With multiple parks featuring ballfields and volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to join pick-up games or play with organized sports leagues. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) offers a broad line-up of youth athletics programs, adult sports leagues, and special events throughout the year with an emphasis on fair play and enjoyment for any level of experience, including the fall opportunities below.
Search Current Asheville Sports and Athletics
Limited spots available, so advance registration at AVLREC.com required. Some activities offer discounted registration for early sign ups. Most team sports also offer “looking for a team” options for free agents. Some activities charge a higher rate for participants who do not live in Asheville.
Adult Sports | Youth Sports | Therapeutic Recreation | Open Play
Adult Sports
For more info, contact Maria Young at myoung2@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 251-4026.
Leagues
6v6 Indoor Volleyball League, $200 per team
Registration ends August 21, games begin September 5 for fall season
Registration opens November 27, games begin January 16 for winter season
Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.
4v4 Sand Volleyball League, $100 per team
Registration ends August 21, games begin September 11
Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Carrier Park.
Over 40 Basketball League, $60 per player
Registration ends August 24, games begin September 12
Asheville’s newest team sports league provides an opportunity for community members over 40 who want to get back into the game or prefer to play with others around the same age. Sign up as an individual to be placed on a team based on height, position, and skill level for games played at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center.
Flag Football League, $600 per team
Registration opens August 30, games begin October 17
Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.
Winter Basketball League, $600 per team
Registration opens October 10, games begin November 27
Upper and lower divisions play at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center. Middle division plays at Stephens-Lee Community Center.
Clinics and Tournaments
Tennis Clinic, $20 per player
Registration ends September 6, clinics held each Tuesday and Thursday from September 12-21
Instructional clinics for beginners and intermediate players teach the basics and build on skills each class at Murphy-Oakley Park.
Doubles Grass Volleyball Tournament, $20 per team
Registration ends September 5, tournament on September 16
Six sets to 21 in pool play for advance and intermediate divisions in which all teams advance to the playoffs on a day of music, fun, and volleyball at Carrier Park.
Intro to Golf, $10 for series with players responsible for their own green fees
Registration ends September 28, games played each Wednesday from October 4-25
Travel to a different golf course each week for one-on-one coaching to learn the game. For more info, contact Colt Miller at cmiller@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 707-2376.
Pumpkin Ball Softball Bash Tournament, $150 per team
Registration ends September 30, tournament on October 7
All players hit a 16-inch softball in games played on a 200-foot distance field with unlimited home runs with a three-game guarantee. Winning teams receive prizes and trophies. For more info, contact Zack Stewart at zstewart@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 545-1644.
Late Night Wiffleball Tournament, $5 per team
Registration ends November 9, tournament on November 16
Five-player teams play in this two-game guarantee tournament at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For more info, contact Kiley Pritchard at kpritchard@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 507-3357.
Youth Sports
For more info, contact Jay Houston at jhouston@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5611.
Flag Football, $15 per player
Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9
Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.
Softball Clinic, $10 per player
Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11
Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.
Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer
Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16
This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.
Winter Basketball League, $35 per player
Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6
Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.
Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive
A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.
Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free
Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18
Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
For more info, contact Lori Long at llong@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 232-4529. TR sports are designed for kids, teens, and adults who may excel with additional support. For TR social opportunities and movement, hiking, cooking, and crafting classes, check out more programs online.
TR Tennis Clinic, free
Registration ends September 5, clinics held each Saturday from September 9-30
Open to individuals ages 8 and older, Asheville Tennis Association and Abilities Tennis pros teach basics and players practice skills on the courts at Omni Grove Park Inn on 290 Macon Avenue.
TR Bowling, $35 per player
Registration ends September 30, games played each Saturday from October 7-November 4
Strikers 6 years-old and over play games adapted with ramps and bumpers in this five-week league at Sky Lanes on 1477 Patton Avenue.
Open Play
Time scheduled for organized drop-in, pick-up, and open community games at locations around Asheville. For more info, contact parks@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5800. All are free unless noted.
Basketball
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, starts September 5
- Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-9 p.m.
- Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
- Monday and Thursday, 6-10 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Stephens-Lee Community Center, starts September 6
- Monday, 6:30-8:45 p.m. (September 11-October 30) and 7:45-8:45 p.m. (November 6-December 9)
- Wednesday, 6:30-8:45 p.m. (September 6-November 1) and 7:45-8:45 p.m. (November 8-December 13)
- Saturday, 12-3:45 p.m.
Tempie Avery Montford Community Center
- Sunday, 3-5 p.m.
Pickleball
Stephens-Lee Community Center, starts September 1 (Pickle Pass required)
- Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Tuesday, 12-2:30 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m.
- Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (advanced) and 2:15-4:45 p.m. (intermediate)
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, starts September 1 (Pickle Pass required)
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Murphy-Oakley Park, September 12-November 21
- Tuesday, 5-10 p.m.
Shuffleboard
Harvest House Community Center, September 7-October 26
- Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Intro to Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games Sports
West Asheville Park, September 26-December 12
- Tuesday, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Looking for More?
Not ready to commit to a team sport? From hiking clubs and social skate nights to weekly fitness classes and outdoor meetups for young adults, APR has hundreds of opportunities to meet people and stay active each month. Pick up a program guide at any community center, search activities online, and sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter.