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. Continuing this venerable pastime, Major League Bocce is here in Philadelphia, and gearing up for its 2014 Winter season.

Wintertime? Bocce? How is this possible, you ask?

Easy. Games during Philly Major League Bocce's winter season are played indoors at the Field House near the Reading Terminal Market.

Each week from January 23 through March 13, teams from two divisions will duke it out every Wednesday and Thursday night on custom-designed, 20’ x 5’ courts that are literally at the bar. After each bout, players will enjoy discounted Dogfish Head pints, the League’s official beer sponsor, and enjoy specials on food.

Right now the price to sign up is $40 per player, but it will increase to $50 on Monday, November 25. Registration closes altogether on January 10, and games begin the week of January 22.

At the end of the season, a champion team is crowned, and gets to name a charity of their choice to receive a sizable 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.

Sign up here and get rollin'!