Getting involved in one of the many sports clubs and associations while you’re in Hong Kong is a good way keep fit and make friends – and some clubs have amazing facilities too!
More: Traditional Chinese festivals and events in Hong Kong
American football
If you’re interested in joining an American football team, pick-up tournaments are held in Happy Valley throughout July and August for the season starting in September. New members are welcome. hkafl.com
Aussie Rules
Fans of Aussie Rules football will be pleased to discover the game is alive and well in Hong Kong. Teams play monthly tournaments with a focus on introducing the game to new players. afl-asia.com
Cricket
Cricket has been played in Hong Kong since 1841 – not surprising with our colonial roots – and it continues to be a much-loved game, especially among British, Antipodean, South African and South Asian communities. There are over 60 cricketing sports clubs throughout the territory. hkcricket.org
Dodgeball
More than 600 dodgeball enthusiasts meet weekly to play the fast-paced game. New players interested in joining the league are welcome at the weekly open-gym sessions. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for location details. The Hong Kong Dodgeball Association is a founding member of the Asian Dodgeball Federation and the World Dodgeball Federation. facebook.com/HKDodgeball
Football (soccer)
The world’s favourite game is also Hong Kong’s most popular sport – you’ll see football being played (and watched!) all around the territory. Casual players can sign up to the Casual Football Network, which arranges weekly games at seven locations. hkfa.com | casualfootball.net
Dragon Boat Racing
Popular with locals and expats alike, the highlight of the calendar is the Dragon Boat Festival in June, which sees international and local teams battle it out in fierce competition. Joining a team is a great way to make new friends and full training is given to beginners. hkcdba.org
Golf
There are six golf clubs in Hong Kong, five private and one public; the latter, Kau Sai Chau, is a short ferry ride from Sai Kung pier. Golfers can also take advantage of the 10 public driving ranges scattered across the territory, and the HK Golf Association offers extensive opportunities for juniors. hkga.com
Hiking
Hong Kong is home to 24 country parks with more than 300km of marked trails, so hiking is an everpopular pastime. From the ultracompetitive Oxfam Trailwalker annual competition to organised hiking groups and family trails, everyone can take part and enjoy the wonderful outdoors. hiking.gov.hk
Hockey
Field hockey is a very popular game here, having been played since the 1930s. There are more than 100 teams for men and women, playing at various levels; the season runs from October through to May, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in this very social sport. hockey.org.hk
Kiteboarding
The Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong provides training for people of all abilities to learn how to kiteboard; it holds regular tournaments. kiteboarding.org.hk
Lacrosse
If you have ever wanted to know more about lacrosse, the Hong Kong Lacrosse Association runs regular development programmes for all ages and genders. It also re-established the Hong Kong Open, one of the major tournaments in Asia, in 2014. hklax.org
Netball
The Hong Kong Netball League season runs from October to April and offers a range of leagues for kids and adults alike. One of the city’s popular sports clubs. netball.org.hk
Polo
The sport of kings has been growing in popularity in Hong Kong in the past decade. Informal get-togethers gained enough momentum to see the Hong Kong Polo Team officially created in 2014. hongkongpoloclub.org
Rugby
It’s no secret that Hong Kong is mad about rugby! The vibrant rugby community welcomes players of all ages and abilities – with over 45 men’s teams, 15 women’s teams and a host of kids’ sports clubs – there’s a team to suit everyone. hkrugby.com | hkfc.com.hk
Swimming
The LCSD operates over 40 public swimming pools offering a range of outdoor and indoor, teaching and kids pools. The official swimming season is April to the end of October, though some private clubs and selected public pools remain open during the cooler winter months. lcsd.gov.hk
Tennis
The Hong Kong Tennis Association runs seven leagues catering for all ages, from juniors to seniors, providing competitive tennis for all. For casual tennis players, finding somewhere to play isn’t difficult as many private clubs and apartment blocks have courts. Kids’ tennis camps and courses are plentiful and the HK Ladies Tennis League offers six divisions of competitive matches. tennishk.org | hkladiestennis.com
Volleyball
The Hong Kong Volleyball League is an amateur league that welcomes all players. Details of games are posted online and interested players must register. hkvb.org
Water Sports
With over 700km of coastline and 250 islands, it’s unsurprising that Hong Kong offers a host of water sports clubs to suit all. Sailing, sea kayaking, diving, kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing: the list is endless. lcsd.gov.hk
This article first appeared in Expat Living’s 2017 City Guide. Get your free copy now!
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