Many, if not most, backpackers here in our Toronto Hostel are rabid sports fans! The males are, that is; it’s usually just a guy thing!
Since the majority of travelers at the hostel are from overseas they don’t enjoy the same sports as North America and are principally interested in Football or “Soccer” as it is called here.
Is it the world’s most popular game? You bet! It has caught on virtually everywhere and will likely take over as the number one sport in North America eventually.I can’t see it not happening here! Especially in Canada! The changing demographics due to immigration cannot help but alter the culture. Virtually half (49.9%) of all Toronto residents were born in another country.
Soccer (as we call it) has spread worldwide most likely because of the low-cost of equipment. All you really need is a ball. You don’t actually need shoes to participate – just think of the Great Pele!
The equipment costs for most sports are prohibitive (especially hockey) and hockey requires specialized venues with artificial ice. The low-maintenance cost of “Soccer” will be especially appealing to cash-strapped school boards. So move over sports fans, soccer is here to stay!
One good thing about Toronto’s multi-cultural roots is that virtually every sport is accommodated. You can find championship matches for almost any major sport on a sports bar satellite screen somewhere in the city.
Where? Ask around the hostel. You’ll find fellow sportsfans. No matter if your taste in sports is Cricket; Soccer; Hurling; Rugby; or even Australian Rules Football, you’ll likely find it here.
Toronto is also the home of several professional sports franchises including NHL Hockey; AHL Hockey; AL Baseball; AAA Baseball; NBA Basketball; MLC Soccer; as well as CFL Gridiron Football; and two major league Lacrosse Teams.
We also have semi-professional teams: A women’s Hockey Team; two Soccer (one Men’s and one Women’s); A “Jr. A”Lacrosse team; and a AAA Baseball franchise.
The list of amateur teams is too numerous to list but it is interesting to note that it even includes a six-team Australian Football League. Something for everybody!
FYI here is a link to Aussie Rules Football in Toronto:
http://www.highparkdemons.com/
Here is a link to a Gaelic Football and Hurling Club in Toronto:
For Cricket Fans:
http://www.cricketstar.net/tdca/
We haven’t yet managed to find any local clubs for Scots Haggis Hurling; Welsh Bog Snorkling; Finnish Wife Carrying; Toe Wrestling; or Afghan Buzhashi but we’ll bet they all happen somewhere around here!
