Best After-School Activities and Youth Sports in Irbid (But Honestly, It's a Mess)

okay, so i spent the last two weeks in irbid trying to figure out what kids actually do after school here. turns out, it’s a mix of chaos, community, and a few hidden gems. if you’re a parent, a teen, or just curious, here’s the unfiltered truth.

first off, irbid is not what you’d call a "vibrant" city. it’s loud, dusty, and full of life. the weather? imagine a hairdryer on full blast in july. but the people? they’re gold. warm, funny, and always ready to help you find the nearest falafel stand.

youth sports: where the magic happens

football (soccer) fever

i asked a random kid on the street what he does after school. "i play football," he said, like it was the only option. and honestly, he’s not wrong. football is king here. there are makeshift pitches everywhere-dusty lots, schoolyards, even empty streets. if your kid wants to join a team, check out the local clubs like al-hussein irbid club. they’ve got programs for all ages.

basketball: the underdog

basketball is growing fast. the courts at al-yarmouk university are open to the public after 4 pm. it’s a great spot for teens to shoot hoops and make friends. just don’t expect nba-level facilities-it’s more "run and gun" than "pick and roll."

martial arts: discipline with a side of chaos

there’s a small but passionate martial arts scene. i overheard a mom at a cafe saying her son trains at a local dojo. "it’s not fancy, but the sensei is tough," she said. "he’s teaching my kid respect and how to throw a punch."

after-school activities: the weird and wonderful

art classes: messy but meaningful

i stumbled into a tiny art studio near the university. the walls were covered in kids’ paintings-abstract, colorful, and full of energy. the teacher, a young woman with paint-stained hands, told me they focus on creativity over perfection. "we don’t care if it’s messy," she said. "we care that they’re expressing themselves."

robotics clubs: the future is here

okay, this one surprised me. there’s a robotics club at the university that welcomes high schoolers. they build drones, code games, and even compete in regional contests. it’s like a mini silicon valley, but with more hummus.

music lessons: rock on

if your kid is into music, there are a few places offering guitar, oud, and piano lessons. i met a teenager who plays in a local band. "we practice in my garage," he said. "it’s loud, but it’s ours."

the cost of living (aka the real talk)

living in irbid is cheap compared to amman, but it’s not free. rent for a decent apartment? around 200-300 jd a month. food? a falafel sandwich costs less than a dollar. but here’s the kicker: private lessons for sports or music can add up. expect to pay 20-50 jd per month, depending on the activity.

safety: the elephant in the room

is irbid safe? yes, but use common sense. it’s a busy city, and traffic can be wild. stick to well-lit areas at night, and always keep an eye on your stuff. the locals are friendly, but like anywhere, it’s good to stay aware.

overheard gossip and drunk advice

i met a guy at a coffee shop who swore by the after-school program at the public library. "they have reading clubs, chess tournaments, and free internet," he said. "it’s a lifesaver for parents who can’t afford private lessons."

another mom told me about a hidden gem: a community center that offers free yoga classes for teens. "it’s not fancy, but it’s a great way for kids to unwind," she said.

final thoughts: it’s not perfect, but it’s real

irbid isn’t a polished, curated city. it’s messy, loud, and full of surprises. but that’s what makes it special. the after-school activities and youth sports here aren’t about perfection-they’re about community, creativity, and giving kids a place to belong.

if you’re moving here or just visiting, dive in. try the football pitch, the art studio, the robotics club. and if you get lost, just ask a local. they’ll point you in the right direction-and probably invite you for tea.

links to check out

- al-hussein irbid club
- al-yarmouk university sports facilities
- local robotics club