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In Sports and Recreation in Jeddah, utmost priority is given to football ( soccer
). The two most famous clubs are Al Ittihad club based in Jeddah founded in 1928.
It is the oldest surving club and one of the most successful in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Football Federation was formed in 1957. The first official tournament,
King's Cup, was held in 1957 and continued yearly till the national league formation
in 1975. Today, Ittihad is amongst Saudi Arabia's largest clubs. It is successful
not only in football, but in swimming, water polo, basketball, volleyball and
table tennis too. Football though is the main sport in sports and recreation in
Jeddah. Al Ahli is a Saudi Arabian professional sports club also based in Jeddah.
The club is Al Ittihad's arch rival.
Baseball in Jeddah is a new sport and has a following amongst the expatriate
Americans or the youth with a Western style upbringing. Baseball Jeddah Youth
Baseball has five separate leagues; T Ball for 6-7 year olds, Coach Pitch League
for 8-9 year olds, little league for 10-12 year olds and Pony league for 13-15
year olds. There is also a girl's softball league for 9-15 year olds. Cricket
in Jeddah is another sport that is gathering a substantial fan following.
In sports and recreation of Jeddah, there are also:
Gardens and Amusement Parks such as Abraj Park, Palm Park, Al Shalal Park,
Atlal Park, Nawrus Park, Fantasy Garden, Green Island, Blue Lagoon, The Train
Lake and Dolphin Restaurant.
Indoor Recreation such as Bullwinkle's, Plant Pluto, Fun Time Pizza, Wonderland,
Children's Play Center, Happyland, Hijaz Plaza, Pulsar, Happydays Diner, Kids
Island.
Museums and Zoos such as Abdul-Raouf Kalil Museum, Beautiful Creatures Zoo,
Balad Guided Tours, The Desert Zoo Park and The National Wildlife Research Center.
In sports and recreation at Jeddah, there is also aerobics with health clubs
in Jeddah that conduct aerobic classes. Jet Ski and boats can be rented at any
of Jeddah's Marinas. After Australia's great barrier reef, Jeddah's warm waters
with beautiful coral reefs are regarded amongst if not the best. Internationally
qualified diving instructors are also present. In sports and recreation in Jeddah,
other events possible are fishing, golf, horse riding, karate, rugby, squash,
swimming, tennis and water skiing. It is possible to go fishing in Jeddah at
any public seaplace and bait is available at the local shops.
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