By Zach Richter Southeast Valley Register

While the Queen Creek/San Tan Valley area has its share of youth athletic leagues, the recreational offerings for adults are comparatively sparse. In response to this need, Queen Creek based Rise Athletics is currently accepting applications for its inaugural adult kickball league.

The Southeast Valley Ledger spoke with Kristen Sewell, Founder and CEO of Rise Athletics who explained that registration for the coed league is going on now.

“You know, our motto is to find a way to get the family in motion and stay in motion,” Sewell enthused. “We rolled out youth sports and for adults we started with basketball, we wanted to do something coed next.

As a common playground game, Sewell reasoned that most everyone is already familiar with kickball, which keeps the barrier to entry low. “With things like softball or basketball there is a certain skill level involved, this is kicking a ball like you did in elementary school,” she said.

“There’s nothing like it out here yet, it’s something fun to do to get a little exercise.”

According to Sewell, teams are required to have between 10 and 18 players but individuals or smaller groups can sign up to be placed on a team as well.

“There will be a seven week regular season followed by a two week single elimination tournament,” Sewell said. “Everyone gets eight weeks guaranteed and the winning team gets a trophy and free registration for the next season.”

While this season will only see adults taking to the kickball field, Sewell hopes to expand the sport to teen and youth leagues in the future. “We wanted to get it [kickball] going with the adults first,” she said, “We’re also exploring adding volleyball or flag football.”

Kickball registration is $65 per person, which includes a team shirt. Games will feature certified umpires and will be held Thurs. and Fri. evenings between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Founders Park in Queen Creek beginning the week of Nov. 29. Registration is available at RiseAthletics.com.

Rise Athletics is currently looking for sponsors youth and adult basketball as well as cheer and kickball which Sewell says will go towards providing  fee waivers to families in need and help keep costs to a minimum.

“Our overall goal is to get the families in motion and stay in motion,” she reiterated. “We truly hate for anyone to be left behind.”

Sponsorships range in cost from $150 to $3,000 and cover opportunities including banners, t-shirts, trophies, medals and the end of the season celebration.

“We have formed a few types of sponsorships that will help us provide the assistance we desire as well as allowing businesses to gain exposure,” Sewell explained.

For sponsorship information, contact Sewell at 602-391-8876 or kristin@riseathletics.com.

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