Team sports. They’re a thing!
They’re also a great way to meet new people and work up a sweat without realizing it (because you’re playing a game and having fun, rather than sprinting alone on a treadmill – not that there’s anything wrong with sprinting alone on a treadmill).
Even cooler, these team sports are open to everyone, whatever your level, so even those of us who have never played rugby or volleyball or inner-tube water polo are invited to join in and give it a try. And have a hell of a good time learning a new sport.
Inner-Tube Water Polo
Free inaugural session: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 16
Cape Elizabeth High School Pool, Cape Elizabeth
Free (5-week session after that is $40 per person)
FMI: cascobaysports.com and www.facebook.com/events/116467932038686/
Inner-tube water polo. You read that right. It’s like polo, but instead of a grassy field, you’ll be in the Cape Elizabeth High School Pool, and instead of horses, you’ll be butt-first in an inner-tube. You’ll paddle with your hands, you’ll pass the ball to team members, you’ll score, you’ll probably flip over a few times. It’ll be great. Casco Bay Sports is launching this brand new league this month, starting off with a free session on Sept XX. Give it a try, see what you think, sign up for the whole season.
Synchronized swimming
6:30 p.m. Thursdays, September 17 to October 29
Riverton School Pool, Portland
$54.25 Portland resident, $57.75 non-resident
FMI: portlandrec.com
Talk about working together as a team! Synchronized swimming requires each swimmer to match every movement – every tilt of the head, every turn of the water wheel – with each other. It’s not as easy as it looks, but it’s sure fun to try. You’ll learn some impressive pool moves during this class – and while a flowery vintage swim cap isn’t required for this class (just a regular swim cap will do), I guarantee you’re going to want to buy one.
Volleyball
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of the month
First Baptist Church, Canco Road, Portland
Free
No experience? No problem. Like all the team sports listed here, previous experience isn’t required. The goal is simply to get together and have some ball-thumping fun. This informal league was started several weeks ago by some locals who just like to play volleyball. It’s open to everyone and FREE. Drop on in!
Flag Football
7:45 AM (not regularly) 8:45 , 9:45, or 10:45 Sundays starting September 13
Memorial Stadium Turf Field & Deering Grass Field
$70 per person
FMI: www.cascobaysports.com
If you’re highly competitive, join the A division. If you’re more about playing for the fun of it, join the C division. Whatever your level of competitiveness, there’s a place on the field just waiting for you. This is a no-contact league, but no one said anything about a bit of friendly trash talk.
Casco Bay Sports also offers Indoor kickball, basketball and dodgeball.
Maine Women’s Rugby
Practice 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, games Saturdays
Portland
FMI: www.facebook.com/mainewomensrugby
A friend of mine recently joined Maine Women’s Rugby and is lovin’ every minute of it. Perhaps you will, too! The season officially starts with the team’s first match this weekend, but new members are welcome at any time. Practice is twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays and MWR is open to women of all ages and abilities, so get out there.
Pickleball
Many options here, from Auburn and Bangor to Belfast and South Portland
Check the Pickleball in Maine google calendar for where to play all over the state
Take tennis, badminton and ping-pong, smash them all together and you get Pickleball. I first got wind of this sport a couple years ago (read Young and old in Portland area catch pickleball fever from the Press Herald). It’s been a hit at retirement communities for years, but I’ve seen people of all ages playing here in Maine, like at the Westbrook Community Center. Yes, “Pickleball” is funny to say. It’s also fun to play.
Ultimate (Fall-timate)
Tuesday nights starting September 15 and continuing for 8 weeks
Deering Oaks Park (under the lights!)
$75
FMI: portsportsmaine.com
Truth: Registration just closed for this all-ages, co-ed Ultimate league, but I’m mentioning it anyway because 1) PortSports founder Morgan Surkin is fantastic and if you message her (portsports@portsportsmaine.com), she might be able to squeeze you in, and 2) if you’re insterested in team sports, you need to know about PortSports, even if it means waiting until the next session of leagues. So there.
PortSports is also offering fall volleyball on either Tuesdays or Thursdays.
