All Over Albany

Capital Region indoor sports leagues

Yesterday's weather was such a tease: mid-50s? The sun shining? That's outdoor league sports weather to me. But then today it's back to reality: a high in the 20s with gusting winds.

Indoor team sports prevail for a few more months.

Fortunately, the Capital Region has a fair amount of indoor sports leagues to choose from. And forget the stress of being the new guys on a team, being picked last, or learning a new sport.

Basketball

Local JCCs, YMCAs and community centers often have their own leagues and pickup games. The Ciccotti Center in Colonie has a men's and a women's league starting at the end of February.

For something a bit more intense, the The All American Sports Recreation Adult Basketball league promises to "make you feel like a PRO within your level of play." The league season's is already in swing, but you could try to sign up as a free agent.

Dodgeball

Albany Dodgeball mixes athletics, philanthropy and fun Thursday nights from 8-10 pm at the Washington Ave Armory. People are encouraged to just show up and teams are picked by counting off in a line, so there's no fear of being picked last.

Also, there's a bartender working the nights of the games -- why wouldn't you want to play? And did you know Albany Dodgeball was involved in the world record for the longest dodgeball match ever played?

Flag Football

The All American Sports Recreation Flag Football league is apparently the fourth largest such league in the country. They have men, youth, and coed leagues and different divisions for varying skill levels. The winter season has already begun, but they also have a free agent option and a forum to find out if teams need players. They play at Afrim's.

Hockey

The Albany County Hockey Facility has adult (high school or older) open hockey on most Wednesday and Sunday evenings. You must wear your full equipment. Wednesdays are $10, and Sundays are $12.

Indoor Soccer

Afrim's in Colonie has a bunch of indoor soccer leagues. Many of the leagues are underway, but they have a 9v9 soccer league starting in March, and their "Winter 3" session starting at the same time. The levels of each league are designated by experience: they have options for college athletes to those just learning the game.

Roller Derby

We're lucky in the Capital Region: we have three different roller derby leagues. The Hellions of Troy (who practice and play out of Schenectady), The Albany All-Stars (whose bouts are at the Washington Ave Armory), and the Capital District Men's Roller Derby (who have their first bout in April). All three leagues are recruiting.

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Thinking ahead to spring? There are plenty of volleyball, outdoor soccer and softball leagues to choose from.

Men's and Women's rugby is an option, too. The Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Club welcomes 18+ and all skill levels. Their games begin in April.

And if you still haven't found a league that's right for you, Sportsvite (a website where you can create a member profile and browse local athletes and leagues) and Craigslist are both good places to look.

Earlier on AOA:
+ Sports leagues for adults?
+ Fun softball leagues?
+ Curling in the Capital Region

top photo: Sebastien B
group photo courtesy of Albany Dodgeball