Goodbye Summertime, Hello Fall Sport Season in Pensacola
By Brooke E. Forester, PhD | September 22, 2025
Saying goodbye to summertime is always bittersweet. The days grow shorter and vacations end, but those first hints of cooler Florida mornings signal something exciting: fall sports season has arrived. September offers prime opportunities for Pensacola residents—young and old—to experience the many benefits of sports as participants, spectators, and volunteers. Between Pensacola Sports events and organized athletics in local schools, there is no shortage of ways to get involved.
For tennis players, Pensacola Sports is hosting the 18th Annual Bud Light Charity Tennis Challenge October 17-18 at the beautiful Roger Scott Tennis Center. Players come together to support Arc Gateway, which enriches the lives of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, while also enjoying friendly competition in a fun, laidback atmosphere. Last year’s tournament was huge with 160 participants. This year, the women’s tournament has already sold out with more on the waiting list. Individuals preferring to help on the sidelines as tournament volunteers will learn the intricacies of event planning while also networking with local sport management professionals.
In addition to tennis, Pensacola Sports is honored to host the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament November 2-9 and the NAIA Women’s Soccer Championship, December 1-8 at the Brosanham Soccer Complex. Both week-long tournaments will provide high-level soccer matches which always draws a huge crowd. In 2024, over 7,600 fans attended the SEC tournament in Pensacola marking an increase from 2023 numbers and witnessed top-tier competition as the Texas Longhorns defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 1-0 in the championship match. This success was made possible by volunteers who helped to ensure each match ran smoothly and once again, volunteers are requested. Those individuals interested in gaining hands-on sport event management experience will be provided with valuable resume building and networking opportunities.
School sponsored athletics adds even more to the fall sport lineup in Pensacola. Typically fall sports offered at most local schools include: football, cross country, golf, swim/dive, volleyball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, competitive cheer, and weightlifting. Each of these sports offer benefits for the players.
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, the governing body of high school sports in the US, there are approximately 11 million participants in high school sports and performing arts. With so many participating in extracurricular activities, athletics included, students can enhance their social skills and build life-long friendships. Further, researchers Bohnert et al., (2013) found the transition from middle to high school was easier for students with continuous sport involvement, once again allowing more friendships to form. Indeed, sport is an avenue for adolescents to feel more socially connected in a world that seems to be more isolating than ever before.
The social and academic aspects of sports participation may not be as well known but certainly the physical and mental benefits are common knowledge. Weight management, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance are but a few of the physical benefits associated with sport activities. In addition, student-athletes’ self-image and self-esteem are boosted with sport engagement. Parents seeking ways to improve their child’s overall health and well-being would do well to consider athletics, and fortunately, Pensacola’s local schools offer numerous activities to get started.
Whether you are looking for volunteer opportunities, sport participation for all ages, or simply want to enjoy sports from the sidelines, the fall sport season in Pensacola has something for everyone. Come join the fun this fall and find your place in all things Pensacola Sports.
Brooke E. Forester, PhD
University of South Alabama
Associate Professor
Department of Health, Kinesiology, & Sport
Pensacola Sports Board of Director