Maybe it’s post-Olympic inspiration or the return of Friday night lights, but we’ve got team spirit.

Unlike the old days when adult sports didn’t extend much past bowling nights or the occasional softball game, New Orleans now offers a league, team, event, or venue for most any recreational sporting pastime. For kids, sports serve to burn energy, build skills and confidence, and foster community (parents too – there’s bonding opportunity in those baseball bleachers)

We’ve done some scouting on how to get in the game – at any age – and how to do so affordably. Plus, we peek into the pros and cons of youth travel sports.

‑‑Alright, warmup over – let’s play!

For Adults

Tennis

New Orleans Metropolitan Area Tennis Association (NOMATA). If you’re looking to get plugged into a team or league play, this organization offers options for all ages and abilities across multiple sites. According to New Orleans USTA Local League Coordinator Carla Catalano, “We have teams that play out of City Park, Atkinson-Stern, Xavier University, and the University of New Orleans. All of these are public courts. We also have country club teams that host an equal number of matches at their courts.” NOMATA offers “Flex Leagues,” adult leagues in which players plan their own matches based on their availability; matches can be played at local playground courts and apartments around the Orleans and Jefferson area. For players who are new to tennis, the organization has a program called “Tennis Apprentice” that offers four 90-minute lessons with a local tennis pro for $75 – including a new tennis racquet. “Our leagues are structured for players of different levels,” said Catalano, who notes that beginner players should never play against players with tennis history. For young players, NOMATA offers a Junior Team Tennis League as well as other carnivals and programs. At any level, Catalano believes in the power of tennis as a mind/body workout: “The health benefits of tennis are plentiful, but you’ll also be developing a work ethic and learning to compete one-on-one with ups and downs through each game.” NewOrleansTennis.com

Audubon Park Tennis. The courts in Audubon Park are available for hourly rental, and lessons are available from expert instructors. The courts also host tennis clinics for adults looking to learn or improve their game and summer camp for kids. 6320 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-895-1042, AudubonNatureInstitute.org/tennis

New Orleans City Park Tennis Center. This beautiful facility offers lighted hard clay and practice courts (and pickleball) in the heart of City Park. Courts are available for hourly rental, and lessons are available with a range of pro instructors. 1 Palm Dr., 504-483-9383, NewOrleansCityPark.org/visit-city-park/tennis

Atkinson-Stern Tennis Center. This Uptown facility is operated by the New Orleans Recreation Department and features nine Hart-Tru clay courts. Courts are available for hourly rental by reservation. 4025 S. Saratoga St., 504-658-3060, NORDC.org/parks/Atkinson-stern

Joe W. Brown Park Tennis Center. This center in New Orleans East is also operated by NORD and offers hourly court rentals by reservation. 5601 Read Blvd., 504-658-3080, NORDC.org/parks/joe-w-brown-park

Softball

NOLA Softball League. “The most inclusive slowpitch softball league on the Gulf Coast” hosts the Bourbon Street Classic in December and holds a fall ball league and spring season. nsl.bio. Facebook @Nola Softball League

Disc Golf

There are several disc golf courses around the city. Notable sites include New Orleans City Park (18 holes), Lafreniere Park (24 holes), and Parc Des Familles (18 holes). The New Orleans Disc Golf Club (NODGC) maintains an active Facebook group that provides information about tournament play and other disc golf related happenings.

Running and Walking

Sometimes it’s expedient to run/walk alone (with your favorite podcast or tunes as company), but the collective approach can be fun – and motivating.

