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Game On, Frederick

How Frederick Social Sports is Helping Adults Reconnect—One Game at a Time

Article by Sierra Moore

Photography by Belinda Prather of BJP Photography

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

Truthfully, adulthood can be isolating. Between careers, responsibilities and the grind of daily life, genuine connection often slips through the cracks. The pickup games and spontaneous hangouts of our younger years fade—and with them, the easy joy of belonging. But the need for connection doesn’t disappear. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 U.S. adults report feeling lonely and prolonged isolation is now considered as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Thankfully, Frederick Social Sports is changing that—one game at a time.

Founded in 2011 with a modest six-team dodgeball league, Frederick Social Sports has evolved into a thriving community that brings adults together through casual, inclusive recreation. Today, it offers a wide range of leagues year-round, including kickball, softball, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, darts, skeeball and even indoor golf. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone who hasn't touched the sport in a lifetime, there's a place for you here.

Laughter mid-game, high-fives between strangers and the easy camaraderie that comes from sharing the field is what makes it all feel a little less like exercise and a lot more like new friendships. It's parents bringing their kids to cheer them on from the sidelines. It's showing up for one game a week—or joining multiple teams if you're looking for more. At its core, Frederick Social Sports is a reminder that it’s never too late to make new friends, try something new and play!

"You're already starting with something in common,” says founder Michelle. “You're on the same team, playing the same game—that breaks the ice instantly.”

Beyond the leagues, Frederick Social Sports partners with local bars and restaurants to offer post-game hangouts, turning an average week night into something to look forward to. It also hosts four annual charity tournaments that give back to the Frederick community—extending its impact far beyond the field.

Behind the scenes is a team of 15 passionate staff members who help keep the spirit of Frederick Social Sports alive. And with big dreams on the horizon—including a dedicated facility with indoor and outdoor spaces for year-round programming—the future looks just as energetic as the community it serves.

For many, the league has been life-changing. “Some of the people I met through Frederick Social Sports stood beside me at my wedding,” Michelle shares.

Because when you say yes to just one more game, you’re really saying yes to something more: friendship, movement, fun and a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.

Get in the Game

Joining is easy. Head to Fredericksocialsports.com, pick your sport, and sign up solo, with a friend or as a full team. Free agents are matched with others and all skill levels are welcome. Come for the game. Stay for the people. You might just find exactly what you didn’t know you were missing.

A League for Every Interest
No matter your speed or your skill—there’s something for everyone:

  • Kickball
  • Volleyball
  • Bowling
  • Cornhole
  • Dodgeball
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Bocce
  • Pickleball
  • Darts
  • Skeeball
  • Indoor Golf
  • Football

Why Players Keep Coming Back

“We signed up as a work team just to blow off some steam—and now it’s the best part of our week. It’s brought us closer as coworkers and friends.”

“Our friend group started with one dodgeball season just for fun and now we sign up for every sport we can. It’s become our tradition.”

“My partner and I joined to meet new people and ended up finding an entire community. We’ve even planned vacations with teammates!”

“I had no idea what to expect, but the energy and connection on and off the field kept me coming back. Now, our whole friend group plays together and it's something we all look forward to.”

FrederickSocialsSorts.com

When you say yes to just one more game, you’re really saying yes to friendship, movement and a community that welcomes you as you are. Frederick Social Sports isn’t just about staying active—it’s about rediscovering connection, finding your people and remembering it’s never too late to get up and play.