Get Sporty in Spring: Football Teams You Can Join in Beijing
Things are starting to warm up in the capital as winter finally releases its grip on the weather – meaning it’s time to get outside for a bit of crisp warmer weather. While we’re big proponents of walking about this fair city, another great way to get to know Beijing – all while keeping fit and meeting people – is to join a sports team.
There are plenty of teams to pick from, so we’ve decided to list some of the best and most active, starting with the sport with two names: football, aka soccer.
All teams listed do five-a-side and seven-a-side games, and all of them regularly compete against one another in China International Football League (CIFL) tournaments.
Forbidden City FC
Forbidden City FC is one of Beijing’s most decorated and largest expat footballing communities. The club actually has two teams under one club: Forbidden City and Summer Palace. Both teams train and socialize together, but Forbidden City play in the top division, whereas Summer Palace play in the second division. This allows the club to cater to a range of player abilities and build a diverse community of footballers.
When they’re not competing or training at Side Park in Lido, the “Citizens” are also known for their off pitch parties; footy golf challenges and Beijing backstreet escapades. When not in lockdown FCFC regularly participates in tournaments across Asia thanks to the team’s mixed bag of long time Beijingers, recent settlers and their out of country devotees – which will hopefully kick off again soon now that lockdowns are a thing of the past. Join the “City” family for a laugh and football fun.
To find out more about the team or to join, scan the QR code below to access their official WeChat account.
Beijing Bats FC
Founded in 2018, this all women’s football club – the only one in Beijing not affiliated with a men’s team – regularly plays seven-a-side matches up near 798 in Jiuxinqiao and trains at Side Park.
The Bats have a first and second division team, and the Fall 2022 season saw a season full of achievements for both. The first division team got first place in both the league and also the cup, while the second division team came in second. The Spring 2023 league will be starting next week, and the club is excited to kick the season off strong.
Being a part of the Bats goes beyond just playing the beautiful game, though, with regular meet ups occurring in the halls of sponsor Side Street or elsewhere around the city for drinks and food. The team is completely international, with all playing levels welcome to join.
For more info, follow the Bats on WeChat (BeijingBatsFC) or contact Aili (ID: Aili-alli) or Leigh (ID: lkchilds).
Añejo FC
Añejo FC began in 2017 purely as a football team for male and female Spanish speakers from any country. Over the years, though, it has grown to become a multi-disciplinary sports club, featuring other sports like softball, basketball and volleyball. In addition to being a sports club, they are a social community for those who appreciate the letter Ñ, its culture and history, irrespective of whether they speak the language or not.
Literally anyone can join the team. Both the men’s and women’s teams have experienced players who have played football all their lives at the highest level, as well as talented young players who are currently growing and flourishing under the Añejo umbrella. The men’s team trains on Thursdays from 8-10pm near the 798 area. The women’s team trains on Sundays from noon to 2pm at Honglingjin (near Chaoyang Park South entrance).
As for what sets Añejo apart from other teams, according to Guillermo, one of the club's coaches , they don’t just play football. “We feel it, we live it, we love it, and above all, we support each other in everything, the victories and the defeats on and off the pitch. We are a family, in Añejo you will find a home away from your home.”
Scan the QR code in the poster or below to find out more about how to join Añejo FC.
Afrika United
Afrika United is the result of two teams coming together as one: the predominantly English speaking team Africa FA, founded in 1995, and the French speaking Timbuktu FC, founded in 1996. The teams came together in 2000, under the leadership of Kagashani Projestus.
Over the years, the team has attracted some of the best players in Beijing, whether African, Chinese or from another foreign country. At times, former professional players have joined, and a few amateur players even secured spots on pro teams after playing for Afrika United, with no less than three former players joining professional Chinese clubs.
Training every Tuesday at Side Park, Afrika United proudly represents the African continent by being one of the most competitive teams in Beijing amateur football. The team has even played against most of Beijing’s professional clubs or their reserves on several occasions, making for a truly competitive experience for anyone who joins.
To find out more or to join Afrika United, you can add either Aladdin or Nasir on WeChat (QR codes above).
Rockets FC
As one of the younger teams in the capital – having been founded in 2013 – The Rockets are a team that likes to mix competition with fun. They’re open to anyone, and can either be found training at Changying Sports Park or at their Sanlitun watering hole (and sponsor) The Local.
The Rockets consider themselves innovators among Beijing’s football teams. New players will soon be dripping in stylish swag courtesy of the team uniforms and merch -- including hoodies, bum bags, hats and more, and can even be simulated in video games or find themselves in sticker form as a shiny “Panini” football sticker.
To find out more or to join the Rockets, scan the QR code below for their official WeChat (first) or to contact club chairman Farhan (second).
Beijing Celtic FC
Beijing Celtic was established in 2002 by a few Irish expats and local Chinese friends who enjoyed playing five-a-side football. The club began to grow as people of all nationalities got involved. The club was promoted to the first division in Beijing in 2014 and has progressed rapidly in recent years, winning two cup titles and two league titles in the last three seasons. Celtic now boasts three men's teams and two women's teams, one of which recently secured its first seven-a-side league title.
The team trains every Thursday night from 6-8pm at Side Park, and they’re the only club in the league with three men's teams in the three CIFL divisions. From their cup and title-holding 1st Team through to their recently added 3rd Team they offer competitive football to players of any level. They range from ex-professional and academy players to beginners and welcome all who enjoy playing football and a bit of craic. They’re also proud to have (in their opinion) the best bar in town, Paddy O’Shea’s, as their home base, as well as their longtime sponsor DHL.
If you wish to join the Beijing Celtic, add pfogarty on WeChat or follow the club on Facebook or Instagram by searching beijingcelticfc.
Sexy FC
Founded all the way back in 1996, Sexy FC can count itself as one of the oldest football clubs in Beijing. They’re also the most competitive but open to anyone of any age and skill level. The men’s team has previously had players aged 15 to 60, but the team stresses that newcomers be aware the level is highly competitive. The ladies team also welcomes everyone from complete beginners to professional female coaches.
The men’s team trains once per week on weeknights, usually Wednesdays at 8pm, at UBP near 798. This is subject to weekly change, though, with league games on weekends and seven-a-side/five-a-side games midweek. The ladies team trains on Thursdays at 8pm at Side Park and plays on Tuesday nights.
While traditionally football teams in Beijing have catered to certain demographics of the international community, Sexy was founded on the principles of inclusivity and brotherhood, according to CEO Rob. To this day they consider themselves to be the only truly international football team in Beijing and, as a result, the team has developed into one of the biggest footballing communities in the capital. This mixed with Sexy’s reputation as one of the few drinking teams in the league makes for a truly unique social experience with events and tours making memories that last a lifetime… All of that as well as actually winning trophies.
To join Sexy FC, contact either 1st team coach Jeremy Chiron (ID: jeremychiron) or 2nd team coach and social lead Adam Walker (ID: awalker1888).
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Images: Unsplash, courtesy of the clubs
