Paddy's Sports Team Sign-Up bonanza returns this Friday, providing a safe space for fans of drinking, and perhaps sports, to meet and kindle what could be a life-long Beijing passion.

More than 10 of the city's biggest sports teams will attend, tempting you with their camaraderie and promises of an improved physique via football, rugby, running, ice hockey, fencing, Gaelic football, cricket, handball, bike polo, volleyball, and darts (OK, no one ever lost a gut playing darts.)

Each team will imbue knowledge about their respective sports, teams, details of their practice and league schedules, and have some merch on hand so that you can swear allegiance before the crushing hangover kicks in and you regret everything.