As adults, we often long for the carefree days of our youth. Many of us enjoyed connecting with others through intramural sports in college and exploring new activities; others grew up playing team sports from a young age.
But as anyone who has tried to beat rush hour to get to the gym after work or squeeze in a run between kids’ homework and activities knows, finding time for fitness—and connecting with others—in adulthood is challenging.
However, there is a solution, where your competitive spirit can roam free whilst developing camaraderie and feeling supported in your fitness goals. According to Justin Radney, City of Allen’s Athletic Program Supervisor, “Adult sports leagues offer an alternative to solo gym workouts, with the added benefit of making new friends in a team environment. All ages and skill levels are welcome—from recreational one-off beginners to serious advanced team players.”
“Whether you sign up as a free agent, attend a one-day tournament, or join a league, we have a place for you,” says Justin.
Currently, Allen runs four sports leagues—volleyball, softball, basketball, and kickball. Each league runs in a season (spring, summer and fall) for about 8-10 weeks. The cost is $350-$450 per season depending on the league. Games are played at the new Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center, as well as at Spirit Park. However, you don’t have to be a member of the new facility to join a league.
What if you’re interested in other increasingly popular “nontraditional” sports like pickleball, cricket, or frisbee? “We are always working on pop-up and freestyle events. Tell us what you want,” encourages Justin. “We will try our best to find a court or a park and/or other interested partners. Our staff is very welcoming. We just want you to get out and play!”
Whether you’re coming to play with your family, a married, working professional, or single and freshly out of college, it doesn’t matter. There is a place for you!
Interested? Here are some tips to plan your next “move”:
Fall 2025 League Registration Dates:
- Basketball / Volleyball: July 7 – August 18
- Softball / Kickball: July 7 – August 18
- Basketball / Volleyball: September 2
- Softball / Kickball: September 2
2025 Gym Reservations:
- Basketball / Volleyball: Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday)
- Softball / Kickball: Spirit Park (Monday-Friday)
2025 Allen Outdoor Reservations:
Sunday:
· Spirit Park Softball – Temple Shalom
Monday:
· Ford East, Ford West, and Ford Lacrosse – Dallas Ultimate Association
Tuesday:
· Ford Lacrosse – USA Flag Football
· Spirit Park Cricket Pitch – Dallas Cricket League (an organized league that has its own registration)
Wednesday:
· Spirit Park Cricket Pitch – Dallas Cricket League
Thursday:
· Ford East, Ford West, Ford Lacrosse – Dallas Ultimate Association
Friday/ Saturday:
· Spirit Park and Suncreek Cricket Pitch – Dallas Cricket League
For more info, contact justin.radney@cityofallen.org or visit https://teamsideline.com/sites/allen/home or https://sites.google.com/view/allenfreeagents/home, https://dallasultimate.org/ or https://www.dallascricket.org/
Also, the Allen Community Ice Rink offers adult league options for hockey (next season is July 10 – October 9). For more info, contact ACIR-info@alleneventcenter.com or call (972) 912-1097.
“I grew up in a sports family, and played college sports. We all need an outlet after college. The solo nature of “hitting the gym” isn’t for me; I’d rather kick a soccer ball around. So my advice is just get out there and play!”