By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Since 2006, GO Kickball and PRIDE Kickball has provided ATLiens with a fun and engaging environment for adults to stay active and connect with others. Peach talked to Katie O’Brien and Lindsey Kassen about how this sport brings LGBTQ+ people and their allies together.
Tell us a little about the background of the Pride League.
Through our vision & purpose, we knew we wanted to continue sharing our common cause to Live Life Fun™ to impact communities positively, and in 2014, PRIDE Kickball came to fruition. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, we were thrilled to launch this league for LGBTQ+ Atliens and allies. Everyone should be valued for who they are and know we’re in this together no matter who they love. This league offers a non-intimidating and non-judgmental environment with like-minded individuals who nurture and support one another.
The league has grown a lot in the past few years – to what do you attribute the positive development?
One of the key components to our success and growth through the years is a high quality of service and organization. As with any product, people have (or should have) high expectations, and we work very hard to exceed those. Our players know they can count on us for good operations, communications, listening to their needs/wants, and a great experience at our partnered league bar, Blake’s On The Park. We take pride in offering a top-notch product to our customers, and we feel fortunate to be able to serve them. They make us want to be better and do more for them season after season.
Additionally, the many connections that are made through PRIDE Kickball and GO Kickball Atlanta are high on the list for the growth we’ve seen. Making these long-lasting connections nowadays is HARD. In a world of ever-changing technology, and the need for instant gratification, simply meeting others face-to-face and getting to know them organically seems archaic.
Can you join a team or league if you are totally new to the sport?
Of course! The great aspect of kickball is, as we like to say, even if you have two left feet, you can play kickball. The rules of kickball are similar to the rules of baseball. Anyone of any skill level can play.
What sets kickball apart from other team sports?
When comparing kickball with other mainstream team sports (softball, soccer, football, etc.), kickball isn’t one that you needed to learn or play growing up to be able to understand it, play it, or to have fun with it as an adult. It’s still a little bit competitive, but not many take it too seriously. It is something that is appealing to people of all skill levels and ages. You can be awful at it and still have a blast!
How do you get involved in the Pride League in the upcoming fall season?
Registration for PRIDE Kickball Atlanta is at PrideKickball.com. PRIDE Kickball Atlanta is played Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Fall registration is currently open, and it closes Monday, August 26 at 6 pm. For Fall, games play Mondays from 6pm-7pm at Piedmont Park and begin September 9, 2019.
To sign up, there is an option to register as a team captain, team invitee (you’ll receive an invite code from your captain), small group, or solo (free agent). Small groups and free agents will be placed with another small group or team. Feel free to email us at Pride.Atlanta@gokickball.com should you have any questions or need assistance.
What’s a good three you need to consider when playing kickball?
First off, remember kickball is still a sport and physical activity. It’s important you are stretched and physically able to play.
Second, it is social kickball, remember to have fun with it. We do theme weeks, social awards, and we encourage players to participate in all activities to get the full premier social experience.
Lastly, make sure you and your team go to Blake’s On The Park after games each Monday. We have partnered with Blake’s since our inaugural season and their team is amazing and treats players like family.
What’s a good resource to learn more about the Kickball Pride League in Atlanta?
To learn more, please visit GoKickball.com or PrideKickball.com. If you have any questions, please reach out anytime at Pride.Atlanta@gokickball.com. We hope to see you on the fields soon!