I've been playing soccer in the Albany 5-aside league for more than a year and it has been so much…read morefun! In fact, the Wednesday-night games are usually the highlight of me week. I love playing soccer, but I was intimidated to play in other leagues because I don't have a lot of experience. The Albany league is casual, yet highly organized. Its fun for everyone from beginners to seasoned players. You can get a great workout, meet new friends and reduce stress at the same time! The refs are very fair and make sure that a clean game is played to minimize injuries. The other nice thing about soccer is that it's co-ed 5-on-5 with open subbing (teams are usually made up of 8-10 people). So there's not a lot of pressure to put a big team together and it's usually ok if you have to miss a week or two. The registration fees are very fair. If you've ever thought about playing a team sport, I'd definitely look into this. They will even help match you up with a team. It's a great opportunity for people who are new to the Bay Area. So go for it! Sign up! Hope to see you on the field!

Albany Adult Sports has softball, soccer, kickball, pickleball, winter indoor sports (basketball…read moreand futsal) and running on Sundays. If you want to stay in shape, on a budget, this is the place.

This review is long overdue form my time at Cal, but I went to RSF throughout my time at Berkeley…read moreand loved it. It was fairly good and clean gym, they do get super busy in the evenings and have time limits for machines (during busy times), but oh well. I did take taekwondo there too, though though I wasn't too keen on the teaching style. I did love the equipment, mostly running, used the pool, and it was fairly decent experience overall as a student

The RSF weight room is honestly the bare minimum. For a multi-billion dollar university like…read moreBerkeley, the lifting space feels like something you'd see in an underfunded high school.

This league is a great way to meet new (fun) people. Even if u haven't played kickball since middle…read moreschool, everyone is supportive & really just there to have a good time. All ages & abilities are welcome, & there's always McNally's after the games to socialize &/or brush up on your flip-cup skillz!

I don't do reviews often, but GSK has earned one. The league is a ton of fun and a great way to…read moremeet people. I've been playing for something like six to eight seasons now and have enjoyed every one of them. Some of my closest friends I met through kickball, and a lot of the others I've convinced to join and come much closer with because of it! The league does their best to keep the games fun and lighthearted while leaving enough room for those of us that enjoy the competition of team sports. The group of people running the league are fantastic - I've become very close to a few of them (partially through seeing them so often at the games and parties, partially through arguing some calls in close games!). If you're looking for a way to meet a fun group of people, enjoy a little friendly competition, or just want to run around and drink some beers on Thursday nights, I would highly recommend giving Golden State Kickball a shot.

I have heard many great things about this league from friends. Great coaches, all around fun and…read moresupportive... My son loved playing flag football with his afterschool program when he was younger, but he hasn't had the opportunity to join a team as a middle schooler. He is very excited to play again. We are fortunate to have found a program that is accessible and can be affordable to single, working moms. I'll update my review with more details as the season progresses. Thank you EBFF!

So this will be my Son's 3rd year playing for Alameda and my daughters 2nd year in Oakland. They…read moreboth love the game. It teaches them to be a team player and to also take the lead if the ball falls in their court. My son has never really looked forward to any sports aside from Flag Football and gymnastics. So when he found out it was time to register, he was elated. He started off playing tackle at age 5 and he didn't like it at all. I made him play. His coach then and now is Coach Kevin. I am super elated we still have a bond from years back. Octavian trusts him in the game as they have that initial connection. I was team Mom for the Alameda Pirates circa 2013. Zaiah, my daughter is super elated she can still play. She loves to follow in her brothers footsteps all the while maintaining her own identity here and in gymnastics. I like the fact that they bond friendships with their teammates. Looking forward to another season of fun.

I cannot recommend the East Bay Tennis League highly enough -- it was pretty much the saving grace…read moreof 2020 for me. It's a freakishly affordable, easy way to get matches with players matched to your level, and while the competition's good, people are nice and chill. I'm a big fan. Before I found it, I was trying (and failing) to use NextDoor and Craigslist to find matches with local people -- not one of those panned out. I joined figuring that the cost was so low, I had nothing to lose -- and was then amazed at how well-run it was, and how populated it was by cool people to play with. Upon joining the EBTL, I had almost as many matches as I wanted (some people play one every so often, while others are managing to get in 3 a week or more!). How it works: matches are self-scheduled. The algorithms the league uses to sort people into groups of equal levels work very well, esp. after you've played a few matches. The app for phones is very easy to use and well-designed, but if you want to just use your computer, that's fine (and well-designed too.) Matches are "competitive" in the sense that people play scored matches and try to win... but 99% of the participants are easy-going and understand that no one's going to Wimbledon anytime soon. (And while only "matches" count for the purposes of the league, it's been a great way to meet people that I just want to hit with, as well!)

Great app to meet new local players in your area and similar skill level. Best part is its flexible…read moreand even a tournament style playoffs at the end of n each season. App is simple and easy to use.

As far as races go, you can't beat this deal. The 4th Sunday of every month, rain or shine, they…read morehold their races. 5K, 10K, or 15K at rock bottom prices. You can tell their goal is to get people running and exercising. Very friendly, motivating group that encourages runners at all levels. They also have training runs and marathon training programs.

Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders was founded in 1977 by a small group of joggers at Lake Merritt …read more I'm not a member of this club, however, I have participated in their races in the past and even placed 2nd in my age group - wOOt...wOOt!! This club is a nonprofit organization that hosts runs every fourth Sunday of the month. The runs consist of 5K (1 lap), 10K (2 laps) and 15K (3 laps) races around Lake Merritt. The fee is $3 for Club members, and $5 for non-members. The course distance is certified and the course is flat. All runners receive finisher ribbons. Place ribbons are awarded three deep.

