Last time I came here about a year or two ago, it was packed with posts every other minute, what happened? Anyhow, I am looking to join a decent club in Guangzhou (East), I don't know anyone so can't just book a court with someone, are there any decent clubs about?
Did you look back in forum threads? http://www.badmintoncentral.com/for...ort-badminton-club-in-guangzhou-china.137142/ Do you know some Mandarin Chinese? One way is to walk into a badminton shop and ask them if there are any groups of players to join. Find a few groups, show them you know how to play and then ask those players of other groups to join. Or ask one of your colleagues to help find a badminton group on wechat and then work your way from there. Just like learning how to speak Chinese, finding a decent badminton group needs some patience.
I did look at previous threads but they dated back to many years ago. It seems there are no formal clubs and that it is more so a culmination of friends who get together to play instead? I have been to a few already but the standard isn't as high as I was expecting.
That is how it is in Hong Kong and I think probably the same in China. Most 'clubs' are less formal than in UK. Apart from the shops, what you can also do is hang around the sportshalls just watching for any groups with a bit more skill. You can ask for a couple of games. If you can show some skill, you will generate more interest and gossip. Find a competition to play in. If you are there for 'friendly' matches, it is all very social and not challenging. If you have played at county firsts level, I don't think it's a problem getting the games. You just have to be patient about it and have a bit of luck to get the right introduction. Another way would be to find a coach and get some lessons to raise your consistency. Tell him/her you are interested in competitive matches. Then via the relationship with your coach, he or she will know of other groups to introduce you.
Hi, I am a native in Guangzhou. I like competitive matches also, you may contact me and I can bring you to some decent club in Tianhe District.
Hi, Am expat in Guangzhou and playing with group below with games every Thurs & Sunday evening. http://www.gzstuff.com/group/guangzhoubadminton?commentId=1345793:Comment:5531359 Very friendly group with foreign and local players. HTH Mike
Can refer to link for location. It's Tian He Middle School, Hua Ming Road, Zhu Jiang New Town. About 5 minutes from MRT station. Usually 2 courts on Thurs and 4 or 5 courts on Sunday with 6 per court.
Forgot to mentioned that the forum is seldom used by our members but we are still very active. Using WeChat to organize games. Please add o_Nick_o to WeChat and Nick can add you to the group. Nick is the founder of the group.
Hi Nk8, it is a good idea to visit Nick's group, I played there 2 or 3 times long time ago. The members are mostly foreigner, they are friendly, it will be good for you. The group welcome all level of players, so some are new, and some play better. You may go and check if the level good for you. Now normally I play in Yuancun, near the Tianhe Park, group menbers are mostly Chinese, but level is higher. I play in Tianhe sport center before, just serveral times, you know some groups there or? Can you speak Chinese? Are you a professional player? Or how many years have you been play bandminton?
Good morning, I have added Nick on WeChat and just awaiting his response now. What days does your group play in Yuancun? I have been playing badminton for a few years, I haven't played at Tianhe Sport Center but it looks a nice venue to play in.
I don't think he can. I did ask this same question in an earlier post but didn't get a reply. 我觉得他不会讲中文,通常不会讲中文的人上badmintoncentral
The group I played currently they have regular activity every Wed. night, and on weekend, they play in South China Normal University. These days I am too busy and cannot play every week. For me the level is good, most of the players have been play more than 10 years, and they will join some amateurish matches. You know in GZ, a lot of people play badminton and lot of amateurish matches. The courts in Tianhe sport center is good, if I am not wrong that court is the base of GZ badminton team. I would suggest you to play in Nick's group first, as the members are mostly foreighers and most of them speak English. Will you stay here long or just a short visit? If you have any question, let me know, I am willing to help