Fun is the name of the game when VAVi is involved — and its 36,000 members would likely agree. Tyler Jensen founded the social sports club eight years ago in the garage of his Pacific Beach residence. Jensen now acts as a consultant for the company that expects to boast a membership of 50,000 people by the end of the year. As it stands, VAVi attracts 300 new members a week. VAVi draws recreation enthusiasts between the ages of 21 and 40. It is geared toward young, active professionals, said Keith Cunningham, director of marketing for VAVi. The first sport launched was beach volleyball. Each week, 30 players would gather in Mission Beach to play in the sand. Popularity took hold and it is now one of the most highly-sought VAVi leagues. VAVi facilitates all aspects of both its sports leagues and participation in one of the many group activities. From T-shirts to coordinating roster signups, VAVi officials manage it all. Leagues and activities take place on various fields and locations throughout San Diego. “VAVi is a household name at this point,” Cunningham said. The name VAVi doesn’t refer to anyone’s last name, nor is it an acronym. Most of VAVi’s members say they don’t even know its origin. The answer is simple. Jensen simply wanted a word that sounded fun, Cunningham said. Whether it’s the fun-sounding name or the games VAVi offers, word of mouth has been a key ingredient for the company’s success. “It’s the best way for local people to break up their work week,” Cunningham said. VAVi’s organizers said they strive to maintain good relationships with team captains, which helps keep leagues running smoothly. The relationship also strives to keep members engaged by staying relevant. VAVi’s Facebook page has a loyal base of 4,700 users who stay informed by viewing updates, participating in contests and viewing team photos posted by VAVi officials. With only seven full-time employees working for the growing company, VAVi has a lot riding on the field. “You pay a little bit more, but you get a significant amount more,” Cunningham said. VAVi officials acknowledge the competition in San Diego from other sports leagues, but believe they offer a premium product that includes officiated games, customizable T-shirts, member benefits, happy-hour specials and more. “Soccer is massive right now, especially with the World Cup [going on],” Cunningham said. While VAVi focuses on its core sports like flag football, soccer, kickball and beach volleyball, it offers a variety of alternative activities. VAVi organizes volunteer efforts, offers instructional dance and workout classes, and coordinates activities like group hiking. VAVi is often thought of as a single’s club in the community, but it is not, Cunningham insisted. VAVi boasts memberships of single and married participants alike. Cunningham said he also knows members who met at a VAVi activity, fell in love and who are now married. As summer heats up and numerous leagues hit full swing, VAVi officials are deciding if they will split some sports into competitive and social divisions. “Over the next eight years, we plan on growing in San Diego,” Cunningham said. “We plan on continuing to improve our product, work with more and more corporate companies for team-building tournaments and events, and grow VAVi into more of a marketing agency that activates major brands.” For more information, visit www.govavi.com.