It’s played with a hard ball and teams take each other on once a week, lasting an hour and a half, with eight overs an inning. Get your mates together and rustle up a team.
When: Fridays, 2pm-6pm.
Tournament dates: September 21 – October 12.
Cost: Dhs2,720 per team, or Dhs340 for individuals.
Location: Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Find out more about all of Duplays’ teams, leagues sports and activities at www.duplays.com
