Cayman Sports Scene

 

 

The Cayman Islands boast abundant sunshine, clear skies and beautifully warm weather for much of the year. This in mind, it's unsurprising that sports of all kinds are very popular here, the majority of which are played outdoors. There are many sports leagues and clubs in the islands, as well as tournaments and events that get the whole community involved. If you're a local or tourist interested in getting active in the islands, this guide to the Cayman sports scene will get you well on your way.

 

 

Cricket

 

Founded in 1974, the Village Greenies is one of the oldest cricket clubs in the islands. There are two men's teams and one women's team and the season runs from January to July, with practice play being held from October to December. The Village Greenies is a great place to socialize and get to know fellow players as you engage in one of the most popular sports in the islands. The Cayman Cricket Association hosts a variety of clubs, coaching programs for primary and secondary schools and competitions. The competitions are mainly for domestic and women's leagues, as well as international teams.

 

 

Badminton

 

Badminton, another well-loved sport in the Caribbean, is not quite as widespread as cricket. The Cayman Islands Badminton Club comes together to play at the Cayman Prep School's three courts several nights a week. Players of all skill levels are welcome and non-marking shoes are required. A yearly or per-session fee is required to become a member.

 

 

Football

 

Cayman is home to a number of football (soccer) leagues. The Cayman Islands Football Association, or the CIFA, is a premiere league with a season that runs from October through May. Games are held on Sunday nights and registration is completed through CIFA member clubs. New players of all skill levels are welcome. Gaelic football is rising in popularity due to the many Irish residents in the islands, and the Cayman Islands Gaelic Football Club boasts 4 men's and 4 women's teams. Training starts in November and the season lasts from January through June, with games being held in Grand Cayman's Camana Bay. Membership is open to non-Gaelic islanders and the club hosts a Fun Day on St. Patrick's Day and a tournament in January. The end of the season is marked by June's Annual Finals Day. The Heineken Sunday Football League's season ranges from October to May, and features 8 teams playing a total of 21 games. There are approximately 150 players in the league and new ones are always accepted. If you're looking for indoor football, 5-person teams play 7 nights a week at the King's Sports Centre. Mixed, men's and women's teams are welcome.

 

 

Cycling

 

The lovely, flat terrain of the islands makes it the ideal place to indulge in some cycling. The Cayman Islands Cycling Association is home to many amateur, experienced and competitive cyclers who meet up every Sunday morning at the Grand Harbour shopping centre in Grand Cayman. The club members then go for a ride together, covering roughly 15 to 20 miles per hour. Women are more than welcome and there are frequent ladies' cycling excursions. Tournaments and events are held by the Cayman Islands Cycling Association throughout the year. These include the National Road Race Championships, Classic Series and National Time Trial Championships. If you're planning an island vacation, visitors have access to free cycle and helmet rentals in Camana Bay. You can take a bike tour or explore the West Bay Loop bike trails.

 

 

Golf

 

Cayman has plenty for all of the golfers out there. There are a number of exciting courses in the islands, with the North Sound Golf Club being perhaps the most popular. Offering 18 holes, this course has a USGA rating of 73.1 and is over 6,500 yards long. North Sound is public and boasts the only driving range in Cayman, and welcomes individuals, families and businesses of all sizes, ages and skill levels. Britannia is a 9-hole course that can be played as an 18-hole course, offering players the best of both worlds. It finds its home at the Grand Cayman Beach Suites and is ideal for vacationers looking to practice their swing during their stay. Children under 12 play for free when accompanied by their parents at this Jack Nicklaus-designed landscape. Another hotel-based golf course is Blue Tip, which is located at the famous Ritz-Carlton. A 9-hole excursion known for its long Par Fours, play is reserved for guests of the hotel and residence owners. If you'd like to learn more, the Cayman Islands Golf Association has all of the information you need about the sport, and they also host many exciting events and tournaments

 

 

Horseback Riding

 

Often overlooked, horseback riding is a beautiful sport that allows you to enjoy the outdoors while interacting with one of nature's most majestic animals. An ideal activity for both tourists and locals, many companies in the islands offer group trail rides, beach rides, evening rides and even special outings where you can ride in the sea. Coral Stone Stables, Pampered Ponies, Cowboy Town Stables and Spirit of the West are a few examples of great stables in Cayman. If you're looking to improve your skills, lessons are available at both the Cayman Riding School and the Equestrian Centre and Riding School.



Hockey

 

While it's not nearly as beloved in Cayman as it is in many countries, The Cayman Hockey Club is home to the islands' field hockey enthusiasts. A sport that's been played in the islands for over two decades, mixed games are held on a biweekly basis. A 5pm game is held on Tuesdays at the Cayman Prep School, and a 6pm game is held at the Camana Bay Sports Field on Saturdays. The Cayman Hockey Club welcomes players of all skill levels, ages and genders, and requests that attendees bring the proper equipment and both a white and coloured shirt. Games cost only 6 Cayman Islands dollars, and training is offered. If you're interested in something different, roller hockey puts a real spin on the traditional game. Men's roller hockey is held weekly at the King's Sports Centre in Grand Cayman, and there are teen and children's leagues as well.

 

 

Rugby

 

If you're into rugby, the Cayman Islands Rugby Football Union has your back. With their very own clubhouse and pitch in South Sound, Grand Cayman, they offer men's, women's, junior's and veteran's leagues. Games are held most frequently on Saturdays and Sundays from fall through to the beginning of summer, and training sessions are held biweekly. A coach is available for team and player coordination and encouragement, and events like the Rugby Sevens Tournament and the Knackerfest Veteran's Tournament draw large crowds. If you prefer touch sports, a Summer Touch Rugby League is held from June until September.

 

 

Tennis

 

The perfect summer sport, tennis is truly suited to the island lifestyle. The Cayman Islands Tennis Club, located in South Sound, is known for offering superior group and individual lessons, as well as Junior, After School and Holiday Programmes that are second to none. The club is home to 6 hard courts and 3 clay courts, each with 2 playing surfaces. They host grand slam tournaments and social events on a regular basis. The Cayman Tennis Academy holds group sessions at Camana Bay's courts. Six weeks long, they're ideal for novice and advanced players. If you're looking to improve your play during vacation, the Ritz-Carlton offers a custom programme, The Courts, that was created by world-famous coach Nick Bollettieri. A team of full-time coaches provide group and individual lessons on the hotel's 3 clay and 2 hard courts and host a variety of clinics. Doubles tennis circuits, court rental, Cardio Tennis and a corporate tennis league are other features of this exclusive programme.

 

 

Volleyball

 

There's nothing more exciting to play in a hot climate than volleyball, especially if it's on the beach. The Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation offers both recreational and competitive levels of the sport. Several leagues are available, including beach, indoor and outdoor, and training clinics are often held by local coaches, players and visiting pros. Public Beach and the Royal Palms both host popular weekly beach volleyball leagues as well.

 

 

Swimming

 

Swimming is one of the number one pastimes in Cayman. Pools are available at the majority of hotels and condominiums, and the Camana Bay Aquatic Club offers a Masters training programme that focuses on improving technique, conditioning and strength. Lessons are available at the club's swim school, including private lessons, beginner to intermediate levels of adult classes and water safety. Swimming lessons, classes and training are also available at Lifestyles and Swim and Trim.