New Orleans Track Club. This membership-based nonprofit organization founded in 1963 is the fourth oldest and largest in the U.S. They produce festive races and events, offer training programs and group runs, and encourage runners at all levels. Said Executive Race Director Benjamin Burke: “Running with NOTC is not just about improving your fitness; it’s about being part of a supportive community that encourages personal growth and fosters a love for the sport. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, the NOTC offers a welcoming environment where you can thrive.” RunNOTC.org

New Orleans Hash House Harriers bills itself as “A drinking club with a running problem,” and it’s a great option for blending fitness with cold beer. They meet for weekly runs through the city and are known for their annual Red Dress Run. Noh3.com

NOLA Girl Walks. Meet up for walks (kids/pets welcome) at locations around the city. According to founding member Emma Rogers, the group started in 2022 to connect friends who lead busy lives – “acknowledging that we can all benefit from sunshine and movement in our day! We aim to meet up at easy times for working professionals, busy moms, dog walkers, and everyone else who could use a moment to unwind after a busy day.” Instagram @nolagirlwalks

NOLA Miles Club emerged when founders (and healthcare professionals) India Primm-Spencer and Kiana Terrell decided to open up their regular walks/runs with friends. Their first meetup in April attracted 30 attendees, and that number has ballooned to more than 250 for their regular meetups. Open to runners, joggers, and walkers (with no cost to participate), the founders’ primary mission is improving health and wellness locally. Said Terrell, “Being in healthcare, we see the need in Louisiana… If we can get even 30 people out getting healthy and moving the needle on their health, that’s beautiful.” To that end, she and Primm-Spencer tap their networks to connect the NOLA Miles community with resources like health coaches, trainers, and primary care physicians. The social element has also been a draw. As Primm-Spencer said, “We really try to build community, so we have mixers after some of our meetups. It’s a way for people to… meet each other, network, exchange information, and when they come back, they will have friends.” Meetups typically happen on Wednesday evenings (on Lafitte Greenway in Mid-City) and weekend mornings in City Park and Audubon Park. Instagram @Nolamilesclub

Races To Remember

New Orleans also hosts running/walking races throughout the year, often benefiting nonprofit organizations and offering a terrific training goal. Some of our favorites:

Saints Kickoff Run
Sept. 7, 2024
This 5k starts in Champions Square and finishes on the 50-yard line of the Caesars Superdome. There’s also a kids’ half-mile fun run. Saints5k.com

Oktoberfest Run
Oct. 12, 2024
This German-inspired 6k race produced by NOTC starts and finishes at Deutsches Haus and circles the Fairgrounds along the way. runsignup.com/Race/LA/NewOrleans/NOLAOktoberfest

Turkey Day Race
Nov. 28, 2024
This race organized by the New Orleans Athletic Club and produced by NOTC dates back to 1907 and is the nation’s fifth oldest consecutively run race. The Thanksgiving morning races cover a 5-mile course and a kids’ half-mile. TurkeyDayRace.com

Shamrockin’ Run
March 9, 2025
With a half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and kids’ fun run, this race starts and ends at the Blue Crab Restaurant and takes runners along scenic Lakeshore Drive. Shamrockinrun.events/

Crescent City Classic
April 19, 2025
The Crescent City Classic 10k is the city’s best-known race, an Easter weekend tradition covering a beautiful swath of the city and finishing in City Park. CCC10k.com

Red Dress Run
Second Saturday in August
Runners sweat it out in red dresses through a festive 2-mile course. Noh3.com

Basketball

New Orleans JCC. Both the Uptown and Metairie facilities offer adult basketball for members, with options including full-court and half-court pickup games, and mellowball (3-on-3, age 30+) and young adult leagues. Nojcc.org

Multi-sport Offerings

Play NOLA coordinates a range of adult leagues for basketball, bowling, flag football, indoor golf, indoor volleyball, kickball, soccer, softball, and pickleball at locations across town. PlayNOLA.com

Volleyball

Mid-City Volleyball Group meets up for outdoor volleyball on Bayou St. John by the Post Office. Pickup-style games typically happen twice weekly, with a wide range of skill levels represented. For updates check their Instagram @midcityvball or Facebook @Mid-City Volleyball Group.

Soccer

As soccer continues to gain popularity across the U.S., so too do the options for playing. Some leagues are more competitive than others, so find one that fits your inclination.

