Whether you’re an expat in Singapore, or a local looking to meet new friends and expand your social network, ANZA has it all! With 76 years on the red dot under our belt, we’ve grown to understand how to enrich people’s lives through the power of community and connection. “As a well-established association, we understand the importance of strong relationships and the bonds that can be formed through activities,” explains ANZA General Manager, Kerry Low.
Indeed, research shows that positive social connectedness can promote better sleep, reduce stress, and increase our ability to recover from anxiety and depression. Being part of a community also offers opportunities for self-development and support.
“Being a not-for-profit association, we rely heavily on our volunteers to bring people together,” continues Kerry. “Members generously offer their time, skills and resources to give back. This can be through working as a parent volunteer for our children’s sports groups, helping out with ANZA Action, or arranging activities through our WhatsApp groups. ANZA would not exist without the dedication of our community – thank you!”
Today ANZA facilitates belonging and connection through endless sports and interest offerings for all ages, but with so many diverse activities on tap, it can be hard to know where to begin. We say sign up and try them all, but read on for an idea of where to start.
Conclusions: Your ANZA Spirit Activity is …
A – You are: Sporty Kid
ANZA Soccer’s unofficial journey started in 1976 and has been going strong since. With an emphasis on affordable, fun and competitive soccer, it’s available to those aged 3 – 18 through Saturday club games, mid-week training, and professional summer camps. Ball skills are also the name of the game for ANZA Netball which kicks off Term 2 this month and promises training and tournaments. Meanwhile, for kids who love water, skip your Sunday morning lie-in for Sentosa where children aged 5 -13 meet for ANZA Nippers to learn safety at the beach. Note: Sausage Sizzles are included!
B – You are: A Toddler
Got a little one in your life? Join our new ANZA Tiny Tots Nature Play group. We bring together families with active toddlers aged 6 months+ for outdoorsy playdates across SG. Meet-up locations vary and happen on Saturday or Sunday mornings from 9.30am – 11.30am. Not only is this group a great way to get kids out in the wild, but it’s also ideal for parents to meet like-minded types to discuss sleep schedules/wine consumption/tantrums (of all family members).
C – You are: Curious Kylie
An expat life means there’s always new things to see and discover. If history and mystery take your fancy, sign up to ANZA Tours who will whisk you into a world of storytelling with their jaunts into the past, present and future. For more exploration, our walking group, ANZA-Kill-O-Metres, head out every Monday morning around SG’s parks, heartlands, central areas and countryside. Casual Coffee is ideal for those interested in meeting people and sharing tips about living on the island, and ANZA Scouts is excellent for curious children to make friends, head on adventures, and master skills for life.
D – You are: The Hobbyist
You don’t need fitness gear to enjoy ANZA! For those who prefer their downtime a little less sweaty, you’re in luck. Vocal chords are the key part of the body getting a workout at ANZA Singing as the group sing pop, rock, old favourites, and more. ANZA Stitches gets crafty types together to work on personal arty projects, and ANZA Book Club encourages everyone to step away from a screen with regular meet-ups to discuss various reads. Meanwhile, ANZA Mahjong hosts sessions several times a week for players of all levels to learn the rules of the game, enjoy some lateral thinking, and discover more about this huge cultural pastime.
E – You are: Team Player
If you like getting active with the support of others, ANZA hosts plenty of sports groups where collaboration is essential. ANZA Cricket welcomes all levels to play league matches, practice NETs, and enjoy a beer as much as batting. Meanwhile, new groups pickleball and padel bring people to the courts for workouts that are friendly, fun, fast-paced, boost agility and sharpen brain cells. ANZA Padel in particular is excellent for all ages and you get to meet a wide range of like-minded people from all walks as life as you have a knock about.
F – You are: Lonesome Logan
While Lonesome Logan likes the company of others, chances are you’re just as happy taking on solitary pursuits in a bid to up your skills and confidence. ANZA Cycling is a wonderful group for those looking to improve fitness while making new friends. With rides every day of the week for all abilities, there’s no excuse not to get on that saddle. Easy Riders is for those looking for more relaxing rides where you get to soak up the scenery as you go. In addition, ANZA Golf make a birdie on the reg, and ANZA Watersports, which offers kayaking, SUP and sailing is ideal for solitary seekers who thrive out on the water.
G – You are: Party Princess
For one Wednesday night every month, there’s no place to be but ANZA’s Ladies Night! These iconic evenings are held at Singapore’s most popular venues and offer discounted food and drinks, lots of fun, support from the sisterhood, and optional dancing. Everyone is welcome, and whether you rock up alone or with friends, the ANZA team are always there to look after you. Party Princess will also love our Set Lunch group, where we enjoy dining as a group at some of the island’s top restaurants. Because we’re an inclusive community, we let the blokes join the Set Lunch (and occassional Ladies Nights) too.
H – You are: ANZA Man!
Everyone has a secret to keep and ANZA’s Secret Men’s Business (SMB) have the biggest of all – to disguise what the heck happens in this exclusive group! For years, expat wives and partners in Singapore have tried to uncover the mystery to no avail. What we do know is that SMB primarily consists of male trailing spouses of all ages, backgrounds and stages of life looking for a round of golf, a bit of man-chat, or a couple of beers. “Settling into a new country can be difficult if you don’t know many people, especially for trailing spouses, so this is one avenue to help you in this area,” says organiser Mike Sabey.
Find out more about ANZA’s activities and groups on our website at anza.org.sg
