(Revised) Experience Moscow: Guide to Knowing the City without Knowing the Language
Expat Football League combines sport, community service
By: Julia Vail
Moscow has much to offer in terms of sports, from hockey in the winter to soccer in the summer. However, for those who prefer to hear their cheers and shouts of encouragement in English rather than Russian, the Moscow Expat Football League offers exciting events until mid-December.
The eight teams in the league play every Saturday on the Dinamo indoor pitch until Dec. 15, when many of the players will be traveling with their families for the holiday season. (View map.)
When asked what visitors can expect at these events, co-founder Nick Rees’s answer is simple: an enthusiastic game of football.
“The level is quite serious now, and it’s noticeable that the beer bellies are getting smaller and smaller,” Rees said. “We have many ex-pros playing now so people who come to watch are quite surprised and impressed with the standard.”
Rees is the manager of the Four Squares Flagons, one of eight teams participating in the league. He said that two new teams will be formed this year.
Admission to the games is free, as are the refreshments. Rees advised fans to bring their appetites.
“In the summer we provide free shashlik (Russian shish kebabs), beer, salads, fruit, soft drinks and more,” he said.
He added that space tends to be limited during the winter months. Spectators are encouraged to come early and bring the kids to these family friendly football matches.
History of League
Rees founded the league with Darren Keane in 2003 when both became homesick for their weekly dose of football in their native England. Though the league was originally given the informal title “Over-30 Expat Football League,” interest in the league has grown and it has since attracted players as young as 25.
The league now boasts close to 350 registered players.
Other Events
On Nov. 24, the league will also hold its End of Summer Season party, which celebrates another successful season and awards the top players. This party is one of two annual parties in which the league expresses appreciation for its members and sponsors, as well as tries to contribute to the community.
At the Fourth Annual Summer Ball held in July, the festivities included a lottery and an auction, the proceeds of which went to Moscow charity organizations Diema’s Dream and Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People. Diema’s Dream, founded in 1998, is a charitable organization that provides medical and educational support to disabled Russian orphans.
The money paid for a new roof for a home for disabled orphans located about 250 miles outside Moscow.
The league also donated money to Dogs as Assistants for Disabled People, which used the proceeds to train two guide dogs and build a new kennel.
“I’ve been living here 12 years, and I wanted to give something back,” Rees said at the summer party.
The Moscow Expat Football League, aside from its charity work, also provides a place where people can forge friendships and become part of a team.
“Usually people who are new to Russia don’t know how to find new friends or get involved in social circles,” Rees said. “The Expat Football League gives people the chance to meet a bunch of like-minded, friendly, sports-mad guys who are usually in the same situation.”
Contact Information
More information on upcoming games and events can be found on the Moscow Expat Football League website.
Expats interested in attending upcoming games or joining the league can contact Nick Rees at nickrees99@yahoo.com.
