It only make sense that I give the origin story of CASL. I moved to the Cape after being a summer kid growing up. I did not know many people here. I was sitting on Smugglers beach and we did not have enough players for beach volleyball. Sports was always a major part of my life. It is how I met most of my friends over the years. I figured there must have been others like me, that wanted to use sports as a way to expand their social circle, get some exercise, and have some fun. That was the day the idea of CASL was born. It was not an easy road. Now 9 years later, 2300+ participants, 50 championships, 23 marriages, a ton of friendships, and we are looking to keep it going. I have always said the Cape is in the most need for a Social sports league, but from a business perspective, one of the worst locations to have one. The 21-45 demographic is small and seems to be getting smaller by the day. I believe a well structured social sports league can stop that loss. It can help members make more friends and feel more connected to the Cape Cod Community. It is easy as adults to fall into a rut where you do not meet new people, that you end up surrounded by people that are just like you. Sports breaks down those barriers. We have Doctors, Mechanics, Teachers, Landscapers, Graphic Designers, builders We have a wide range of ages and skill levels. Everyone comes together for the love of the game. I have called it a real world social network, but here you make true connections.
Shaun
Distinguished Selectmen, I write this testimonial not as a sports fanatic, but as a concerned citizen and proud participant in the Cape Cod Adult Sports League (CASL). This remarkable organization isn't simply about dodgeballs and kickballs; it's about community, well-being, and the very fabric of our town.CASL offers more than just athletic activities. It's a vibrant network where diverse individuals – from teachers to firefighters, business owners to lobstermen – connect, collaborate, and forge lasting friendships. The shared pursuit of fitness and friendly competition becomes a bridge across professions, ages, and backgrounds. Witnessing this camaraderie firsthand, I can confidently say CASL fosters a stronger, more cohesive Cape Cod.Beyond fostering social connections, CASL demonstrably promotes physical and mental well-being. Our active roster boasts improved fitness levels, stress reduction, and a renewed sense of joy. These benefits go beyond individual participants; a healthier, happier community leads to less healthcare costs and increased productivity – tangible returns on investment for our town.Currently, CASL operates in facilities that don't fully accommodate its thriving membership. Providing dedicated gym space would be a strategic investment in Cape Cod's present and future. It would empower CASL to expand its impact, welcoming more residents, fostering greater community engagement, and enhancing the overall well-being of our town.Investing in CASL isn't just
Joshua
Playing casl sports has impacted my life as I became more connected to the Cape as an adult then growing up here my whole life. I've made a lot of new friends over the years. I've been playing kickball and dodgeball for years now for Casl and even met my boyfriend John 6 years ago from the social part, playing against each other in kickball, and eventually playing on the same team. I'd love to see Casl find a new indoor spot for winter sports as it keeps people busy and getting a little exercise in.
Heather
I moved down the Cape during Covid. CASL is the reason I have continued to live on the Cape for the last 3 years. Moving to the cape as a thirty-something can be lonely and isolating, especially in winter. It is hard to meet people. CASL allowed me to stay active and meet new people. I look forward to Wednesdays! It is truly the highlight of my week. It is great for my physical well-being but also my social/mental well-being.
The people I have met at kickball and dodgeball have become great friends. We have gone on hikes, run 5ks, joined book clubs, and even traveled to other countries together. There are people from all walks of life who are part of the league, e.g., doctors, nurses, teachers, construction guys, engineers, landscapers, etc. Shaun and CASL create a community on the Cape for adults to be social and feel like they belong. This network of folks makes the Cape a better place to live. For example, when my car broke down, a friend from CASL helped fix my tire. Others have house-sat or dog-sat, picked up friends' children from school when they were working late, or watched the kids when they were sick. I have also done business locally and bought goods or used services from folks I have met in the league that I would have outsourced off Cape otherwise (e.g., moving company, surveyors, electricians, pest control, etc.). Truly, if it wasn't for CASL and the friends I had made down here, I would have moved back up to Boston.
