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Getting into the Game in L.A.

When I moved to L.A., I left behind a beloved softball team. In Chicago, we could only play half the year so it was even more special when the snow finally melted and the temperature rose above freezing and we could play again. The problem when I moved to L.A. was I had two friends, not exactly enough to go out and field a team. I soon found a way to navigate the recreational sports world of L.A. and the following is some advice for those of you looking to take advantage of year round sports.

Since moving to L.A., I have played on softball, kickball, and football teams. The beautiful thing is that one team kind of leads to another. The trick was finding that very first team. My first job in L.A. was in an office where I was younger than everyone by at least 15 years. Therefore, chances for an office team were out of the question. When you start your job in L.A., test the waters. See if your company has any existing teams or if the company would be interested in sponsoring one. This is an excellent way to make friends with co-workers outside of the office. I’m still convinced I got my second job because they had a softball team and I swore to them I would be a valuable addition to any softball team. Also, to register most teams can cost anywhere from $300 to $500, so if you can get the suits to cover it, even better.

If you’re flying solo, don’t worry about it. There are quite a few options for those looking to join a team. I got on my first softball team by adding myself to the City of Los Angeles Parks and Recs Free Agent List. It’s a list available to all team managers who are looking to fill out a team with a couple of extra players. I got so many calls and the team I ended up joining, I stayed with for at least four seasons and met some great new people. The City of Los Angeles offers a Free Agent List for most of the team sports it offers including softball, flag football, basketball and volleyball. There is no fee to be added to the Free Agent Lists. For more info about getting on the Free Agent List(s) of your choice check out LA Parks.

Another great option for those players without a team is Planet Social Sports. They offer co-ed touch football, volleyball, softball and kickball. On this site you can register as a free agent or a small group of friends that would like to play together, but don’t have a full team. There is a fee to register as a free agent that varies depending on the league. Most of the teams offered through Planet Social Sports are bar sponsored offering great socializing experiences for a newbie like you. For more information go to Planet Social Sports.

One last tactic and I use it to this day, just show up. Depending on the sport of your choice, go to your field or court of choice when teams are playing and start talking. Let them know you are looking for a team. Ask if they ever need extra players (most teams always need a reliable sub they can call on) or if they know any other teams that are looking. Talk to umps, refs, officials and see if they know any teams that are shorthanded. Give out your number and email let them know when you are available to play.

Once you find that first team, make some friends. Get to know your teammates, suggest a celebratory outing and don’t be shy. Most of the teams I play for now, I am on because someone I knew from another team asked me to join. Best of all, these people can become good friends, career contacts and who knows what else. Just make sure to be a good sport. – Connie Sommerville

This entry was posted on Monday, July 19th, 2010 at 10:40 pm and is filed under Fun in the City. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.