Looking to mix up the bump and grind of your work week? Add a little more bump to it through one of several New York City sports leagues that provide adult volleyball games almost every day of the week. You can find some friendly competition all year round, but here's a look at the upcoming seasons available, so get working on that serve now.
With
ZogSports, whether you're playing just for fun or for the championship title, the league's charity element adds a little extra incentive to your competitive drive. Through its motto, "Play for your Cause," a percentage of the company's profit goes to charity, and prize money from their sponsors is awarded to the winning team's charity of choice.
Level of play ranges from Players (the serious volleyballers), Sorta Players, Casual and Extremely Casual (especially good for those with little to no volleyball experience looking to get in the game). Once that's figured out, it's 6 on 6 on the court, with a minimum of 4, if not everyone on your team is able to make it out. Co-ed, there must be at least 2 women on the court (1 if there are only 4 players). It's three games a match, and then off to the bar for some non-trash talking socializing.
The winter season begins January 10, 2010 for weekday play, and January 4, 2010 for Sunday games, and lasts for about two months, with nine weekly games. Early registration begins November 9, costing $110 for individuals or $1,175 for teams. From November 19 to December 9, it's $120 for individuals and $1,175 for teams.
Crazy about volleyball? So is
New York Urban. While the exact details are still in the works, their winter season kicks off in early January, with information on their Web site by early December.
Registration is $1,215 per team (10 people), and $121 for individuals, with men's, women's, and co-ed competition. With their fall gym space able to accommodate 350 teams, there's lots of room for volleyball fans, but be sure to check in in early December and not miss out on the action.
If one game a week isn't enough for you, the league also has paid
open play nights on Fridays and Sundays for all skill levels. It's a great way to get some time on the court in before the big game, or, for those looking to get some non-competitive play, it's also open to non-league players.
For fans of professional leagues, there's even more of the
New York Corporate Co-Ed Volleyball League to go around this year, as they launch their first ever winter season. Starting the week of January 25, 2010, the season includes 10 games, plus a post-season tournament to which most teams are invited.
Those working in the New York professional community are eligible to play, so get your office enrolled today (clients, spouses, and friends are also welcome to join your roster). Also expect a lot of competitive play with their sister league,
The Lawyers Volleyball League, which also kicks off their first winter season the week of January 25, 2010. This sounds like a documentary waiting to happen. Somebody please get on this.
Registration costs $1,500 per team of 10, and
applications are due before January 12, 2010. The fee for the Lawyers League is also $1,500 per team, with
applications due by January 20, 2010.
Another league that caters to a particular demographic,
Gotham Volleyball is the largest gay sports organization in New York City, with nearly 600 players in more than 72 teams. Its members are open to members of the LGBT community, and each year the organization hosts fundraising tournaments with proceeds going towards various organizations in the community.
Tryouts for the winter season are tentatively scheduled for January 21, 2010, where new players will be placed in the league's various divisions. Dues for each season are $135 per person, with a $5 discount for those who pay through PayPal. For $205 a season, you can attend weekly Power Classes, which offer coached, 3-hour sessions for those who want to improve their game. The league also offers open play on Monday nights, so there's plenty of opportunities to perfect that serve during the season.
