Summer sports and activities to watch and participate in for the whole family

SUMMER SPORTS

Find activities to play, watch, and enjoy this month

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

After most sports and events were cancelled last summer due to the pandemic, families are ready to hit the field, stadium, and parks for some outdoor fun. Whether they’re looking to watch competitive games or find sports to get involved with, there are several options around town they’ll want to check out.

SEC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

Thousands of college baseball fans will roll into Hoover for the SEC Baseball Tournament May 25-30 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The event features the Top 12 baseball teams in the SEC. Seeds 5-12 meet in a single elimination format on the opening day, followed by doubleelimination games Wednesday through Friday. Then, it will return to single-elimination games on Saturday, with 17 total games throughout the tournament.

Fans are encouraged not to bring bags, but if they do, the bags must be clear or a small clutch. Gates open to the stadium an hour prior to the first game on the first five days of play and 90 minutes prior for the championship game. The event will have complimentary parking, along with shuttles for off-site parking.

SOCCER CLUB

Tryouts for both of the Hoover Soccer Club’s programs — Competitive Program and Junior Phantoms Academy Program — take place this month. The Competitive Program’s tryouts will be May 17-19 at the Hoover Met Turf for children born between 2003-2009, and Phantoms Academy Program tryouts for children born between 2010-2013 will be May 24-26 at Riverchase Sports Park. The summer camps for these programs start in June and July.

Children can also tryout for the HooverVestavia Soccer Club, with both the boys and girls born between 2003-2010 having tryouts May 15-16 at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC) and the Hoover Met Turf. For more information, visit Hooversoccerclub.com.

PICKLEBALL

Combining the elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is a game all ages and skill levels can enjoy. Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation offers a pickleball program, and no experiences is necessary. Instructors will be on-site to teach the game, and players will be matched based on their skill levels. Equipment is also available to be checked out.

The program is held at Vestavia Hills

Above: The SEC Baseball Tournament returns to the Hoover Met May 25-30. Below: People of all ages and skill levels can play pickleball.

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WHY SPORTS MATTER FOR CHILDREN

Besides being a fun outlet to burn off some energy with friends, sports also provide many lasting benefits for children who participate, according to The Aspen Institute. Children who play sports have:

• 1/3 the rate of disability • A reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes • Up to 40 percent higher test scores • 15 percent more likely to go to college • Higher self-esteem • Lower health costs • Lower levels of depression • Active parents are associated with active kids, so find something the whole family can get involved with. Elementary-Central Gym at 1289 Montgomery Hwy. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon. It’s free for Vestavia Hills residents and $10 for non-residents.

REGIONS TRADITION

Spectators can watch some of their favorite local celebrities tee off at the Regions Tradition May 5-9 at Greystone Golf & Country Club. Participants include Bo Jackson, Paul Finebaum, Condoleezza Rice, Coach Nate Oats, Coach Bruce Pearl, Mike Mills, Greg McElroy, and more. Families can enjoy an outdoor experience on the greens, including a fan experience zone.

PLAYGROUNDS

Not exactly a sport, but the many playgrounds across the Birmingham area are perfect for letting little ones run around. Some popular ones across the city include Rom Bradford Park, Avondale Park, Fultondale Children’s Park, Sertoma Park, Cahaba Lily Park, Oak Mountain State Park, and Veteran’s Park. Hoover’s inclusive Explore Playground is located next to the Hoover Met and also includes a splash pad.

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