Kristine
I am a Public Preschool Teacher, I moved here last year with no contacts in order to work. I love my job and I feel so fortunate to have found such an amazing school system with amazing teachers and students. But, outside of work I really struggled. I wanted to be part of the community, but I didn’t know how. When I joined CASL, I had an activity to do every week. Even as it got colder and darker I could still look forward to having something to do. This year we all shared the first snow of the season at CASL. I feel very fortunate to have found CASL.
Molly
CASL gives me a reason to stay active and keep up with a social life. Some of my best friends were met through this league. It's something I look forward to after a long work week. My family owns a small construction business and have gotten multiple jobs by word of mouth from CASL. The world needs more of adults from all skill levels coming together to make lasting memories!
Jenna
I have never been an athlete, but have always loved social activities. Social activities are much harder to come by as an adult. CASL has allowed me to continue this aspect of life that I think it essential. I have meet so many amazing people from all over the Cape through CASL. It brings our Cape Cod community together. I find that when we miss a season, we miss opportunities for community involvement, social networking, and overall wellness.
Not to mention, it is so much fun, and not only for the players, but the spectators too.
Kristi
I’ve been involved with CASL for 8 years and made some of my best friends through the group. It’s an excellent outlet for meeting new people which is especially difficult on the Cape year round.
It’s especially nice to join knowing people are there to have fun, so even if you’re not an expert at a particular sport, everyone is still very welcoming!
Molly
I haven’t found a better way personally how to be more social and make friends than sports games. That’s why when I got first time to US on Cape Cod in 2018 I started looking into sports groups where I can enjoy the game I love the most - soccer. And the CASL was the only place I found which has amateur soccer nights. They’re affordable, organized, planned and have everything, all I need to do is to show up. People are friendly and accepting any level of skill, gender and age. Moving forward to 2023 CASL is still the only sports group/community which have easy access, multifunctionality (physical activity, social, competitive and so on..) and perfect organization. The only and the best one on Cape Cod!
Dovydas
I’ve been coming to the Cape my whole life - as a kid, from as far away as Kansas and Louisiana; as an adult, even from Washington state and Arizona. Dennis has always been my summer place. And now I’m at a point where I can finally spend more than just a week or two. Since 2021, I LIVE here for about 5 months every summer. Life is good!
I’ve quickly learned that the Cape is a very different experience when you have time to be a resident instead of just a tourist! And for me, that means getting out regularly to play the sports I love. CASL has been a huge part of that!
My biggest love is soccer, so the minute I knew I’d be up here long term, I googled “Cape Cod adult soccer,” seeking (admittedly, with little hope) to find a way to get my fix. To my pleasant surprise, CASL popped up, and I’ve been playing with them every week since! Through some new friends I met on the CASL soccer field, I heard about kickball, and I soon joined a team in that sport. As the years go on, I’m excited to try even more CASL sports!
So, now I know the Cape is about much more than beach days, museums and mini-golf! Don’t get me wrong - I still love all that “touristy” stuff! But for my summer-long stays and, of course, for year-round residents, a regular assortment of fun, competitive and social athletics for adults is crucial. And for me, CASL provides exactly that. It has quickly become one more of those wonderful Cape experiences that makes me look forward to being here every summer!
Jim
CASL was one of the best parts of living on the cape. I was able to join this league back in 2015 and it was more than just adults playing games that we loved as kids, it was people meeting and making new friends but friends that would last a lifetime. We sang karaoke together celebrated holidays and birthdays together and it has been an amazing journey with amazing friends that I would’ve never met if it wasn’t for Casl and Shaun who put it all together. Meeting up weekly turned into staying in touch and making memories that will last forever. CASL is great for the cape where there isn’t much to do in the winter and casl gives us an opportunity to get out and do positive things within the community not having a place to be able to do these things would be a shame and we need to be able to find somewhere to keep the positivity a thing, I hope CASL stays for as long as it can and I thank Shaun and the league for everything…
Angel
Hello my name is Kevin Callahan and CASL has such a big impact in my life in such a short amount of time. Growing up as a sports fan and a avid sports player in high school playing competitive was always a way for me to let me self go from the real world and enjoy and compete for my self. Being much older now I lost the competitive edge due to well life. When I came across and sponsored ad for Dodgeball I was hesitant because I’m new to the cape and haven’t been in a competitive scene for quite some time. But I took a leap of faith not only was it one of the best decisions of my life. From meeting amazing and such kind people who genuinely want to make you feel welcomed so fast to also competing against people who went to bring the best out of you. Wether it’s kickball or dodgeball yes it may be a kids game but just getting that little taste of competition makes one like my self shut out the real problems one may have and just let loose and enjoy that hour you have with so many amazing people. So I ask please give us a place to show that side of us that we love to bring out for a short period of time let us be our inner kid while let us escape the day to day world that sometimes is hard for us. Truly appreciate the time.
