Okay so I finally got around to doing something about joining a tennis league here in Philly. Always meant to but kept putting it off cause work got crazy. Then last Tuesday I’m scrolling Instagram between meetings and bam – see some dude smashing overheads at Seger Park. Got me thinking hey that could be me sweating instead of staring at spreadsheets.
Starting the Search
First thing I did? Literally googled “philadelphia tennis leagues” like a total noob. Saw buncha options popping up but honestly got overwhelmed quick. Then remembered Frank from accounting mentioning some app but forgot the name. Scrolled through my phone for like 20 mins trying to find where he texted me about it. Nothing.
Switched tactics. Hopped on Nextdoor app and posted asking about leagues near Queen Village. Got 12 replies in an hour – guess people really care about tennis here! Two folks mentioned the same league organizer running stuff at Capitolo Playground. Screenshotted the details.
Making Contact
Shot them an email Wednesday morning. Radio silence till Thursday lunchtime. Almost gave up when this guy Mark replies all cheerful like “yeah man we got spots open!” He sent over three options:
- Ultra-competitive team needing subs immediately
- Mixed doubles social league
- Weekend warriors singles ladder
Told him straight up I haven’t played real matches since college intramurals. Dude was cool about it – said weekend warriors would be perfect. Smart call honestly.
First Match Experience
Showed up Saturday 9am at Palumbo Courts dragging my 10-year-old Walmart racket. Met my opponent Steve – nice guy but dang he had four fancy rackets in his bag. We warmed up and immediately I’m shanking forehands into the fence. Totally embarrassing.
Match starts and Steve’s slicing everything low. I’m running like headless chicken sweating buckets. Lost first set 6-1 but whatever – we’re laughing between points. Best part? Afterwards five other players walked over asking if I wanted to join their pickup games next week. Didn’t expect that!
How It’s Going Now
Mark added me to their text group – buncha dudes organizing matches daily. Already played three times this week. Funny thing is I thought joining meant formal league play, but turns out most action happens through these informal groups. My groundstrokes still suck but at least now I know where to find people who don’t care as long as you chase every ball.
Biggest surprise? How much trash talk happens on court. These Philly dudes swear like sailors when they miss shots – makes it way more fun. Should’ve done this years ago instead of just hitting against the backboard alone.