Group sports can be a great way to meet new people and get into shape. TOAD explores the various options around the capital and finds out how you can get involved.
Basketball
Duplays has its basketball league kicking off on Tuesday nights at the Gems World Academy from September 22.
While the league is small, anyone is welcome to join in the action. It doesn’t matter if you have a whole team or it’s just yourself, Duplays will match you with a team. What started as a side-project in Dubai is growing, and the organisers hope to have varying leagues of competition in the future. While some leagues are competitive, organiser and competitor Bobby Fiala says it’s mostly fun. ‘While it’s mostly recreational, we hope in the future to have varying levels of competition.’
It’s mixed-gender and mixed-skill so join the fun! ‘It’s the best way to be active… everyone is here to work, [team sports] are a great way to meet people and acquire a network outside of work,’ Bobby says.
Cost Dhs80 per team per game. www.duplays.abudhabi.com.
Softball
For the bat-and-ball lovers, a new softball league has started at Zayed Sports City. The mixed league plays every Tuesday from 7pm-11pm. Each team plays one 55-minute game per week. Full season team fees are paid in advance with the average cost per person being Dh35-Dhs40 per night.
‘It’s competitive, but quite recreational too. We divide all skill levels within all the teams to make them as fair as possible, so you get beginners and experienced players on the same team,’ says organiser Flo.
‘We currently can only fit eight teams on one night, which is about 120 people. As interest continues to grow, we hope to open up another night where we can fit another eight teams.’
All skill levels are welcome, but players must sign up to the league. The next league starts on September 24. You don’t even need your own glove; the league provides equipment for those who don’t have the basics.
To anyone considering joining, Flo says: ‘Come out and try it out! There are not many leagues in the city where both men and women can play together in a fun, easy-to-learn, non-contact sport. In addition, the slow arch pitch makes it very easy to hit the ball.’
Cost Dhs35-Dhs40. www.facebook.com/abudhabisoftball, abudhabisoftball@gmail.com.
Aussie Rules Football
You don’t need to be an Aussie to enjoy AFL. The Abu Dhabi Falcons welcome all levels of players to their Monday night training so you can pick up the rules as you go.
President of the Abu Dhabi Falcons, Tyron Farrell explains: ‘The competition is a modified version of the official game, due to the fact it is very difficult to find suitable ovals big enough… the modified version consists of nine players from each side on the field at one time.’
The game is split into 15-minute quarters. All are welcome, regardless of gender and experience. Players are happy to help beginners learn the ins-and-outs of the game.
‘The greatest reason to join a team is the friends you make. Not only do we get together after a match, we are friends off the field and get together throughout the week. Also, you get to travel the GCC, meeting interesting people while getting fit at the same time,’ Farrell says.
Cost Dhs500 per annum. www.abudhabifalcons.com.
Netball
The Abu Dhabi Netball League plays every Tuesday at Zayed Sports City. Anyone over 16 can join in the fun. They have a mixed league available, so the boys can play. There are more than 20 teams participating this season, but no need for you to be part of a team, individuals are welcome.
Organiser Chantel says to anyone considering joining: ‘You are welcome! We welcome any skill level, if you are a team player, respect your competition and, above all, like to have fun then come and enjoy netball!’
Cost Dhs400 for the season. adnetball@gmail.com.
Football
For the football fans, Abu Dhabi Strollers have their league running. While a little knowledge of the rules is required, the competition is mostly friendly and fun (first rule of thumb: if you like ‘soccer’, call it football!). The Strollers were established in 1980 and now play Sundays at the Al Ghazal Golf Club and Mondays at Zayed Sports City.
Be wary though, the competition fills up quick organiser, Liam Clayton, says: ‘We only cater to the amount of pitches that we can book, so quite often we have to disappoint people for the Monday’s game at Zayed Sports City because of ever-increasing numbers and lack of pitch availability.’ So make sure, if football’s your thing, you sign up to their mailing list.
Cost varies per location. football@abudhabistrollers.com.
Rugby
Men’s, women’s; rugby, touch – the Abu Dhabi Harlequins have got it covered. The Zayed Sports City-based club is host to various leagues and tournaments. It’s highly competitive, but all are welcome at the training sessions. Make sure you are ready for a work-out though.
Cost varies. www.abudhabiharlequins.com. Men’s league (050 592 0717); Women’s league (050 660 2605).
Beach volleyball
For sandy sports, look no further than Duplay’s beach volleyball league. The teams are mixed and play on Wednesday nights.
Cost Dhs300 per individual, Dhs2,000 per team. abudhabi@duplays.com (04 447 2394).
Waterpolo
The Abu Dhabi Hammerheads Water Polo Club is open to the public… as long as you can swim. You can learn to pick up this prestigious sport every Wednesday at the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel.
Cost Dhs50 per session (056 126 7276).
