Summer on Long Island means being outside, from beach to park and back. Wasting the beautiful weather exercising indoors would be a crime, especially when leagues and clubs for every sport under the sun pop up throughout Nassau and Suffolk. Don’t be picked last—registration for many of these activities is happening now.
Flag Football
For 30 years, Long Island Flag Football has been organizing games for men, women and children. The men’s league currently has two divisions: 8-on-8, which is more hands on with blocking and 5-on-5 with no blocking. Winning teams play for trophies and there’s also a Hall of Fame where the legends and record makers live on. The women’s league is 6-on-6 with no blocking. Teams also play for trophies.
Men’s League
When: Sun, 9–5pm, June 15–August 17
Where: Throughout Nassau and Suffolk
Registration: $450 for teams, $75 for individuals
Women’s League
When: Weds nights, June 18–August 20
Where: Long Island Sports Hub, Syosset
Registration: $75 per individual
liffl.com
Hiking—Nassau Outdoor Club
The Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club hosts weekly organized hikes rated by difficulty. There are morning meet-ups that are open to all abilities, but don’t bring your dog. Do bring water, wear proper footwear and silence the cell phone. Try a hike for free before joining. Membership meetings are held at the Ethical Humanist Society in Garden City.
When: Mon afternoons, Weds mornings and additional walks year-round
Where: Sunken Meadow & Jones Beach State Park
Registration: Annual dues are $30 individual, $40 family
nassauhiking.org
Rugby—Suffolk Bull Moose Club
For those looking for action, dive into rugby. While match play is for teams and is competitive, men and women of all experience levels can stop by and check out training/practice. Even those without a background in the sport are welcome to play and learn.
When: Tues & Thurs, 6:30–8:30pm year-round
Where: Portuguese American Center, Farmingville
Registration: Online form must be completed beforehand
suffolkrugby.org
Soccer Club of Suffolk
Summer isn’t the season for formal soccer leagues, but this casual meetup.com group organizes coed pickup games throughout Suffolk County. The club is open to men and women of all skill levels over age 20. Players can check the changing schedule at the website and RSVP to games. Depending on players, games will be 4-on-4 or fully fielded. Bring shin guards and cleats.
When: Varying days and times throughout the summer
Where: Outdoor fields in Suffolk
Registration: Open, RSVP to specific time
meetup.com/goalsoccerclub
Tennis—Town of Huntington
For the uninitiated or those who are a bit rusty, beginner and intermediate lessons are offered (Jun 30–Aug 8). But this adult match-play program is designed for intermediate players only, 18 and older. There are two classes with a max enrollment of 12 per class. Participants must have knowledge of all tennis strokes and game play and there is opportunity to play organized singles and doubles matches. Bring a water bottle, tennis racquet and an unopened can of USTA tennis balls.
When: Tues, 7–10pm, Jul 1–Aug 5
Where: Terrence Farrell Park, S. Huntington
Registration: Ends Jun 30; $47 w/parks & recreation ID card; $63 w/out
tohparks.com
Volleyball Association
Summer weeknights mean one thing to many Long Islanders: Coed beach volleyball. Four- and six-person teams play in both recreational and competitive leagues at two locations, each with its own nine-week session. Trophies are awarded and most stay after the games to enjoy barbecue facilities and live music. “No shoes, no shirt, no problem. We’ll see you on the beach.”
When: Sun-Thurs, after 6:30; Sun @ Jones Beach
Where: Robert Moses & Jones Beach
Registration: $475 (Robert Moses) or $495 (Jones Beach) per team, $100 for individuals
longislandvolleyball.com