Kevin
I used to summer on the Cape when I was younger and I remember them being some of the best times of my life, because of this I decided to move to the Cape year round after college. What I found out shortly was that winters and summers on the Cape were totally different. The first couple of winters I had trouble meeting people my age and I didn’t have much of a social life. That immediately changed when I joined CASL. Through CASL I have made lifelong friendships and I can tell you that numerous people on Cape feel the same. I can even name multiple couples, who because of CASL, are now married.
The importance of CASL cannot be understated for young adults on the Cape, especially during the winter months where there are a lack of healthy activities. With the importance and emphasis of mental health in society I believe CASL has helped the mental health of my young adults, because of this, I believe the Wixon gym should be available for CASL.
Nick Philpott
Nicholas
I joined CASL about a year after my husband of almost 30 years passed away. I was hesitant and unsure of how I would be accepted. CASL and its participants welcomed me with open arms and judgement free. It’s like a whole other family. I have made numerous friends while playing and have had a lot of fun. Not to mention the exercise; more active, toning my body, and just feeling good all the way around. Being a part of this group has definitely made me more self confident, it has expanded my social circle, and has made me feel so good about myself. CASL has also played an important part of my grieving process. I truly believe that CASL has saved me in more ways than one. CASL offers a fun and friendly alternative to healthy competition amongst adults and provides positive role model behavior for children by showing good sportsmanship, teamwork, and helping others.
Mae
Found CASL through a friend who needed another teammate for dodgeball. Was amazed by the community environment that the organization brings out. Social activities on Cape have gotten so few and far between and CASL consistently delivers a healthy, affordable, safe, and fun setting for adults of all ages to get together to socialize and stay active.
Brendan
I moved to Barnstable 17 years ago and for the first 8 years I only knew my coworkers. I struggled to meet people I felt like I fit in with as it was difficult on the summer scene to meet people that weren't here on vacation and the off season wasn't any easier. I've been involved with different CASL sports for 9 years which keeps me active throughout the year, on the fields all summer and inside on the courts in the winter. I've since increased my contacts to a couple hundred like minded individuals that enjoy getting to know others while involved in gameplay as the main focus. I plan to continue participating as long as my aging knees and aching joints will allow.
Chris
CASL is most definitely the best adult social activity on Cape Cod. Consistently, for two years, this league has been great wholesome fun with healthy competition mixed in. A great way to overcome hump day (Wednesday) while getting the heart rate up, and giving that needed boost to push through till the weekend. For those of us looking for activities outside the bars that don't break the bank, CASL never disappoints.
Since joining CASL, I have made great friends who have really made a positive impact in my life. For young adults on Cape Cod, this can be a big challenge. Having a place to gather and compete over a common goal (winning), naturally builds healthy relationships. I have witnessed folks from all backgrounds come together during my time with CASL. A diverse community of young adults has been so refreshing to see on a weekly basis.
The commissioner of CASL, Shaun Conway, works very hard to maintain a safe, organized, and professional environment. He places an emphasis on safety and cares about the well being of every participant. The events are always well thought out and communication is on point. Shaun even takes the time to teach fundamental skills of each sport, and go over the rules in detail. He has helped develop my kicking skill and fielding ability quite a bit.
Undoubtedly, CASL, is a huge boon to Cape Cod and our community. I very strongly advocate for this league, and hope a venue can be found to maintain continuity this winter.
Alex
I moved to Cape Cod not knowing anyone, and took a leap signing up for dodgeball. It was one of the best, most fun things I have ever done. I met the most amazing people, which also led me to sign up for kickball. Thanks to CASL for providing the best times with the best people!
