Singapore has a range of social and sporting clubs to join, whether you’re looking for activities for the kids, a space to work or just somewhere to spend time with the family while making new friends. We hear from some happy members!
The American Club – A social club in the city
Neetu and Anup Mirchandani, American and Indian
Children: Zayden (11) and Xavion (9)
My husband and I have been living in Singapore since February 2007 – we relocated from Hong Kong. The American Club in Singapore has already established itself as a premier international club around the world, so we decided to join a week after moving here. We wanted to have a place where we could feel at home and forge new friendships. We knew we’d be staying in Singapore long term and knew that joining would be beneficial when we start a family – this was before the arrival of my two beautiful boys.
We wanted a club where we could be ourselves and fit in. We like that the American Club is so versatile, with something for all types of families and individuals. It’s also centrally located in the heart of Orchard. Plus, we’ve experienced many fun times there and created many new memories. It’s nice to walk in, be greeted by friendly staff who know your name, bump into friends and see familiar faces.
We utilise almost all the facilities at The American Club and are very active members! We go there for meals, swimming lessons, children’s classes and camps, the gym, personal training, fitness classes, bowling, social events, networking events, guest speakers, holiday events, spa, library, business centre, conference rooms and more. I also volunteer on some of the member committees. We’ve hosted many parties, including many of our boys’ birthdays. We attend the family holiday banquet dinners and themed parties, and celebrate almost every holiday at the Club (including Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas). The Club has become our home away from home, where our family can stay for hours and be entertained in different ways. We’d recommend it to our friends, especially for families with kids. – Neetu
10 Claymore Hill
6737 3411 | amclub.org.sg
Hollandse Club – A social club for the whole family
Nick Barger and Vanessa Yeo-Barger, British and Singaporean
Children: Sienna (5) and Isla (2)
Last year marked our third year in Singapore; we were previously based in Hong Kong for a decade. The Hollandse Club hosted a wonderful Helper Awards event when we first arrived. Our lovely helper had moved from Hong Kong with us, and I nominated her for Best Caregiver. (She won!) I was taken by the warmth of the club’s staff and their generosity and playfulness towards children and helpers. Not many clubs show this much sincerity toward their youngest guests, caregivers and families.
We wanted a club that is friendly and welcoming, with facilities for each of us. The Hollandse Club met those expectations. My daughters and I enjoy the classes held at the club – dance lessons at Tanglin Arts Studio have been a great joy for our oldest. The sports programmes and summer camps have also been wonderful. We spend Saturday and Sunday mornings at the club; beginning with either dance or soccer for the girls, then pool time and lunch (the kids’ menu is pretty extensive). We also sometimes book the playroom; minder Summer has a magic touch with children. Nick has personal training sessions at the gym and I take boxing classes with some dance mums. You’ll also find us here on weekdays at the co-working space – we’re here a lot! We also loved the Thursday evening quiz nights before COVID-19 struck.
We love that it is a club focused on families from around the world, with an emphasis on sports activities. We’ve made great friends through organised events and children’s classes. We’d definitely recommend the Hollandse Club – we’ve been secretly “recruiting” friends to join over the years! Our elevator pitch to them is always, “You’ll feel right at home here.” – Vanessa
22 Camden Park
6464 5225 | hollandseclub.org.sg
Singapore Cricket Club – A sports club at The Padang
Richard Cook and Anne-Marie Parnell, British
Children: James (18), Luis (16) and Anna (14)
We moved from Hong Kong to Singapore back in 2010. A work colleague from Hong Kong Football Club knew that I was interested in playing rugby in Singapore and introduced me to a member of the SCC Rugby Section. Playing sports for a section allowed me to join as a Sports Member. I was looking for a well-established rugby club with great sports facilities and a vibrant social scene that my family could enjoy. In addition to meeting these expectations, SCC also offers the opportunity to entertain, network and drop in for lunch or dinner.
Rugby is a big part of our family time at SCC. I have played for the Vets Team (SCC Growlers) for many years and the children play rugby at the SCC Rugby Academy. The Academy was established nine years ago to cater to children aged three to 17, with the opportunity to progress into the adult section, which runs four senior teams during the season. They have a team of excellent coaches who provide continuing development and guidance at the highest levels. We also use the tennis courts and gym, and regularly frequent the restaurants for social and networking events – Stumps Sports Bar is a favourite for live games. I also use the changing-room facilities when I go for a run around the Marina or Fort Canning during lunchtime a few times a week.
SCC has something for everyone in our family – sports, socialising and being on the Padang, which is particularly special. We also love to use the reciprocal memberships that give us access to great sporting institutions around the world. – Richard
Connaught Drive
6338 9271 | scc.org.sg
This article first appeared in the February 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
Enjoyed reading about social and sports clubs? If you’re moving to or within Singapore, find out where to live in Singapore.
