Want to play sports but you just don’t have the time to join a League? Alan here, with some easy ways to set up your own informal sporting events. Sometimes, when I’ve slacked off on my exercise, I know its time to get outside, but exercising alone can be boring, right?

Well, it just so happens that in the 21st century, technology has made it easier than ever to communicate with friends to throw together a pickup game of basketball or soccer.

A couple days in advance I find a school or park to play at and text anyone who might be interested in playing. I then follow-up with an email to anyone who didn’t respond to the text.

You’d be surprised at how many people will show up to these gatherings, because people are bound to invite their own friends. One time, I decided to set up a game of basketball at a local school. I invited nine people on a Thursday to play Saturday, but when I got to the school that day, I found 16 other people ready to play! The original people I had invited told their friends, and more people showed up. We had such a good time we set up three more the next week.

If all of your friends are out of town, check out this directory to find events happening near you or find a park or school to play at.

Comment, tell us about your experiences, and how you set up your own event. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water because it can get pretty hot, especially over the summer.