Seven Outdoor Sports Leagues to Join This Summer
beach volleyball photo via shutterstock.
Want to be outside this summer? There’s still time to join one of these outdoor sports leagues. So have fun and get your sweat on as a team.
Touch Rugby
This casual, coed version of rugby provides the fun of the traditional game without the tackling. “It’s much more structured and a little bit more civil,” says Boston Touch Rugby President Dave Meyer. You won’t find a scrum or a lineout on the field at Joe Moakley Park, but you’ll do plenty of running and enjoy a drink-up at the league’s pub sponsor afterward. Open to players of all ages and abilities, teams of seven play three 15-minute games a night with proceeds donated to Boston Youth Rugby.
Registration is $200 for team; $20 for individuals, Thursdays 6:15 p.m., 1005 Columbia Rd., South Boston, bostontouchrugby.com
Beach Volleyball
If running isn’t in your fitness wheelhouse, beach volleyball will get you jumping and diving—both great for breaking a sweat. Social Boston Sports offers intermediate and novice coed leagues at Carson Beach on Sunday afternoons. Games are six on six, and each team is on the court for about 90 minutes. North Shore residents looking to get sandy should check out Massachusetts Sports and Social Club in Newburyport on Thursday and Sunday evenings.
Registration ends July 6, $63 per player for team rate; $68 per player for free agent rate, July 13 – September 7, Carson Beach, South Boston, 888-727-2005, socialbostonsports.com
Registration ends July 10, $40 per player, Massachusetts Sports and Social Club, 101 North Reservation Terrace, Newburyport, 603-518-8257, masssportsclub.com
Kickball
There’s a reason kickball commanded many a cheer in middle school gym class; kicking a big, red, rubber ball as hard as possible is just fun. Team and individual registration is open for Boston Ski and Sports Club’s July coed weeknight leagues. Monday night games are played on turf at Harvard, while those who prefer grass-stains can play on Wednesdays in Watertown. Play is 10 to a side, seven innings or 45 minutes long, and culminates with end-of-season playoffs to crown a champion.
$425 per team; $75 per individual; $50 for BSSC members, games start the third week of July, 617-789-4070, bssc.com
Slow-Pitch Softball
Don’t be fooled; just because “slow” is in this sport’s name doesn’t mean you won’t get a competitive workout. Registration is still open for select coed and men’s HUB leagues. Teams are bracketed by skill level, and league play begins this month. American Softball Association umpired games, team shirts, and a team website are all included with the registration and team fee. You can even get daily updated season standings and stat tracking for that competitive edge in the playoffs.
League space is first come first serve, fee varies by league, 617-959-9056, thehubsoftball.com
Tennis
Tennis isn’t just for country club members. Tennis Northeast offers two non-exclusive tennis circuits in Greater Boston. The Summer Season league best fits competitive players, pairing a guaranteed number of matches based on skill level. Those looking for less structured court action can join the coed Partner Program, a good option “for players who have the same interests and just want to get out and play,” says Tennis Northeast Director Steve Chagnon.
Summer Season registration is $35 and ends July 15; Partner Program is $9 per month, 857-288-8815, tennisnortheast.com
Soccer
Watching Team USA from your couch or local pub stool may have gotten you closer to World Cup action, but it won’t fly as a fitness routine this summer. Boston Ski and Sports Club hosts Boston’s largest coed and men’s outdoor soccer leagues in 7v7 and 11v11 formats. Games range in length from two 25-minute halves to two 35-minute halves with one to two certified officials. No experience necessary, but shin guards and a good attitude are required.
Registration fee varies by league and is discounted for BSSC members, 617-789-4070, bssc.com
Flag Football
You don’t have to wait for September to enjoy Sunday afternoon football. Beginning this month, Social Boston Sports’ coed Flag Football league will host games at MIT’s Briggs Field. Games are played six to a side, with flags, balls, and team shirts provided. League champions are awarded the honor of drinking from the silver cup and having their team name engraved on the trophy.
Registration ends July 4. $65 per player for team rate, $70 for free agent rate, July 13 – August 24, 108 Vassar Street, Cambridge, 888-727-2005, socialbostonsports.com
