Belize's Favorite Sports

Belizeans are passionate about sports, and this is reflected in the wide range of sports played in the country. Football (or soccer) is the most popular sport in Belize, with basketball and softball close behind. Belize has a football federation and a national league, and football pitches and courts can be found in almost every village. Basketball is governed by the Belize Basketball Federation, and leagues exist for all ages. Softball is played across the country, with men's and women's teams competing in local, national, and regional tournaments.

Belize's history and culture also influence its sports scene. For example, cricket is a legacy of British occupation, and canoe racing dates back to the ancient Maya, who used rivers and streams as highways. Belize's natural features, such as its forests, coral reefs, rivers, and sand, also lend themselves to outdoor sports and activities like cycling, fishing, scuba diving, and sailing.

While Belize may not be known for producing international sports stars, the country's athletes are dedicated and take their training seriously. Belizeans' enthusiasm for sports is evident in their love for local and national teams and the growing number of sporting organisations and facilities.

Football (Soccer)

Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in Belize. The sport is run by the Football Federation of Belize, which administers the Belize national football team and the Belize Premier Football League. The national team's players are nicknamed the "Jaguars".

The sport was first played in the country in the 1920s, in the port city of Belize City. A regional championship was held each year, dominated by a team called Preston in the first decade. In the 1970s, a country-wide first league was established, called the Interdistrict Championship. This led to the Belize Premier Football League, which was replaced in 2012 by the current Premier League of Belize.

Belize has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup tournament, but the national team has competed in other international competitions. In 2013, Belize qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup championship, although they were eliminated in the group stage. The team also competed in the sub-regional Central American Cup championship in 2013, finishing fourth—their best result. Belize's fourth-place finish in the 2013 Copa Centroamericana gave the nation its first qualification for a major international competition, the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Belize's national football team plays at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Before this stadium was built, Belize had no facilities that met FIFA specifications.

Basketball

Belize has a national men's basketball team that represents the country in international competitions. The team plays in the FIBA Americas division, specifically within the Central American region. While the team has little to no international experience, they have had some notable successes. Their first major victory came in 1998 when they won the Caricom Men's Basketball Championship on home soil. They then placed fourth in the 2000 CARICOM Championship in Barbados and won the Central American Games championship in 2001. The team also finished second in the 2009 COCABA tournament in Cancun, Mexico, although they faced allegations of fielding ineligible players.

Belize has produced some notable basketball players, including Milt Palacio, who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for various teams during his seven-year career (1999-2006). Palacio also played for several European leagues, helping Partizan Belgrade win the Serbian Cup, Serbian League, and Adriatic League.

Cycling

Belize's quiet roads, free from large trucks and orderly, cautious drivers, make it a great place for bike touring. However, some roads may be in poor condition, and there are concerns about security and crime. While hotels can be expensive, cyclists can find nice campsites or ask to pitch a tent at a farm.

There are 69 cycle routes to explore in Belize, including in the Orange Walk District and Stann Creek District. The best months to cycle in Belize are July and September.

Belize's cycling culture is also reflected in its road cycling scene, with fast, professional-looking cycling teams seen on the highways. Cycling is a great way to explore the country's diverse landscapes, from remote jungles and rural villages to Mennonite communities and ancient Mayan ruins.

Canoeing

Belize is a haven for paddlers, with its expansive network of rivers and waterways. Canoeing is a popular sport in the country, with a range of options available for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

The Mopan and Macal Rivers in the Cayo District are ideal for gentle canoe explorations. Paddlers can navigate through the jungle, spotting wildlife, and then continue on to small villages to experience local life. Tour companies and jungle lodges cater to canoe travellers in this region, and there is also the option to dock and explore the jungle on foot. The Sun Set Canoeing on the Macal River is a magical experience, offering a glimpse of the enchanting hour between sunset and dusk.

For those seeking a challenge, the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge is a daunting 180-mile, 4-day endurance event that promotes environmental awareness. This race is not for the faint-hearted, but there are also regularly scheduled races along the nation's rivers for those who wish to test their mettle.

Sea kayaking is another excellent option in Belize, with the calm waters protected by the barrier reef and mid-ocean atoll lagoons. Glover's Reef Atoll is a popular destination for sea kayak adventures, with companies like Island Expeditions and Slickrock Adventures offering multi-day tours.

With its diverse waterways and enthusiastic sporting culture, Belize is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the country by canoe.

Cricket

The Belize District is considered the main home of cricket in Belize, and the Harrison Parks National Cricket Championship is the main event on the calendar. This championship is held annually from January to August and was controlled by the BNCA until 2006 when it was handed over to the Belize District Cricket Association, an affiliate member. In 2009, the BNCA resumed administering the championship.

Belize has a national cricket team that represents the country in international cricket. The team made its debut in 1960 when England visited at the end of its 1959-60 tour of the West Indies. Belize's first international tournament was a qualifier for the 2004 ICC Americas Championship, and the team has been a regular competitor in ICC Americas tournaments since. Belize participated in the 2008 Division Three tournament, finishing third out of five teams, and won the 2009 Central American Cricket Championship. The country also took part in the 2018-19 ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier, finishing fourth.

In addition to the national team, Belize has a national women's team, which was formed in 2019, and an Under-15 team that participated in a regional competition in the Bahamas in 2009.

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