Winter Garden seeks players for upcoming adult kickball season

The Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department is getting ready to host its adult kickball league this coming fall. The game first introduced back in elementary school is now more popular than ever. The league contains core aspects of teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership, making it much more popular for adults that are interested.

In order to form a team, it costs $300 and a team must have a minimum of 10 players: five males and five females. In addition, the Winter Garden league plays against teams that are formed in the city.

Kickball games occur on Monday nights at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 p.m., allowing for a beautiful scenery of sunset while watching or playing the intense game. The games take place at Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Blvd., Winter Garden.

The rules are almost identical to baseball, except the teams pitch to their own players and the pitcher and catcher must be one male and one female. Stealing bases and headshots are also not allowed during the game. Females are allowed to bunt and males have to do a full kicking swing. Although slightly different from the typical rules of baseball, kickball still serves as a fun competitive sport that allows for anyone to enjoy the nostalgic game.

POPULARITY WITH ADULTS

Kickball can be a lighthearted sport that doesn't require much physical fitness to enjoy the quick bursts of action on the field. It's great to experience a game where players can unwind, be themselves and engage in competitive spirit.

Margie Householder, Winter Garden kickball player, expressed that the program is popular amongst adults “because it reminds you of your youth and gives adults an opportunity to play a competitive sport that you don't have to be really athletic to play.”

Besides being competitive, the nostalgia hits home plate just as hard. For many players, the recess game turned into a bonding experience where they can relive those moments and bring a whole new meaning to it.

Householder said she met some of the most loving people she knows to this day on the field. “I met my now husband playing kickball and made a best friend 10 years from meeting her at kickball,” she said. “I love the game. I have been playing kickball for over 13 years. It’s a fun competitive game that anyone can participate in. I have made so many new friends throughout the years playing kickball.”

As she looks back, she will be able to remember the electric bonds she created and made last for so long because she decided to play the sport.

Aside from nostalgia, the popular game can be a way for adults to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle without going to the gym or running three miles every day. With friends, it is an easy way to manage your health and get cardio in around the baseball field without thinking about it. Kicking, sprinting to bases and throwing the ball are all great examples of how active kickball can be.

Registration
Registration for the Winter Garden Adult Kickball League can be found on the website https://www.cwgdn.com/211/Athletics, along with times and dates for the Polar Bear League and the Spring League. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 656-6504.