Oklahoma plays host to a wide range of adult recreational sporting leagues, and the popularity of these clubs is only growing. A plethora of options are available for those looking to get active and make connections – including volleyball, basketball, flag football, kickball and even bowling. Whether you’re super competitive or a type B social sports enthusiast, you’re welcome to join in on the fun.
“All our leagues hold some competitiveness, but our main focus is fun and a healthy community,” says Dory Wehr, executive director and CEO for Tulsa Sports and Events, which manages recreational sports leagues and tournaments in the area. “We strive to provide space for people to continue a healthy lifestyle in a fun community.
Kensi Wells, regional sports director with OSSO Sports and Social – a similar organization based out of OKC – agrees with the sentiment.
“We cater to social sports,” she says. “Our aim is to appeal to everyone, even if they don’t fancy themselves as athletic or competitive.”
Joining a league is as simple as going online, finding the sport you like, and adding your name to the list.
“You don’t need to know anyone to join,” says Wehr. If you’ve got a big group wanting to play or you’re flying solo, you’ll be accommodated.
“We have an option to either put in a whole team or register as an individual,” she continues. “We do our best to create free agent teams every season for individual players. Once you are in the league, you meet new people and, in turn, usually end up creating relationships with existing teams, or liking your free agent teams enough to stay for the next season as a returning team.”
The cost is dependent on both the league and the sport.
“Our leagues run anywhere from $69 to $89,” says Wells. “No athleticism is required. We are here to provide a place for you and your friends to hang out, create a community and be active.”
At Tulsa Sports and Events, costs also vary by sport, and different levels of athleticism are typically split.
“We usually create different divisions in each sport, so whether you are highly athletic or just getting into it, you have a division to play in,” Wehr says.
If the social scene is another reason you want to join a recreational league, that’s also a big part of what makes them so special.
“We are all about the social scene. Our sand volleyball leagues are hosted at Pearl Beach Brew Pub in both OKC and Tulsa, and the field sports players are encouraged to come enjoy food and drinks after the games to hang out with all the other players,” says Wells.
Wehr continues: “Much of our community has been playing with us for many years. They sometimes do drink nights after games or their team is very close knit and will go out to dinner with their families after games.”
In the end, friendly competition and a place for personal growth are paramount.
“Our primary focus is on health and wellness and fostering a positive environment for all participants,” says Wehr. “This genuine dedication is what keeps our community returning year after year.”
