I've faced the fact long ago that no matter how hard I try I'm just not a sports fan. Family and…read morefriends have kept me in the trend of following our teams whenever we do good, and it's given me an occasional thrill. But there's just something about the overall concept of baseball, (American) football, basketball, and hockey that I've found to be boring. But roller derby is a whole different breed of sport that can be pretty damn fast paced and exciting. Every bout is intense, and these girls are capable of taking hits harder than Donovan McNabb any day of the week. And toward the end you really can't help but respect the competition that both teams put on in the rink. You also have to love the names. You can't go wrong with bitchin' team names like The Broad Street Butchers, and The Hostile City Honeys! and each team member has a name that reflects their personality when they bring their A Game. You can give me Rosie Bloodbath, AnnieChrist, and Roughhouse Rhonda over Chase Utely, Jon Runyan, and Simon Gagne any day. The next bout is on October 20th, and it's going to be a brutal double header when the Broad Street Butchers collide with The Heavy Metal Hookers, and The Philthy Britches take on The Hostile City Honeys. Tickets are available at Crash Bang Boom and 700 Club.

I grew up playing sports, so I know all about bruised shins, bloody knees, and elbows to the face…read more I have never, however, experienced general girl ass-kicking the way I did today during the roller girls' bout at the 23rd Street Armory. I watched and winced as these punny-named ladies (Olivia Face, Mo'Pain, Euro Thrash, et al) hurled each other into the the face of danger...where danger looked like team of sexy linebackers. Ever the pilots of their eight-wheeled chariots, the women whizzed around the circular track with a ballerina's finesse and a brute's force. I sat by in wide-eyed wonder with every point scored and every jump attempted and shuddered as the girls went diving into the crowd after a check to the hip or bash from the side. It was sheer magic. Since I make a lousy spectator, this review serves as documentation that I, Monica, solemnly swear to attend derby tryouts on November 22nd. Wish me luck.

The Gallagher Athletic Center (GAC) is the home court of the Philadelphia University Rams. It is a…read moregreat place to watch a basketball game. Every seat has a good view of the action and sound carries well in this building. Fortunately the home team is almost always very good and usually in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. After all, they are coached by Hall-of-Famer Herb Magee who is the all-time winningest coach in American college basketball history. And all his wins have come at Philadelphia university. Tip - There is a parking garage underneath the GAC and the price of admission is only 7 dollars.

Philly Sports Leagues provides a wide variety of recreational sports leagues across Philadelphia…read more I've competed in a variety of leagues and even hosted a cornhole league at my place of work. I've always been impressed with their organization, especially considering how much they have to rely on remote refs and coordinators and a staggering number of venues. That it works as well as it does is truly impressive, and I salute them for their effort. I also always appreciate a PSL t-shirt.

I just finished an indoor volleyball season through PSSC, and I liked it enough to try the outdoor…read morespring volleyball. The indoor was at The Philadelphia School. It was pretty well organized besides a few mix-ups in the schedule. The girl from PSSC that was there every week played decent music while we were playing which was nice. I'm just in a rec league because volleyball isn't really my sport, but I had a great time getting to know the people on my team, and getting better at volleyball. There were a few teams that seemed like they should be on the intermediate level, but everyone was friendly and I guess if they don't want to play in a more competitive league, who am I to judge?

The most inclusive soccer club in the area. Founded in 1989 the Club continue creating safe spacesread more

It's been a long time since I put on a pair of cleats - 3 years to be exact. After seeing off all…read moremy friends to their soccer games, I finally decided it's time I get back in the spirit. The Falcons play pick up every Monday, Wednesday (6pm), and Saturday (10am) in Fairmount Park and tonight was my reintiation. It's a co-ed group of gay-focused but ally-friendly folks and all you have to bring is a pair of cleats and your warpaint.

