We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Avinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Everplay Sport & Social Club was started to bring adults together in the community. Participating in sports leagues they grew up playing or may be interested in learning to play. Also, to bring people together to socialize and meet new people in the Columbia area. We offer a variety of sports for all 21 and older to participate in. Kickball, Softball, Indoor Volleyball, Sand Volleyball, Soccer, Pickleball, Dodgeball, Bowling, Cornhole. All our sports leagues are Coed for males and females to come out and participate in. They are all meant to be for fun and very recreational. There are not many other programs that do what we Everplay do. We are year round and offer these sports leagues all four seasons. There are many programs out there for the kids. This gives the adults the same sort of opportunities they had when growing up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Before coming the sole owner of Everplay I worked many nights officiating the leagues. I worked each league not because of the pay but because I enjoyed being around the sport and meeting new people. Officiating the games then going to restaurants after to socialize with the participants. Everplay began as just one league. A simple dodgeball league to get people active and have fun. We then added the other sports as the seasons and years went on. Nothing in this world is easy. Making a living and having an impact takes many puzzle pieces to fall into place. Covid was a big challenge. We were shut down for many months and didn’t know if we would ever be back. We rent our facilities through City of Columbia, Richland County and Lexington County. We had to wait on them to re open before we could start back. Luckily the PPP was around and helped myself get by until we were fortunately able to start back. I also manage a staff of 30+ part time employees. I didn’t know if they were going got be back and around when we did start back. I learned to be patient, stay positive and make an impact on the things we can control. Since starting Everplay back in 2014 we have proudly donated over 30k to various charities that the participants and teams choose! Something that we are very proud of and blessed to be in the financial position to give back. Everplay Sport and Social Club’s motto is: Play Sports, Have Fun, Stay Social…and CONTINUE to give!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them on beautiful Lake Murray for a nice ride to the top of the lake and eat lunch at Big Mans. Best burgers on Lake Murray and a lot to see on the ride up there. Going to a game at Williams Brice and tailgating is an awesome time. Sandstorm and the light show is awesome. Checking out a firefly game is a good time. The Zoo of course! Soda City market. Harbison mall. Play golf at Timberlake Country Club.

Places to eat. Halls Chophouse, Little Pigs BBQ, D’s wings, Village Idiot, Market on Main, Js Corner, Publico.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have worked for many recreational organizations that lead me to this idea and success. In high school (Chapin) I worked for ICRC- Crooked Creek Park, Seven Oaks, Saluda Shoals. I officiated youth soccer, softball, flag football and basketball. In college (USC Upstate) I worked for the intramural program as a official, manager, undergraduate assistant and staff director. I would like to thank all those who helped me through those years, who worked with me through those years and who continue to work with me now at Everplay. Thank you to my family and friends who continue to support and cheer me on each season making Everplay great!

Website: https://www.everplaysocial.com/

Instagram: Everplaysocial

Linkedin: Everplay Sport & Social Club.

Facebook: Everplay Sport & Social Club.

Image Credits
Danni Snaps Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.