For most of the 1980s, tennis courts in Swampscott were used sparingly. That changed in 1989, when Swampscott resident Barry Cushner started a mixed doubles league around town. Through word of mouth, news got around town about a new league for Swampscott residents. Participation was strong, and it didn’t take long for the league to expand.
And expand it did. Over the next 15 years, Cushner’s league spread to dozens of communities North of Boston.
This summer, Cushner is starting another league, reviving his old project and giving Swampscott and Nahant residents a chance to play organized, competitive tennis against other mixed doubles pairs.
“I just want to recreate something for the town that I live in,” said Cushner, who at 76 years old no longer plays tennis himself. “I’ve always been a guy that ran with ideas, and this is another example.”
Cushner plans to handle the scheduling for the league, but it will be flexible. Teams matched against each other can decide what time would work best when they are scheduled to face off.
Starting on Saturday, April 11, Cushner will host registration events from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Swampscott Middle School every Saturday through the end of May, besides April 18. The event that weekend will be held on Sunday, April 19 at the same time and location.
The entry deadline for the league is set for May 27.
At these registration events, Cushner will also evaluate people’s skill levels, in order to place teams in one of three divisions based on competitive levels. Attending teams should bring a racquet and two cans of tennis balls.
“I just want to do this so people can hit the ball around and learn about me and the league,” said Cushner.
The season will start up shortly after, with matches planned for June until the end of August.
Cushner said the league will allow players to make new friends and have good, friendly competition nearby.
“A lot of people have turned to pickleball, but I think there’s a demographic still interested in having the full court and running around more,” said Cushner. “Like in Field of Dreams, if you build it, they will come.”
