There is a surprising grassroots movement involving American Football and Chinese youth. The company behind this development, Skyway, has American Football training facilities in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Skyway was also a driving force behind the development of China’s first (so far only) dedicated American Football field, located in Foshan.
There are four teams in the immediate vicinity of Guangzhou that compete in the American Football League China, or AFLC. If you want to strap on some pads and carom off of other helmeted players to see what Americans are so hyped up about, you are spoiled for choice.
1. Guangzhou Goats
The Goats practice each Sunday from 11am-2pm at the Guangda Zuqiufei Football Field, adjacent to Shayuan Metro Station.
The Goats provide newcomers with pads and helmets for a single trial practice and will rent them out to any longer-term players. There is a small cost associated with joining the Goats that goes directly towards fees for renting the fields. Plus they have some killer yellow gameday duds.
For more information on how you can become the GOAT (at least in name), contact Chase via WeChat (ID: Chase_gafa).
See listing for Guangda Zuqiufei Football Field.
2. Guangzhou Apaches
The Apaches practice each Sunday from 1-4pm at All In Sports Park on 170 Xingangdong Lu, Haizhu District. Everyone is welcome to join, and there is a token membership fee.
Players must provide their own pads and helmets, which the PR staffer from the Apaches assured us could be found on Taobao by discerning buyers.
Like many PRD-based teams, the Apaches travel throughout southern China competing against other AFLC teams. For more information, contact the Apaches membership development staff at penlq@163.com.
See listing for All In Sports Park.
3. Foshan (Skyway) Flying Tigers
The Foshan Tigers are sponsored by Skyway, the enterprise responsible for attempting to commercialize and develop American Football in China. They play in China’s only purpose built American football field, aptly called Skyway Football Stadium, in Foshan’s Nanhai District.
Membership dues are RMB100 per month and no specialty equipment is needed until you commit to the team.
For more information on how to join, contact Tigers’ Head Coach Garric Simmons via WeChat (ID: FemaleDragons).
See listing for Skyway Football Stadium.
4. Guangzhou Grey Wolves
The Grey Wolves are new on the Guangzhou football scene and will also compete in the AFLC in their inaugural year. If you want to join a team starting from the ground up, here is your chance. Practices are Wednesdays from 6-8pm.
Specialized football equipment is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Practices are held at Workers' Stadium in Liwan District. For more information, contact Sidanii by WeChat (ID: sdotbell).
See listing for Workers' Stadium.
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