Crescent City Soccer. For folks seeking team play at a range of levels – competitive, recreational, co-ed, over 30/over 40, Crescent City Soccer lets you play the field. According to Owner/Manager PJ Lynch, nearly 1,800 people take part in their 20 divisions, with an emphasis on parity within divisions. “If you are an ex-college D1 athlete or you are brand new to soccer, we will find a place for you and you’ll be with like-skilled people,” he said. The cost averages around $80 for a 14-week season, and games take place in locations around the city, including Uptown and Treme. Lynch touts the strong community soccer offers for many locals – he met his wife (and many friends) through the league. CCS supports the community by providing turf fields for schools at which they play and running high school and middle school charter leagues at schools without soccer programs. CCS also introduced an adult soccer camp, which runs on weekend mornings and attracts people seeking fitness and community involvement but might be new to the game. Said Lynch: “It’s really inspiring to see someone pick up a new skill later in life.” CrescentCitySoccer.com

Greater New Orleans Women’s Soccer League. This league for women 17+ is committed to growing women’s soccer in New Orleans. On Facebook @Greater New Orleans Women’s Soccer League and on Instagram @GNOWSL

The Southeastern Louisiana Adult Soccer Association. This men’s league has been holding full field, 11v11 matches at Lafreniere Park for more than 25 years. Selasa.club. Facebook @Southeastern Louisiana Adult Soccer Association

Pickleball

Pickleball may be a newish arrival to the New Orleans sporting scene, but it’s caught on fast – and fervently! Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong and can be a great option for players of all ages and skill/fitness levels.

The Exchange. This venue is an homage to all things pickleball, plus a full-service restaurant, two bars, an outside patio, ping pong, cornhole, TVs, and live music. According to founder Renée Melchiode, they see every age group and experience level. “While it was once considered a ‘senior’ sport, the largest age bracket of pickleball players is between 18-34 years old,” she said. Certified pickleball instructors offer “Learn to Plays,” Beginner Clinics, and lessons. For kids, The Exchange offers summer and holiday camps, and Melchiode frequently sees families on weekends. It’s also an affordable activity, as The Exchange allows up to eight people to rent a court at a time, which, Melchoide says, makes a one-hour rental less than a movie ticket, including renting a paddle. The sport also suits different skill and fitness levels. “Because the balls are slower and the court is smaller, people of varying abilities can play,” said Melchiode. “But don’t be fooled, it can be a physically demanding workout once you get the hang of it.” The game is highly social, as the small court and short games make rotating with different players easy. Melchiode also appreciates the sport’s nostalgia factor: “It feels much like the neighborhood pickup games we had as kids. People are off their phones, mixing up routines, and exchanging virtual reality for real conversation where the only division is a net.” 2120 Rousseau St., 504-684-2391, TheExchangeNOLA.com

New Orleans Hilton Riverside. The Hilton offers six indoor pickleball courts available for rental. 2 Poydras St., 504-561-0500, Hilton.com

New Orleans City Park Tennis Center. Four outdoor pickleball courts are available for rental. 1 Palm Dr., 504-483-9383, NewOrleansCityPark.org/visit-city-park/tennis

New Orleans JCC. Both the Uptown and Metairie locations offer indoor pickleball for members. The annual Kosher Dill Classic Pickleball Tournament (Nov. 11-12, 2024) is open to members and non-members. NOJCC.org

Jefferson Parish Recreation Department. Some local parks offer free court access (check the Jefferson Parish Recreation Department website for up-to-date schedule and availability). JPRD.com

For Kids

For many families, playground teams provide the easiest entry point into team sports. See NORD/JPRD below for information on Jefferson and Orleans Parish recreational offerings. Some other ideas for athletic involvement:

New Orleans Jesters are a minor league soccer team based in New Orleans and part of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The organization offers a youth academy and camps to help develop younger players of varying abilities. NOLAJesters.com

Carrollton Boosters has provided access to a range of youth sports for 80 years. Leagues include baseball, softball, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and spring running and operate Uptown. CarrolltonBoosters.org

NFL Flag. The NFL created partnerships with local flag football teams (in Kenner, Chalmette, and through the 18th Ward). Find a team near you at nflflag.com.

Affordable Options

The high price tag of some recreational sports can be a barrier to participation. There are several options around the city that offer low-or-no cost teams/leagues/classes for adults and children.

