Diplomats Find Washington Venues for Rugby, Polo, Cricket by Alan B. Nichols Rugby, polo and cricket are time-honored sports played much more commonly overseas than on U.S. shores. For foreign dignitaries and others in the Washington-based diplomatic corps, it might seem that the chances to play these sports would be rare. But a closer investigation reveals that in the Washington area, these ancient games are not only running, but breaking a sweat....more... Local Sports Clubs Drawing Diplomats by Alan B. Nichols Sunil Lal couldnít imagine a week without exercise. As a press counselor with the Embassy of India, he volleys information to reporters and others who seek the official embassy position on various U.S.-Indian issues. At least twice a week, and more often if he can help it, he and three colleagues engage in volleying of another kind. The foursome are all members of the Regency Sport and Health Club in McLean, Va., where during lunch they typically play a brisk game of round robin doubles tennis. Lal is one of a growing number of foreign diplomats in Washington who stay fit at local sports and fitness clubs around the metropolitan area. There are an estimated 50,000 foreign diplomats in Washington, who collectively represent a sizable market for local member-based sports clubs, and these clubs are directing their marketing efforts accordingly....more... Exercising for the Whole Family

Area Soccer Teams Reaching Goal of Increased Popularity by Sean OíDriscoll D.C. United exploded out of Major League Soccer when the competition was set up seven years ago. Some early groundwork and some good player acquisitions produced the greatest professional soccer club in the United States. But then things started to go wrong. Players were injured, other clubs started to buy up foreign players, and the high early expectations produced an unhealthy psychology where only a win could satisfy the fans and the media. Recent personnel changes and new players have taken a lot of the petty politics out of the club, which has seen a revival in its fortunes. The new spirit of optimism has led to expansions within the club, and just last month, the club announced it was to expand its much-praised youth academy from five to 12 teams....more... Stretch Your Way Into New Golf Season by Alan B. Nichols With an exceptionally cold winter this year and lots of snow and ice, Washington area golfers havenít been able to get out and play nearly as much as they would like. As a result, golf swings have probably gotten a bit rusty. And not only that, if golfers havenít been stretching and keeping their bodies tone and limber, odds are even greater that their swings will need some rehab before they hit the fairways in the spring. But there is a lot golfers can do before the warm weather settles in permanently. They can use this time indoors to do some exercises and drills that will help them stand in good stead on the links....more... Directory of Area Golf Clubs coming soon Directory of Area Sports Clubs coming soon