Bocce has been played in Italy for thousands of years, its a combination of skill, sport and conversation making it a winner from Roman times to the present. Major League Bocce is here in Philadelphia, and you have just a few more days to get in on the Center City league.

Philly Major League Bocce offers weekly games played between multi-person teams. The game is not difficult; just about any age (21 and over) and gender person who can palm a ball can have fun playing. Plus, unlike most other social sports, you stand on the same side of the court as your opponents, so socializing is the norm — what better way to distract your adversary than by making them laugh?

There's still time to join the Center City autumn 2013 team, which plays games at the Field House in Center City by the Reading Terminal Market. Games are literally played at the bar on custom-design, 20’x5’ courts with lighter weight equipment then the traditional outdoor game. and are played for up to an hour. Afterwards, players get to enjoy discounted pints of Dogfish Head, the League’s official sponsor beer, plus specials on food.

DrinkPhilly readers can save $10 on registering for the eight-week season (week of October 16 through week of December 12) by using discount code BEERME. Included in your registration is:

• six weeks of regular season play
• particpation in the playoffs
• a team t-shirt
• discounted beer and food at the bar
• weekly prizes and giveaways
• free end of season party

At the end of the season, a champion team is crowned, and gets to name a charity of their choice to receive a sizeable donation. Over nine years, Major League Bocce has donated over $125,000 to worthy nonprofits around the country.

 You can register either by 1) creating a whole new team (you need at least five people to complete the roster); 2) join an existing team (you’ll need the team password from your captain); or 3) register without a team and you’ll be placed by the organizers. The registration page is here.

Major League Bocce has been in Philadelphia since the fall of 2011, after being started in Washington, D.C. in 2004 by a few enthusiastic friends. Now there are leagues all up and down the East Coast. Chat with friends and meet new people, develop hand-eye coordination and drink discounted Dogfish Head beer? Win-win-win.