For some of us, soccer is a great sport to watch when there’s a World Cup being televised or some other similar high-profile event. For many others, it’s their sport of choice and they play whenever they get the chance.
This summer, even if you think you have the dexterity of a puppy on ice, you also get a chance. Beginning July 7 and continuing through the better part of the summer, Philadelphia Falcons Soccer is offering beginners the opportunity to learn the basics on the field. Not only will you learn some new skills, but watching will be even more interesting when you know a little more about what’s going on.
Organizers Juan David Franco and Yunio Ivan Martinez are encouraging anyone who has a desire to play, no matter what skill level, to come by one of the pick-up games and join in. Cleats are highly recommended but not required. Games are at Edgley Fields in Fairmount Park. Play times are 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
For more information, contact the Falcons through facebook.com/groups/phillyfalcons/.
Now be careful, but get out and play!
Reading is fundamental
The Reading Fightin Phils are never a drag when it comes to a good game of baseball, but Aug. 24 might be borderline. Not the game, mind you; just the opening ceremonies.
In what is a local first, at least as far as I can find out, the ceremonial first pitch that night will be thrown out by Philly’s own history-making drag queen Sandy Beach. Beach was asked recently to throw out the first pitch in conjunction with game sponsorship by Venture Inn.
Beach isn’t a newcomer to pitching, though it’s been a few years and some practice time is definitely in the forcast.
“They have never had a drag performer throw out the first pitch,” Beach said. “I’ve been looking it up and can’t seem to see if anyone has thrown a pitch in drag. I am extremely thrilled and excited.”
Tickets are available for the Monday-evening game through milb.com. No word yet on whether the officials are permitting heels on the field or if Beach will have to wear flats. In either case, the game will be Beachin’!
Short stops
• The Philadelphia Fins Aquatic Club has several swimmers participating in the DCAC Maryland Swim For Life July 11. It is an open-water swim with distances from 1-5 miles. Go Fins!
• Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association is still registering players for its annual Philadelphia Open tournament July 24-27. To register, go to philadelphialibertytennis.org.
Hit me up for photos of your special events and team time this summer! Email [email protected].