Our 4-year-old attended several sessions at Albany Berkeley Soccer Club, including the winter…read moreindoor futsal program, which was great during the rainy season. Overall, the program can be good for kids to get introduced to soccer and teamwork. However, during the last few classes the coaching shifted toward more competitive play, which became overwhelming for my son at his age. He started crying during those portions of class, and after three sessions like that we decided it was best to take a break so he doesn't develop a negative association with the sport. The most frustrating part was trying to request a refund for the next session I had already registered him for. It was very difficult to reach anyone by phone (voicemail was full), and it took several emails and weeks to get a response. In the end, the only option offered was a refund minus a $50 administrative fee or a credit for a future session. While the program itself has some positives, the communication and refund process felt inflexible for families with very young children who may need more flexibility.

My daughter started playing soccer last year, and we enrolled her in the ABSC recreational league…read more She quickly learned the basics of the game and, just as importantly, made new friends. The parent coaches devoted a lot of time and energy--seeing their commitment firsthand gave us a real appreciation for how much goes into volunteer coaching. This year, my daughter joined an ABSC competitive team. She adjusted well, built strong connections with her new teammates, and together they even won their NorCal bracket! She genuinely looks forward to practices and games, not just for the soccer, but also for the chance to hang out with her friends. The coaches have all been fantastic. ABSC staff stepped in to train and support her team, making a big difference--not just for the players, but for the parents, too. It's a real relief to be able to just watch and enjoy the games, knowing our kids are in great hands. I've also been impressed by ABSC's leadership. Toney, the club director, is approachable and engaged--it's rare to find a club where parents can easily communicate directly with the director. Toney stresses that having fun comes first; improvement follows naturally, which I really appreciate. ABSC also offers scholarships to families in need, showing a commitment to making soccer accessible to everyone. I really value what's included with the competitive team: besides the fall and spring seasons, the club also provides summer camp, winter futsal, winter skills clinics, goalie clinics, and training sessions with ABSC coaches. One moment that really stood out: at an ABSC summer camp, Toney noticed two girls struggling to keep up during drills. He found out their cleats were too small and immediately brought over a box of properly sized soccer shoes so they could participate comfortably. That kind of kindness is above and beyond. From a parent's perspective, I also value the club's communication. Team managers use an app to keep everyone updated on practices, games, and any changes. The system runs smoothly thanks to dedicated parent volunteers. My daughter is excited for the upcoming season. She's also had the chance to play as a guest with older teams, which really motivated her to keep working on her skills. For me, a great club is one where kids want to play, even after tough losses, and where the staff care deeply about the players' well-being. ABSC definitely delivers on both counts. A Few Areas for Growth: Clearer roles and responsibilities: For example, during rec, we once scrambled to find player cards before a tournament in Jack London. This past season, team managers took on this responsibility by bringing hard copies to all games and tournaments, making things much smoother. Field conditions: Ensuring fields are in great shape is important, though I understand this depends on collaboration with the city and is sometimes outside of ABSC's immediate control. Overall, ABSC has given our family a wonderful soccer community--and my daughter can't wait for next season.

OT Sports Academy is a great place for your b-ball playing athlete.My son spent the better part of…read morea year and a half training with them. He improved his skill set immensely. Chris and Aja kept him on a straight path, taught him the value of grinding it out for practice and life. It was a great program!

We love Overtime Sports Academy! The coaches are dedicated to bring fundamentals and techniques on…read morethe court and help student-athletes Focus. The student-athletes are encouraged to break athletic personal goals and build resilience. Coach Chris was a big influence in my child maintaining good grades as he encourages students to be responsible and holds them accountable for their academic progress. I recommend this program to any dedicated student-athletes and committed parents.

I've been a member for quite a few years and experienced many trainers. Mijoia Finley ranks among…read morethe top I've worked with. Trainers and me need to have rapport and established a relationship to become partners. Mijoia and I clicked. She understands measurable goals and how to direct me to achieve them. I look forward to seeing Mijoia on a regular schedule!

Three months ago I cancelled my membership for a few reasons: 1) job change, 2) training structure…read morelimitations (have to follow their program/can't bring in outside trainer), 3) only one class that I find useful; and after an injury 4) not going often enough to justify the cost. After speaking with someone over the phone I was told, no problem, we will remove your card from the account and you will no longer be charged. Within two weeks, I was charged again. I emailed and was told I would be refunded. Nearly three months later, still no refund, and I'm still being told that they are waiting for help from management.

Tried to swim with this team, but then I found out I would have to pretty much swim for one hour…read morestraight. Sure, there were breaks of 2-5 minutes (I stretched it out as long as possible), but I was done after two lengths of the pool. Then they started talking about something called the Butterfly. I thought they were talking about the bugs flitting about the lawn, not some contrived contortion-requiring swim style. How could they expect me to do that after my two lengths!? I couldn't even get my hands out of the water, let alone my arms and head! I was able to float like a cork in the middle of the lane though. Some of those with whom I was swimming didn't seem to appreciate or empathize with my exhaustion. Oh well, If I could have moved, I would have. Coach Vanessa was very nice about it all, even when suggesting that I get some lessons to learn the crawl stroke...she called it Free Style. I think it has its roots in some form of dance, rapping, or something else that's musical. I give them 5 stars because of Vanessa's friendly approach and honesty, and because of those five people who helped lift me out of the pool. They were nice, and I was exhausted. Next time I'll start out with one length... BTW, the surrounding grass was wonderful to collapse in once they winched me out of the pool!

Probably the best master's team in the Bay Area. Frindly community, great workouts! Swimming twice…read morea day, every day, nearly every day of the year!