Net gain for Liberty Tennis

    Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association will hold its first Philadelphia Open tennis tournament July 20-22 at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center, 4842 Ridge Ave. Legacy Youth in East Falls was formerly the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center, the location of last year’s local tournament.

    PLTA board president David Killian said planning for the tournament started about a year ago and that the association intends to make it an annual event. “We’ve got about 60 players signed up so far and we’re hoping to have at least 70 total,” Killian said. “This is a nonprofit tournament. Any proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the William Way [LGBT] Community Center and Althea Gibson Tennis Center, 10th Street and Girard Avenue.”

    The United States Tennis Association, Sugar House and PhillyVax are primary sponsors for the tournament but PLTA is still looking for more sponsors of every level. Those interested can contact David Killian at [email protected] for more details on sponsorship opportunities.

    Matches will be played all three days and all levels of players are welcome to join. There will also be a draw party on Friday night at Sugar House casino and a banquet Saturday night at Sonesta Hotel, 18th and Market streets. PLTA is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance.

    Information on registration, accommodations and schedule is at www.philadelphialibertytennis.com.

    Rounding third

    Summer softball is in the home stretch. There are two more Sundays of regular play and then it’s all about the championships, all-star games and the home-run derby.

    Could the season hinge on this week? You can find the season schedule at www.cblsl.org, but here are our picks for the July 15 games between top teams. Pack up the cooler, pets and lawn chairs and head to Fairmount Park for some spectator sporting:

    • 9 a.m. — Triple Play vs. Wolves and Rage vs. Maniaxxx. The first game is between No. 1 and 2 in the standings and should be a great match. Rage and Maniaxxx are three and four for another good game. • 10:20 a.m. — This time it’s Wolves vs. Rage; Triple Play vs. Maniaxxx. • 2:20 p.m. — Red Stripe vs. Ninjas and Hangover vs. Girls Like Us. These are the overall top four out of 16 women’s competitive teams, so these two games could be serious battles for position. • 3:40 p.m. — More team swapping. Hangover vs. Ninjas; Red Stripe vs. Girls Like Us.

    Short stops • Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club wants you! Rugby Boot Camp is scheduled for Aug. 4 at Pepper Middle School, 84th Street and Lindbergh Avenue. You don’t need prior experience or even any knowledge of the game, just a desire to learn the rules and skills. Don’t let the location throw you, there’s also a carpool available. Camp starts at noon. Plan to arrive early to tape up and warm up; www.philadelphiagryphons.org. • Falcons Summer League soccer games are friendly six-on-six, coed, without goalkeepers starting at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Edgely Field, in Fairmount Park, through Aug. 1; falcons-soccer.org. • The Fins Aquatic Club has taken weekend practices to the park. Saturday and Sunday swims are held from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park, next to Memorial Hall. Not a member? Your first week is free to join in and swim. Not a swimmer? Feel free to come watch; www.philadelphia-fins.org.

    All of these organizations welcome visitors, fans and cheerleaders. Get out of the house, out of your routine and go to a game. Better yet, get out and play!

    If you have a practice, tournament, fundraiser, pick-up game or pick-up line for Get Out and Play, email [email protected].

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