By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer
PELHAM
– Fall is just around the corner, and Pelham Parks and Recreation is gearing up for its busiest season of the year with registration now open for a wide lineup of youth and adult sports, including the return of NHL Street, a growing favorite in the community.
From flag football and volleyball to T-ball and adult pick-up softball, this year’s fall season promises fun, learning and community engagement for every age group. The parks department is also adding exciting events like E-Sports Game Night and expanding programming for NHL Street, now entering its second season on the city’s new outdoor court at City Park.
“We are always excited at the beginning of a new season,” said Jared Thornton, a recreation coordinator at Pelham Parks and Rec. “We encourage Pelham families to participate with a positive attitude, ready to have fun, work hard, learn the game and embrace a few important life lessons.”
Registration began Monday, June 2 for the following fall sports:
– Youth Flag Football for Kindergarten through third grade: $125, season runs August-October. Early bird ends Monday, June 23.
– Youth Volleyball for third through sixth grade: $90, August-October. Early bird ends Monday, July 28.
– Fall Baseball and Softball for ages 5-10: $105 each. Early bird ends Monday, Aug. 4.
– T-ball for ages 4-5: $90. Early bird ends Monday, Aug. 4.
Pelham’s youth leagues are designed with inclusivity and education in mind. According to Thornton, fall baseball, softball and T-ball offer a more relaxed and developmental environment than the spring leagues.
“It is always a good time to start,” Thornton said. “We welcome any newcomer to any of our sports and encourage our coaches to make sure that everyone feels included and, most importantly, has fun.”
For adults looking to get active without the pressure of organized leagues, Pick-Up Softball returns Tuesday nights in August at Fungo Holler. It’s open to adults 18 and over, free of charge, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.
“Our goal is to provide a wide range of sports where people can be competitive while learning important skills and life lessons,” said Charlie Sanders, a recreation coordinator at Pelham Parks and Rec. “We focus on teaching our youth but want our volunteer coaches and parents to enjoy the experience as well.”
The city’s NHL Street program—a non-skating street hockey league—is quickly becoming one of Pelham’s fastest-growing youth sports. The second season begins in late June and runs through early August, with games at 6 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. for ages 6-14. The cost is just $70, and registration closed on Wednesday, June 11.
“We believe the popularity and success of this new sport is because of its affordability and accessibility,” Thornton said. “All equipment is provided, and kids can play in tennis shoes. It gives hockey fans a way to engage with the game without needing to skate.”
Thornton said NHL Street complements Pelham Hockey’s traditional learn-to-skate program by offering a separate, more accessible path into the sport—made even more successful through support from the Birmingham Bulls and the wider hockey community.
Young gamers ages 8-13 will have their moment on Friday, July 25, during E-Sports Game Night at the Pelham Rec Center. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., participants can enjoy favorites like “Super Smash Bros.,” “Mario Kart 8,” “Minecraft” and “Madden,” plus pizza and drinks. Space is limited to 10 players, and registration opened Sunday, June 1. The cost is just $3 per participant.
Pelham Parks and Rec prides itself on staying connected to local families when building out its seasonal programming.
“Our athletic team tries to listen, respond and appeal to our community when planning each season,” Sanders said. “We encourage our families to share any feedback and ideas, as this allows us to keep growing and moving forward.”
With six different sports running sometimes five days a week from August through October, the fall season is a major undertaking—but one that brings the entire community together.
“It’s a busy, yet extremely rewarding time in our park,” Sanders said.
For more information and to register for fall sports, visit Pelhamalabama.gov/1291/Parks-Recreation.
