As adults, we all enjoy a bit of healthy competition in the workplace. But, for many of us, finding that same competition on the ballfield just isn’t that easy. The days of recess, after school sports leagues and intramurals have been replaced by spreadsheets, desk chairs and busy calendars. For those of us who still have dreams of hitting that game winning home run or spiking a volleyball for match point, it’s difficult to find a quality group of people to consistently play with. And league play? Forget about it. At least, that used to be the case.

Today there are several options within just a few miles of your home to fulfill that competitive spirit with adult aged recreational sports.

If you’re more of a dabbler and you don’t want to commit to a full league, consider the options that can be found on MeetUp.com. Dozens of groups have been created throughout the area for sports ranging from softball to dodgeball and everything in between. “I joined a group about five months ago and so far I go almost every three weeks or so just to relax and meet some new people,” says Kassie Smith of Waterford Lakes. “It’s a lot of fun and there’s no pressure, just some people that want to play and have a good time.”

But, if you’re looking to take that next step and you’re looking for weekly league play, you may want to consider the YMCA or the Orlando Sports and Social Club. The YMCA offers recreational and competitive leagues for various skill levels and ages throughout the year. Sports include basketball, flag football and more, but offerings typically will vary by location. Here, sports last for seasons, and many of them have multiple seasons spread throughout the calendar.

As for the Orlando Sports and Social Club, the group offers five sports all year long (flag football, soccer, sand volleyball, softball and kickball) separated by skill level from recreation to competitive playing in leagues on a weekly basis. The group also arranges social meetings for members to get to know each other, relax and build new friendships. “All throughout your school career you get to play whatever sports you want,” says Ezra Simmons, director of the Orlando Sports and Social Club. “In college you can play intramurals, and it’s a great way to meet new people doing something you love. Then suddenly you graduate and you’re stuck behind a desk, staring at a computer screen all day with no outlet.” This is where the club fits right in.

“Our philosophy is that just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean they have to take the fun away,” says Simmons. “The sports we offer give every person of every skill level a chance to run around and play their heart out…all while expanding their social circles or using it as an organized way to schedule time for their friends to get together.” League play for the club runs as much as five days a week for flag football and softball, with two leagues apiece for their other sports, respectively. Locations vary by league and sport from Winter Park to Downtown and even MetroWest.

The idea, according to Simmons, in placing leagues around Orange and Seminole counties is to allow everyone who wants to play a chance to play. “We’ve got teachers; doctors; lawyers; singles; people married with kids; young professionals just out of college and really just all kinds of people that want to come out for a chance to have fun, socialize and meet people in a structured, yet recreational sports environment,” he says.

Recreational sports in general, no matter where the location or which organization you choose to utilize, offers players a chance to exercise, break the monotony of everyday life and even network. “I know people that have been able to get jobs from the contacts they’ve met out there, for sure,” says Simmons. “Over the years, through playing recreational sports, I’ve met some of my closest friends and so many other wonderful people. I really can’t think of a better way to be active and make new friends.”
Article by Corey Gehrold