NORD/JPRD. In Jefferson and Orleans, the parish recreation departments also host teams/leagues/classes and other opportunities for all-ages recreation in playgrounds and rec centers across the area. These organizations make participation affordable – and offer great ways to meet neighbors with similar interests.

NORD offers kids’ leagues for most major sports including football, flag football, baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, and more – with registrations around $5. JPRD also offers youth leagues for a broad range of sports at a very low cost, plus family pickleball so everyone can get in the game. For adult team play, JPRD offers volleyball, softball, and flag football among other offerings. NORDC.org, JPRD.com

The 18th Ward Sports Club. Founded with the mission to make sports accessible across the city, 18th Ward offers a broad range of programs to help kids participate in sports like soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball, and track. They also offer a basketball league for adults and training programs designed to help athletes develop in specific sports. Said Founder/CEO Lowrey Crews, “We believe all children deserve the opportunity to play, regardless of their ability to pay.” The organization’s programs serve youth ages 3 to 4 through play and workforce, with kids, coaches, and families representing 22 zip codes and 90 schools coming together at 18 different locations around the city to participate. “We believe sports are a catalyst for game-changing social connections, and we are on a mission to create at least 10,000 youth opportunities this year across all 17 wards,” said Crews, who notes that 18th Ward programs are designed to improve public health, break down social barriers, promote gender equity, and increase economic mobility. The18thWard.org

Girls on the Run leads runs for girls focused on promoting physical activity and emotional development and self-confidence. GOTRNOLA.org

Football ‘N’ America (FNA) was co-founded by Drew Brees and now operates flag football leagues around the country. In New Orleans, leagues operate in City Park, Uptown, and Metairie. PlayFNA.com

NOLA Gymnastics offers Kindergym & Beginner (ages 3.5 – 5 girls and boys), PreTeam (girls ages 6 and up), competitive teams Acro and Artistic (by invitation only), and summer camps. Owner/Coach Gretchen Schultz (also a physical therapist) calls gymnastics “the mother of all sports” and credits it with helping develop flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, and proprioceptive and postural awareness. Students are not expected to compete, though Schultz said, “There is a developmental path towards competitive gymnastics once students master certain skills. Physical preparation, positive attitude, focus, and discipline will make a good gymnast.” 1725 Dufossat St., Iflipuptown.com

Get in Gear

Second Serve Metairie. 3951 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-455-4706, 2ndserve.com. Fashions and gear – racquets, paddles and more – for tennis and pickleball.

Varsity Sports. Multiple locations; Varsityrunning.com. Locations in Uptown, Lakeview, Mandeville, and Baton Rouge outfit runners for the road.

Youth Travel Sports

A fit for your family?

When a young athlete shows an affinity for a sport, many parents consider competitive “travel” leagues. What might families consider before diving/sliding/spiking in to travel teams? Patrick Summerour, Athletic Director at Isidore Newman School and father of two longtime travel athletes, shares his perspective:

How do families get into this? “In our community, when kids have a significant interest or success in recreational or playground sports leagues, they [kids and parents] generally look for something more. That generally happens around [age] 7 or 8. That next step has more specialized coaching, more practice time, greater competition. That’s when they get introduced into the travel sports world – club soccer, AAU basketball, AAU swimming, travel baseball, higher level tennis clinics, First Tee golf…

Upsides? The potential to get higher level training, better competition, and from a social perspective, the child is going to meet and interact with children outside of their network, their school community… We have made great lifelong friends in some of our travel athletic experiences.

Downsides? It is costly. It is a significant time commitment. There are limitations in terms of their life experience outside of sports (e.g., playing an instrument, participating in the school play). Going to practice three times a week in Kenner or Mid-City is constrictive on our time and our resources. [We’ve traveled] to the ends of the earth in Louisiana and along the I-10 corridor towards Florida (plus a little bit of Texas). But we knew that going in. It did not change our decision to play travel sports or continue to play travel sports.

If might not be a fit if:
If your child is not excited or interested to go to practice and it’s the beginning of the season, that’s a cue maybe this is not for them (or your family). It’s too much time, energy and money to commit to if your kid’s not going to have fun and enjoy it.”