By: Alicia Rinaldi
6 minute read

Right when you thought it was hard to make friends in Miami… BOOM! A global pandemic hits and it's basically impossible, especially without Facetime or Zoom.

But with 2020 behind us and only a bright future to look forward to, this one local company is helping us return to a sense of normalcy.

We are so lucky to have South Florida Club Sport starting back up again next month to bring our community together in a time we need it most!
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I got to drop by a kickball game right before Covid hit, and I'm gonna tell you about my experience (which was actually way more fun than I expected) and how YOU can get involved this year!

If you were a gym class hero, this is your curtain call. If you weren't the most coordinated in gym class, this is your time for redemption. But really, it doesn't matter how athletic (or unathletic) you are 

South Florida Club Sport is Miami's premiere adult league for all kinds of recreational sports - kickball, softball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and more. And Brickell is home to South FL Club Sport's kickball league!

(Let's get it out of the way now and ensure you that South FL Club Sport is following all Covid guidelines, which you can read more about on their website, HERE)

Starting 2/17 and 2/18, the Brickell Kickball league will take place on Wednesday and Thursday nights at Jose Marti Park (351 SW 4th Ave). Games last about an hour, and always end with many cheers at American Social, Brickell's favorite riverfront sports bar.

Each kickball season has 7 regular games, and each team continues to the first round of playoffs. The teams then face a single-elimination playoff, and the league winner gets a prize.

And if kickball isn't your cup of tea, they also offer softball, volleyball and ultimate frisbee in the Grove and South Beach.

"Wow, that sounds fun, but I just moved here so I don't know anybody who would come with me!" PERFECT! You can sign up as an individual and be put onto a team. In fact, the night I went, both teams were made fully of "free agents" who signed up alone and were matched into teams.

​"But I'm not that coordinated…" That's ok! The games are self-pitched (someone on your team pitches to you to make it easier to kick) and they use a smaller, more agile ball for a faster paced game.

You really forget how much fun kickball is until you watch people play it! When I went to watch, I had a blast and couldn't resist taking a guest shot.

In a place like Miami where it can be hard to make real friends, this is a perfect way to meet genuine people. There's no pressure to "look cool" or "know people" like so many of Miami's typical scenes. South Florida Club Sport is just a bunch of kids-at-heart that were looking to connect with others, get some exercise in, and reminisce on their favorite childhood games.

I was surprised to find out that a majority of the players were new to Miami and joined the league as a way to make friends. Like I mentioned, both the teams were made up of "free agents" who didn't know each other before signing up. It was only their second night playing together, but they already knew each others' names, and were chatting like they'd been friends for much longer.

Even if you're not new to Miami, it's always fun to try something new with your friends. That's why people can also sign up as a group and play on the same team.

Signing up as an individual is $60 and signing up as a team is $725 for teams up to 15 people. League fee includes colored team shirts for all players, paid umpires & staff, game balls, online scores and standings, post-game bar specials, seven regular season games (plus playoffs for all teams), prizes for league champions and more!

So who is the man that makes this all happen? You can thank Steve Arsenault, a true child at heart. He has had experience running club sports since 2001, and he's built a South FL club sports empire! They work directly with cities - 26 municipalities from Palm Beach to Homestead - but they want to focus on growing the program in the Brickell/Downtown area since it's so accessible to all fo us.

Steve is a true proponent for the community and has so many ideas for fun interactive activities. In addition to kickball, Steve runs up to 9 other club sports, with a focus on softball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball (check their website for schedules). He loves all sports, but the most important part to him is his role in bringing our community together.

Follow South Florida Club Sport on Instagram to stay updated with the latest league information & to find out which leagues are playing locally:
@southfloridaclubsport

Every day is National Taco Day at these 6 places to get tacos in Brickell.

Pilos is celebrating National Taco Day the right way! All day, Pilo's customers can enjoy half off the Brickell restaurant's iconic El Guero (Chicken), El Carnal (Carnitas) and El Tiznado (vegan) tacos. Additionally, specifically for National Taco Day, Pilo's will feature a hibiscus lobster tempura and a barbacoa taco.

​And have you seen their new sidewalk patio? Taco bout a cute spot to socially distance while you celebrate!

Socal is Brickell's most unpretentious place to grab a taco and beer. Their staff is super cool & friendly, and they recently redid their entire patio so there is much more space.

​Show your support for local companies and artists by getting some of their cool new merch - masks, patches and hats to name a few!

In Tacology's short tenure at Brickell City Centre, it has already won a number of awards, thanks to renowned chef Santiago Gomez, known for upscale Mexican spot Cantina la Veinte (and later on this list!).

​This indoor/outdoor spot is the "Brickell" version of a traditional Mexican taqueria - stylish & upgraded. You'll want to take pictures all over the cute terrace and order one of everything on the IPAD menu when you see the vivid, mouth watering pics.

You can't actually consider yourself a Miami resident unless you've eaten at the famous Coyo Taco. For National Taco Day, they're bringing back a crowd favorite: traditional slow roasted adobo marinated lamb tacos served with a delicious broth for dipping & sipping.

​They also have pink shells on their classic pollo al carbon tacos for all of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (a portion of the proceeds will be donated to @protectourbreasts)

My Ceviche may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of ordering tacos, but if you've never had their tacos, booooy are you missing out!

​Plus, they JUST dropped a new taco fiesta kit which is perfect if you want to eat your tacos from the comfort of your couch.

Maybe if you want to stuff your face full of tacos, you shouldn't go to Cantina la Veinte. But if you're looking to celebrate this special day with a slightly more upscale experience, then this is the perfect destination.

​This swanky Mexican restaurant by tacology's chef Santiago Gomez offers a number of classic Mexican dishes plus a make-your-own taco option. Not only are they known for their authentic Mexican food, but they are basically a mini art gallery of walls lined with authentic hand-made pieces imported from Mexico.