I love this place. My son started here at age 8. He's a typical kid - active, bouncy, loves action,…read moreand fairly fearless. A girl in his school does gymnastics, and he got interested in how to do all the flips and tricks; but when I researched her program, it was girls only. However, they steered me to PBG, and I couldn't be happier. The coaches are terrific, instilling the discipline of real athletics while still understanding the playfullness of a pack of boys. My son has gained so much confidence, and will begin competing in January. He loves the community, the measurable achievemnts, and the training. He is now proficiemt on all of men's gymnastics gear (rings, floor, pommel horse, high bar, parallel bars, vault) and grows every practice. There's also a really amazing parents association, who help make sense of everything and offer terrific support.

From the owner: We train boys and girls in the fundamentals of gymnastics. Those boys who are old enough and…read moreskilled enough compete in the USA Gymnastics Men's Development Program. We run all year around, so boys and girls can join at any time.

Sooo this place is a little tricky to find but it's what you want: space, tables, and balls. I came…read morehere expecting to play a few games with strangers but to my disappointment, there was only an older Russian man who told me to sign in. Definitely bring someone with you because this place has a creepy vibe. *Tip: when you enter the complex, which looks like a mental asylum or youth prison, make the first left behind the tan building (pizza spot) and follow path until you see the sign pictured below. Yes, go through the door that looks like a fight club entrance. Walk down the steps and remember the first rule of fight club: you do not talk about...

Decent space: 11 tables, well lit, nice people, serious and non serious players. I had taken my son…read more(14) and daughter (11) to teach them the game. My son wasn't interested so I beat him in a quick game, lol. My daughter really enjoyed herself and it was fun for me laughing at her learning the game. Very spacious and several tables were available on Wednesday night. People pretty much say hello and mind their business. They are there to play! I had the most difficult time finding this place. I had to stop at each center 1, 2, 3, and 4 until I finally found the sign in the darkest spot on the grounds. I had driven past the building 3 times. The Fall Center is an area of different buildings. You have to look for the sign with Trolley Car Table Tennis. By the way it's in One Center, second floor. A man greeted us once we got there, he stopped his game to get our paddles and balls. The price for children $3, adults $5. Play from 6pm-10pm weekdays. I really can't wait to go back.

What happens when you cross tennis with racquetball? Padel happens!…read more If like me, you've never heard of Padel, I'd understand. After one of our group runs, we were all invited back for some open court time. Two courts are available for playing single or doubles. The rules are very similar to racquetball, if you've ever played or watched you'll have no problem picking things up quickly! The courts are open to the public and have open sessions on Wednesday and Friday nights. They also will be starting a league and have other times available if you'd like to rent out a court. Racket rentals are included! A half hour in the beating sun was enough for me however the time did fly. I think I'll give the league a shot...

Came to this establishment for a university alumni event. The building is well maintained and…read morestylish, with a good buffet service! Overall positive experience and briefly watched a game of cricket while I was here. Would come again!

Was here recently for a conference event. The building was beautiful and well taken care of. The…read morefood was pretty good for a venue. Very clean!

Was a great experience recently at McDevitt Recreation center, my granddaughter who is 2 really had…read morealot of fun with the splash section and the playground was well maintained

This recreational center just got a brand new playground which looks nice, but the rest of it could…read moreuse a facelift, too. The ball fields are well maintained but there's a mural from the 80s that is tired and worn and the space as a whole is not used properly. It looks like it was an old basketball court but they only took some parts down. There are several enclosed spaces for hockey practice, tennis and what looks to be a batting cage. These fenced-in areas have been abused as people use them to unleash their dog but do not clean up after them. I would love to see this place utilized better as it is a nice multipurposed area. There's a decent parking lot, too. I like to take my dog over to this area but it does seem isolated and not that well lit. As a young woman walking by myself, it doesn't seem safe with only just two outlets, one behind clubhouse with a bridge and a desolate passageway to Indian Queen. Even during the day, this could be a dangerous spot as the traffic is loud below the bridge and there's not much foot traffic. The other is the long lane out from the parking lot to Scotts Lane. A gate in the right outfield would be helpful but I am sure that's an issue, as there's a train and an intersection right behind there. My concern is: I have been there when there were some J.D.s hanging. Naturally, I was scanning the perimeter for exits and my options were not plentiful. It's kind of a hidden recreational center and would be a safer place if there was more access rather than these two long paths out. Like I said, a great, useful space but where it's positioned geographically and the design is a bit questionable.