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Anyone up for a game of hoops? Or volleyball? Or even inner tube water polo? Unite your neighbors by inviting them to form a recreational sports league team.

Start by researching different venues that accept new teams, like your local city recreational leagues. Find out league schedules and fees, and then invite people to join you. If your neighborhood has a Web site or an e-mail chain, send out a notice. Or, to inspire even more participation, go door to door on a Saturday afternoon and invite your neighbors to play. Let them know it will be a great chance to socialize with neighbors as well as a fun way to get a little of that always-needed exercise.

Once you have gathered a complete team, set up a few meetings or short practices so that all of the players can get to know each other and become comfortable in a team sense before the actual league games start. This is also a great time to discuss each member’s skill set and decide who wouldl like to play each position. Take down your neighbors’ contact information, and set up a communication tree so that, if necessary, you can notify your teammates of any changes or updates to your season’s schedule.

Helpful hint: Consider buying T-shirts or uniforms for team members to increase the sense of team unity. Ask your neighbors if they (or anyone they know) would be willing to become a business sponsor of your team. The sponsors can help pay for the shirts in exchange for printing their logo on the clothing. In addition, try to arrange carpools with your neighbors to and from the sporting events.

Instant Intentions

Don’t let the fun stop with the day’s final score. After the game each week, invite your teammates to join you for refreshments at a local eatery or coffee shop. These spirited, play-by-play rehashes can turn into much more than just a snack break – they can become great times to connect beyond game play into real-life issues.