Sport for Life
Veterans sports provider Sport for Life has been around since 2004. They offer sport education programs in Suzhou and many locations around Shanghai, depending on the type of sport. Focusing on core sports classes such as soccer, basketball, tennis and swimming, they teach that regular physical activity can have a range of benefits on health and try to find the enjoyment in playing sports. All classes are taught by international coaches and they abide by international sports curriculums in order to ensure that classes are well run and inclusive to all students.
Shanghai International Youth Soccer League
All things soccer (or football for some), SIYSL is an expert when it comes to kicking the ball around on the field. Started in 2006, it has been providing soccer training to more than 4,000 players by experienced and trained coaches. The goal of SIYSL is to develop both the mental and physical capabilities of all players, both as an individual and player. Kids ages 6 to 16 can join in the fun (split into six different age groups), but need to find a school or club to participate in the leagues and tournaments. Over 70 different clubs can be found around Shanghai, visit their website to find which one is closest to you.
Active Kidz Shanghai
If your child wants to get serious about sports, AKS could be the place for them. In their AKSIL program, kids ages 8 to 17 can competitively play and be placed on teams after tryouts, which are usually held in September. Otherwise, there are plenty of options for the noncompetitive players out there. Baseball, basketball, football, tennis and volleyball are offered both in their Pudong and Puxi locations. In order to join any activities, kids must become members and then they will have access to all sports at an additional program cost.
Youth Basketball Development League
If there’s a basketball guru in Shanghai, YBDL would be it. With a completely foreign team of experienced trainers, it teaches kids in an American basketball-learning environment that builds skill and teamwork amongst players. They provide a variety of camps and packages for kids ranging from ages 4 to 18. YBDL has had a long-standing relationship with Nike and partners with the Yao Foundation and the Shanghai Charity Foundation to provide training to over 30 different communities in Shanghai. Free trials of their classes are available.
SECA Academy
SECA was founded in 2013 to provide young people with physical strength, sportsmanship and teamwork so they can lead us into a bright future. Their Gubei, Jinqiao and Qibao centers offer training programs in fencing, squash, basketball, soccer, badminton, baseball, golf and rowing. SECA’s international coaching staff and top-notch facilities will provide your child with a strong athletic background.
Shanghai Kung-fu Centre
Established in 1996, Shanghai Kung-fu Centre is one of the oldest and most well-respected kung-fu and tai-chi academies in Shanghai. The studio is centrally located in downtown Shanghai and offers classes for all experience levels and ages. Owner and instructor Zhang Yi himself started kung-fu lessons at age 7 and went on to train at the prestigious Shanghai Sports Institute, where he devoted 8 hours a day, 6 days a week for 10 years to mastering Chinese martial arts. Zhang is an inspiring teacher who combines a friendly, down to earth personality with a passion and dedication to the skill, discipline and spirit of Chinese Martial Arts.
