What's behind the booming popularity of London's Forest City sport, social club (2024)

Founded 15 years ago, the Forest City Sport and Social Club offers co-ed recreational sport leagues and social activities for adults. Director Dave Ward says participation rates have never been higher as London’s population booms: From 220 people across three sports in its first season, the organization attracted about 4,600 Londoners each week this summer. LFP reporter Noah Brennan digs into the group’s growth and what lies ahead with the registration deadline for fall leagues approaching

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ALL ABOUT SPORT AND SOCIALIZING

The sport and social club has a reputation for bringing people together, according to Ward, who often hears from members who credit lifelong connections to their participation.

“It would be very difficult to tell you how many marriages have come out of (our teams),” he said. “We hear about it all the time.”

The club has more than 30 sport leagues to choose from across fall, winter and summer seasons.

This fall, outdoor leagues such as beach volleyball, flag football and ultimate frisbee are available for shortened seasons of about six to seven weeks, while indoor leagues typically last all season and include options such as badminton, dodgeball and pickleball, among others.

NEW TO THE GAME? JOIN A ROOKIE LEAGUE

While its regular leagues welcome all skill levels, the rookie leagues aim to attract people with no experience whatsoever. They offer instruction on the basics of a sport and allow players to connect with other beginners.

Fall rookie leagues are open for volleyball, pickleball, basketball, curling, soccer and floor hockey.

“If you always wanted to play but you’ve never felt comfortable, you could come join our rookies-only league,” Ward said.

WHAT’S NEW

A new addition to its fall lineup is a cornhole league, which aims to build on the growing popularity of the bag-tossing game, according to Ward. “We’re pretty excited.”

The nine-week fall cornhole league will consist of weekly play at Game Knight Leagues, a tabletop gaming venue in London.

The sport and social club also recently started offering a trampoline fitness class in partnership with The Factory, an indoor entertainment centre in London.

The deadline to register for fall leagues is Sept. 3 (midnight) for outdoor leagues and Sept. 10 (midnight) for indoor.

Fees vary by league. Find more information and registration details online at www.forestcityssc.ca.

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