Everyone Has a Story.
Here is Ours.
Hi, I'm Tanja.
I'm the creator of
Adults Play Sports.
I started Adults Play Sports after I met people of all ages who were surprised to find out I still play soccer in my 40s.
My background made people curious about getting back into a sport they used to play or even trying a sport for the first time as adults.
The point is, it’s never too late. So whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, Adults Play Sports wants to make it easy for you to learn new things about adult recreational sports, find out where you can play them, get advice on the best gear to use, and connect with other players along the way.
The Mission
The purpose of Adults Play Sports is to inspire people of any age to start playing, keep playing, and never stop playing sports.
The Founder
My love affair with soccer began when I was five years old. I’m the daughter of German immigrants and my dad played semi-pro soccer in Germany, so it’s in my blood. I played off and on through adolescence. As a female, I didn’t always have the opportunity to play when I was younger. My high school didn’t have a girl’s team until my senior year. My college didn’t have a women’s team until after I graduated (Go Gamecocks!).
When I moved back to my hometown of San Diego after college, there was a lot more opportunity for women to play, so I haven’t stopped since. Now, pushing 50, I play on three soccer teams.
I’ve dabbled in a lot of different sports along the way–golf, pickleball, mountain biking (not the best idea for a klutz!), ping pong, tennis, football. Some I excel in, others not so much! But I never pass up an opportunity to try something new. It’s part of what keeps us truly alive.
Several years ago, I managed military and public safety sales for a diving equipment manufacturer and had the opportunity to jump out of helicopter straight into the ocean (photo is on left). I was scared out of my mind, but knew I’d kick myself if I didn’t do it. It was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Sometimes it’s been intimidating to try a new sport or join a new team. I’ve worried I won’t be any good, or I’ll be the odd one out on a team that’s already formed friendships. But if I let those thoughts stop me, I would have missed out on so much. I’ve formed friendships with such a diverse group of people from all walks of life.
Sports have helped me through some dark times in my life, both as a release and for the surrounding support of my teammates. The camaraderie is irreplaceable.
I encourage anyone, regardless of age or skill, to at least try if you are curious about a sport or activity. If it’s not your thing after you try, so be it. But if it is, you may have just found one of the best things of your life. After all, it’s never too late to grow up and play!
Tanja (pronounced Tanya fyi)
P.S. If you have any questions or comments, please email me.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
There are adult recreational sports offerings for nearly every sport you can imagine. Some examples include soccer, baseball, golf, pickleball, swimming–even kickball.
Visit our Play section to find a sport to play in your area.
There are varying levels of competitiveness in adult recreational sports leagues around the country. Whether you’re a former D1 athlete or a complete sports beginner, there are leagues that will cater to you. Of course, the larger your metropolitan area, the more options you’re likely to have.
Visit our Play section to find a league in your area.
While the majority of adult recreational sports leagues are geared toward players in their 20s and 30s, there are many sports and leagues available to men and women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s.