Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at Jingkids, we’re all about our readers, what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
Hi! My name is Paul Major and I’m from Newcastle in the UK. I came to China to be with my wife Vanessa who I met back home. I’ve lived in Beijing since 2012 and now have two adorable children called Zack and Zara. I organize the international amateur football leagues in Beijing, CIFL, and IFFC which consist of 11aside leagues, 7aside leagues, 5aside leagues, and a ladies league.
What’s on your mind?
The football leagues! It’s on my mind every day. The things I need to do, people I need to contact, how to improve the league and make it more enjoyable and beneficial for the Beijing community. I never stop thinking about it really. Football is my biggest passion. I’m lucky to have this job and I love doing it.
What’s your motivation to get moving?
The vision and future goals we have for the amateur football leagues within China are what motivates me. It’s always very exciting to think about. We know what we want to do and how good this can become, we just need to keep working hard, create more positive connections and jump over each hurdle that stands in our way.
How do you stay sane in all the madness?
That’s a great question! I have no idea how I do it all sometimes, to be honest. My wife Vanessa is very supportive and helps me with everything and anything which keeps me going. Playing with my two children Zack and Zara always puts a smile on my face (when they’re not naughty) and helps ease some of the pressures or stress I might be feeling. I have a great group of close friends who are always there for me which is very important too. So, the short answer to this question would be family and friends, without a doubt.
What’s your favorite thing about Beijing?
Mahjong 麻将! I absolutely love this game. My friend Tony who is from Dongbei province taught me how to play Dongbei Mahjong in 2013. It was difficult to grasp and understand at first, but the more we played the more I fell in love with it. We now play Beijing Mahjong, which is a lot faster with less rules, but we all live very busy lives, so we only get to play a few times per year. When we do play though, the game could last anywhere between six to 12 hours which is crazy, but great fun.
KEEP READING: How A 3,000-Year-Old Game Changed My China Experience
Images: Courtesy of Paul Major
