A Dozen Years of JSport
"The response of all of our 20s + 30s programming has been incredibly positive and enthusiastic, and JSport is no exception."
— Michael Kalmin
February 6, 2023
What started as a summer kickball league in Central Park 12 years ago has now become the regularly sold-out JSport league at the JCC.
In 2010, Shira Kaiserman, now managing director of marketing at the JCC, applied for a grant to launch a new intramural sports league in New York City, with the goal of bringing young Jewish professionals together. In the summer of 2011, JZOG (an offshoot of ZOG, a well established sports league in NYC) was born as a casual, six-team kickball league in Central Park, with initial funding from Birthright Israel NEXT and Natan, which shared the mission of expanding connections to the Jewish community. After the success of that summer session, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan adopted the program, and launched its first kickball league under a new title: JSport. Later that year, JSport welcomed new team sports like volleyball, dodgeball, and soccer to its offerings.
Kaiserman, who at the time was a member of the JCC's Leaders Council, recalls that “creating this league was essential (and is still relevant today) because so many programs for Jewish young professionals are geared more towards single people. Intramural sports leagues appeal to people who are single and in a relationship. I find that being on a team naturally breaks the ice and allows a feeling of camaraderie that acts as a great foundation for friendships and allows for meaningful relationships and helps foster community.”
JSport is now a signature program of The Selma and Lawrence Ruben Center for 20s + 30s. "The response of all of our 20s + 30s programming has been incredibly positive and enthusiastic, and JSport is no exception,” shares Michael Kalmin, program coordinator. “We are lucky to have such a dedicated cohort with friendly people who love to have fun!"
Every week at JSport, players enjoy 40-minute games along with fun mini-games, designed to get participants schmoozing with their teammates and opponents. The social aspect continues after the games as players are welcomed to gather at the local league bar for food and drink specials. Players receive a recap of each week's game and awards are presented at the end of the season.
Sports vary by season, but since returning from a COVID pause, soccer is the offering of the moment. Due to the popularity of JSport, the JCC has “already expanded our soccer program from four to six teams and it continues to sell out for all six teams each season. We are now looking into expanding to other sports as well, and are considering options such as volleyball and basketball,” shared Kalmin. Since its inception in 2011, JSport has welcomed nearly 850 participants, many of whom return for season after season.
The league, while under the leadership of Kalmin, is managed weekly by team captains, each responsible for making sure their team members feel welcomed, and for finding ways to keep them connected and participating consistently.
Caroline Crandell has participated in four seasons of JSport since moving to New York City. She discovered the JCC when walking around the Upper West Side, and a large quote on the front of the building caught her eye. The quote was “something along the lines of being a part of a community is just as important as taking care of our physical health.” A fitting message for someone who had just discovered the community of JSport. Crandell says she “didn't know anyone when I moved to NYC last year, so joining a community of people my age of all different backgrounds has been such a blessing in my life. I now can't imagine my life without the friendships I have made through JSport. Wednesday is my favorite night of the week!”
The spring season of JSport soccer is sold out, but to stay up to date on future JSport registration dates and for more information, sign up for the 20s + 30s email list.
Adult team sports such as basketball and pickleball are available for drop-in registration. Pickleball is a new JCC offering, and games are free for health club members and $35 for non-members. The JCC also offers Basketball Memberships, which includes use of the basketball court for pickup games or shooting hoops during open gym times, in addition to discounts on JCC programs and events.
Team sport activities for Infants + Young Children and School-Age Children (ages four and up) are available seasonally, including tennis, handball, soccer, football, hockey, basketball, acrobatics, and more. To learn about the sports offerings at the JCC for all ages, visit mmjccm.org/fitness-wellness/sports.
Photo credit: Phoebe Jones
Written by Lauren Magy. Lauren is the Director of Public Relations + Community Engagement at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. She has worked at theater and cultural institutions in DC and NY for the past decade.