Emily
CASL has provided me with a fun night out to get exercise, socialize, and meet new people. I think it's been a great way to foster a sense of community with local people close to my age range that I normally wouldn't get to interact with otherwise. It also provides a great opportunity to socialize after the sporting events are over and to get to know my peers better. I am thankful for the organization providing fun nights and opportunities where I can go out and just have fun like I used to as a kid.
Stephen
I started with dodgeball in 2014 for something to do over the long boring Cape Cod winter. That turned into floor hockey, group trips to Providence Bruins games, axe throwing, bowling, summer kickball and many more social events. Now almost 10 years later it has become part of my everyday life. I truly believe CASL has had a 100% positive impact on the Cape, and should be a model for future groups bringing people of all ages together just to have some fun. Growing up on Cape Cod I know what can happen to young adults with no outlets over the long winter. CASL can give some of these people that outlet with the exercise you get from some friendly competition the people you meet and the friendships that are formed, I guarantee your life will be better.
Mike
Wednesday nights are a great time because of CASL. It’s great exercise and lots of cool people. Shaun Conway does an incredible job running it. CASL is great for the cape and I enjoy the leagues very much.
Daniel
Meeting other people the same age with similar hobbies when in the adult world is much more difficult than I thought. Add in the pandemic and moving to a new state, it was very lonely. Luckily through work I heard about CASL and landed on a team that got along well. Even at first without the social outings because of Covid, CASL provided a weekly release from the stress of work. Add in the social aspect in 2022 and our team became the adult friends I needed to make cape a place I could continue to live and work. It provided the social balance that was missing. We have since traveled as a group to concerts, ski trips, weekend getaways and a vacation out of the country. We often have dinners out and participate in activities around cape cod.
I haven’t even reviewed the romantic relationship aspect of CASL. Our team has had two romantic relationships come from it and the league itself has more than I am aware. While my focus of joining was to find friends, a boyfriend was an unexpected plus.
When new young adults join my work team I immediately encourage them to join a CASL event so they can meet people.
The winter is a time of decreased activity and worsening depression and anxiety. Even on a well established team we have already got swept back up into adulthood and bailed on several outing ideas since our Wednesday commitment to dodgeball is no longer. Having a weekly CASL commitment helps young adults make time for fun, exercise and a break from work.
Vanessa
CASL is a great way to meet new people and get some exercise in during the week in a fun, inviting way.
I've participated in kickball for three years now, playing for a handful of different teams, each of which bringing together people I otherwise would have never interacted with. The social events following the games instills a sense of community in Cape Cod. It's more than just an adult sports league, it's a way to connect people in a wholesome way through events I looked forward to week after week.
Whether it was kickball, or pickleball, or going out to the social events after the games, I always looked forward to the gathering of people from all over the cape in a welcoming environment that made everyone feel like they belonged.
Sometimes the games get competitive and chippy, but that's just a testament to how much everyone cares. No matter how much people argue that their player was safe, or that their kick was in fair territory, everyone leaves the game and ends the night with a smile on their face because it was all in good fun, sharing those moments with a community of people just looking for a healthy outlet throughout the week.
Noah
CASL is the only way people ages 20-45 can socialize on Cape Cod. Cape is such a quiet place and it’s very tourist oriented, but CASL brings locals together and forges lifelong friendships. As someone who works from home, CASL, especially in the winter, is the only place I am able to go to get out of my house and have face to face interactions with other people. CASL truly strengthens the Cape Cod community, bringing people together in a fun and wholesome way. Playing the sports that I loved to play as a kid helps me destress, enjoy my evenings, and make friends just like we all did in grade school. It’s also a great way to get exercise and stay healthy. Everything CASL is about is just great and I really hope to see its offerings expanding in the near future!
Dasha
Without CASL I feel I would have met people with my own interests.. nor would have I met my girlfriend of six years and counting. It is particularly hard to meet friends and people on this island and without a doubt if I haven’t joined CASL I would have had as many friends as I do now. Cape Cod needs young adult sports leagues and social events to help keep this island going
