Swampscott resident Tom Layte has coached youth flag football, but he had never gotten a chance to play himself — until he put matters into his own hands.

In partnership with the Swampscott Recreation Department, Layte formed a men’s flag football league for those 30 years old and over. The league will play on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at Blocksidge Field.

The league’s four teams took to the turf on Tuesday for the inaugural games. 41 players registered to play in the league.

Layte’s team, which is called “The Swamp” and is made up of people he knows from attending the local gym, fought hard but suffered a 32-18 loss in the opening game.

“I started the league because I wanted to play, and right now I think I’m about the oldest guy in the league,” said Layte. “I enjoyed the game. I think I made some mistakes. Defensively, we’ve got some work to do.”

Each team will play six regular season games, two against every team, before playoffs start. All four teams will qualify for the playoffs.

“The great thing is I think we’ll get better,” said Layte. “We can go 0-6, but it doesn’t matter until the playoffs. But I hate losing.”

Layte said no one on the team’s roster had previously played organized flag football.

The night kicked off the Swampscott Recreation Department’s summer of sports offered to adults. Adult softball will start on Wednesday, and Summer Snaps women’s flag football will begin Thursday.

“Recreation is often thought of as youth sports, but adults need opportunities to connect, stay active and build community too,” said Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia.

Between flag football and softball, over 230 adults will play in summer leagues.

“Seeing residents come out after work, meet new people and enjoy our fields is exactly what community recreation is all about,” said Daher de Garcia.