There's plenty going on that most Aussies don't know about in Estonia. So if you know of an activity that could use some of our unique Aussie flavour, post it here and let the community know. Below is info on:
- Sports / Recreation:
- AFL
- Cricket
- Frisbee
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Surf Lifesaving
- Walking
AFL
Ok, the bad news is that there doesn't seem to be AFL in Estonia, though we are looking for people to let us know about any social matches that might be going on. Let us know here and post details below.
The good news is that Finland has a fledgling competition - the FAFL - which has been going strong since May 2006. They are hungry for Aussies to fill the ranks. Sure it's across the water, but to put things into perspective; Helsinki is the same distance from Sydney to Wollongong. Not far. You may not be able to train during the week, but as long as you are fit and willing, you will be welcome to play on the weekends.
There are two teams in Helsinki: The Heat Seekers and the Finnish national team, The Ice Breakers. There are more teams inside of Finland as well, so if your reading this from Finland and your not in Helsinki, Turku Dockers, Salo Juggernauts and Waasa Wombats also have teams and want players now!
As the FAFL site states:
"The teams always welcomes new footy players of all nationalities. No previous experience is neede[d]! Aussies also needed ! We are always looking for Aussies familiar with the game to help out both on and off the field. No matter what your age or who you barrack for (well, preferably not Co[l]lingwood) you're very welcome to come and join in!"
So you can tell by the Collingwood call, the guys are switched on.
The FAFL domestic competition is also looking to promote teams in Tampere and Espoo. That's great but there really needs to be a Tallinn team, maybe two to make things really interesting.
There is already a Baltic league between Finland, Sweden and Norway where 9 and 16-a-side teams play. These Finish National teams competes in the EU Cup to be held October 2010 in Milan. The list of national teams include: Croatia, England, the Netherlands, Scotland, Germany, Spain, Iceland, Irish Exiles, France, Andorra, EU Crusaders, Italy, Czech Republic, and Austria. So if you think you can cut it internationally, you better get on it.
We need an Estonian team!!! Step up!
Contacts:
Heatseekers - vaeno64@hotmail.com
Dockers - turku.footy@gmail.com
Juggernaughts - jreka@gmail.com
Wombats - waasawombats@gmail.com
Cricket
The Estonian Cricket Association (ECA) began in 1998 and has evolved into a registered sports club and now Association with a competition of six teams. There is also regular summer fixtures involving teams from the UK and Scandinavia. They even sledge!
Played in Estonia from May until mid September, the majority of fixtures are in June - August when playing conditions are perfect. The competition caters for both men and women.
Although the club is very much centred of the idea of social cricket, the ECA was recently admitted as the 102nd nation in World Cricket and now has the aim of playing in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Even though the current ECA ranking is high, they have beaten such teams as Russia, Croatia and Czech Republic who are ranked considerably higher.
To be a part of the ECA action:
summer training April 15th - October 30 main Training and Domestic League games take place on Wednesdays at 18:00 at the Hippodrome, Paldiski str. 50. EPL Training is on Tuesdays at 1800 and Ladies Training is on Thursdays at 1800.
winter training December 1st - March 30th takes place on Sundays at 12:30 at Kotka Sporting Hall, Linnu tee 9, Mustamäe
For more information on how to register with a club and get amongst the action, click here.
Frisbee
Want to try something completely different? Then the Tallinn Frisbee Club might be for you! It connects people who are fit and into sport (especially Frisbee 'Ultimate') that may be interested in supporting and developing Frisbee in Estonia.
The club was established on May 26th, 2001.
The clubs goal being to create favourable conditions (i.e. indoors during winter) for spending free time and enjoying sports as well as promoting Frisbee Ultimate so it would evolve from recreational sport to competition sport. It also aims to increase the members social and physical activity.
The club has a membership fee of 75kr as well as a monthly match of 500kr or annual fee of 2500kr (know which one I'd be choosing...). Any person who actively takes part in the club activities can become a member.
Rugby League
Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on which state your from) Rugby League doesn't factor too heavily in Estonia. There have been invitational matches played against regional teams, and even a tri-nation event against Germany and Austria in 2006, yet a win has never been recorded.
This could be in part be due to the team being made up uni-student players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Rugby Union
The Estonian Rugby Union (Eesti Ragbi Liit - ERL)FIRA-AER as the Estonian Rugby Federation (ERF) in 2007, despite it's hard efforts to open the sport up in the country. The ERU was formally recognised in 2009.
If you think your good and that Estonia can use your talents, the competition is seeking entrants from both sexes of all ages. Follow the contact links below to find your nearest club.
Once you've established your credentials, inclusion into the national squad is by invitation or by attending one of the open training session. Details of the National Squad training sessions can be obtained from the Head Coach Leonti Fjodorov at leo.fjodorov@ragbi.ee .
You can find the ERL HQ situated at Porkuni küla, 46001 Tamsalu vald, Lääne-Virumaa
For details, call on: +372 53400085
Or email: tere@ragbi.ee
Surf Life Saving (yes!)
Hard to believe considering there isn't any surf to speak of, but surf life saving definitely exists in Estonia. As a full member of the FIS since 1991, the country boasts over 40 'Life Saving Stations' around the country. It appears there is definitely a need for our services when it comes to saving a few lives.
The Eesti Vetelpaasteuhing can be found at Tondi 1 in Tallinn or contacted on +372 6748850 for more details. Email: saving@online.ee
Walking
Here's something that most Aussies aren't used to, but most Estonians are - walking. An Estonian can walk the legs off an Australian any day. But why wouldn't they? After all, Tallinn is Estonias' biggest city, yet to get anywhere is pretty walkable - unless of course it's winter!
There are many different walking tours to go on, or maybe it's your thing just to loose yourself in a corner of the city you haven't been before. But be warned!: Tallinn may seem unassuming, but there are parts of it you just do not want to be caught alone in. It's best to walk with other people, but if you have to walk alone, stick to the main roads and in sight of others as well as lit streets at night. Avoid quiet industrial areas or any areas that don't give you a good vibe. Listen to your instincts as they might be right!
To help you with a few ideas of where to wander, there is an iPhone app now available called 'Tallin City Walks'. It's free and lists walks such as nightclubs, antique shops, museums, art galleries, old town, the Latin quarter and general landmarks.
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