Each spring, the fields and parks around Columbus come alive with young adults playing basketball and baseball, volleyball and tennis. For the most part, these sports are clumsier versions than what you remember from your high-school glory days, and players are more eager to make friends rather than highlight reels.
Each spring, the fields and parks around Columbus come alive with young adults playing basketball and baseball, volleyball and tennis. For the most part, these sports are clumsier versions than what you remember from your high-school glory days, and players are more eager to make friends rather than highlight reels.
"Right now, with the weather turning, it's a good way to get outside," said Ryan Ransom, sports marketing director for SportsMonster.com, which organizes adult leagues across the country. "For people new to the city, it's a great way to make some new friends."
Here are some adult sports leagues to help kick off the spring.
Aussie rules football
Registration deadline: Open
Cost: Free to practice; $100 to play in sanctioned games
Skill level: Competitive
Start date: March 10
Season length: Regular games through October
Web: columbusfooty.com
The Columbus Jackaroos train Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Tuttle Park. They welcome new players to practice and play in local games usually held on Saturdays. The season runs through October, and the team travels throughout the Midwest for sanctioned road games.
Softball
Registration deadline: April 3
Cost: $385 per team
Skill level: Recreational & competitive
Start date: April 17
Season length: 10 games
Web: crpdsports.org
The Columbus Recreation and Parks department hosts numerous adult sport leagues throughout the year, including basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. Weekly coed softball leagues will be offered Monday-Friday at Berliner Park, Tuesday at Tuttle Park and Friday and Sunday at Busch Park. Men's, women's, church and corporate leagues are forming, too.
Indoor soccer
Registration deadline: March 22
Cost: $580 per team
Skill level: Recreational & competitive
Start date: Week of March 30
Season length: Seven games
Web: thesportsbarn.net
During its spring session, the Easton indoor sports complex welcomes about 50 coed and men's teams in separate divisions for all adults and the over-30 crowd. The popular open coed leagues usually play Sunday or Monday nights, and the final schedule will be decided once registration concludes.
Team tennis
Registration deadline: April 11
Cost: $65 individual; $240 team (plus per-player fees)
Skill level: Recreational & competitive
Start date: Week of April 11
Season length: Nine weeks
Web: sportsmonster.com
A coed team-tennis match is actually decided by six quick matches: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and two coed doubles. The new Saturday morning league at Whetstone Park will bring together players with a wide range of skills. A pair of Tuesday night team-tennis leagues also will be offered.
Kickball
Registration deadline: April 7
Cost: $38 individual; $240 team (plus per-player fees)
Skill level: Recreational
Start date: Week of April 7
Season length: Nine weeks
Web: sportsmonster.com
With the Statehouse league in jeopardy, players can turn to Goodale Park, home to coed recreational leagues on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. SportsMonster also will host upcoming kickball leagues at Antrim Park and Cobra Field in Gahanna.
Getting started
Ryan Ransom of SportsMonster.com shared these tips for first-timers who want to get involved in an adult sports league.
Go it alone. If you don't want the responsibility of gathering your friends, many leagues will assign individuals or small groups to a team.
Know your level. Those eager to make friends and share a few laughs will have more fun in recreational leagues. Former pros should stick to competitive ones.
One at a time. Your renewed vigor for staying active is good, but when starting out, sign up for one league at a time.
Be flexible. The day of league play rarely changes, but sometimes games are played at different times. Make sure you're available for the window of time listed.