Q&A: Justin Jacobs, Founder of ComePlayDetroit

JUSTIN: It really just started out with a bunch of my friends playing in the B’nai Brith league. But that was only a 10-week period, from January – March and we wanted to play more. I thought I might organize something so we could play some pick up games, but then we got enough people that I saw we could start our own league. In the beginning though, my friends and I just wanted to hoop!

JUSTIN: Friends, family, sports – and I’m lucky I get to incorporate all three into what I do. Getting all your friends together to play sports in the city where your family lives, it’s not really working all! People don’t necessarily have time to go out to the bars, but people will make and extra hour or two to play sports. I get to play, be social, and [try] stay in shape – although I don’t really know what shape it is…

JUSTIN: Customer service. Having moved a lot and being on the fly I think has helped me a lot. I’m able to make sure everyone is having a great time and enjoying themselves, be open minded about the level of competition of the game to make sure its fun for everyone and provide the best experience for everyone.

JUSTIN: I’m not asking anything of them, CPD is offering something that they enjoy. A lot of programs in the community ask young adults to donate, to give and give. We are just asking people to come out and have fun. We also don’t expect anyone to have a lot of resources, which is where our sponsors really help make this possible.

JUSTIN: You can sign up either as a team or individually as a free agent. If you don’t come as a team already, we’ll place you on a team that’s looking for additional players, or we’ll form a new team consisting of all free agents. We also look towards companies in the community who support our initiative for social activity. There have been many great people who have made it possible for us to play so far.

JUSTIN: Honestly, everyone [in the community] was getting bored. There were no activities to do anywhere. Everyone enjoys sports. Basketball and kickball are great ways to bring people together, which is why we started there. It brings out a different side of people, you break a sweat, let loose and get a little dirty.

JUSTIN: We’re creating more opportunities for more people to get involved and have a full social calendar planned through next year. We have two activities per season: In the fall, softball, kickball and a pick-up soccer game. In the winter, we’ll have bowling, volleyball and floor hockey. Next spring we already have planned softball, soccer, tennis, golf and basketball. All league sports are co-ed except for basketball and fall softball. We’re also very excited to be planning a dodge ball tournament to kickoff the winter leagues!

JUSTIN: Absolutely. We are trying to get the conversation started amongst young professional about not just seeing, but being apart of the social and cultural experience in Metro Detroit.

Our social kickoff event is Detroit Harmonie, which will bring young professionals and leaders in the community together for an evening of international entertainment. We’re encouraging people to come together for a taste of ethnic food, drinks, art and music from around the world. Detroit Harmonie will showcase the variety of cultures throughout metropolitan Detroit. The event takes place on October 9, at the Virgil H. Carr Arts League of Michigan located in the heart of Harmonie Park in downtown Detroit. Doors open at 8:00p.m.

JUSTIN: Within one year CPD will have a full calendar with activities in multiple locations. I’d like to see us with 2,500 participants. We’re also working on becoming a registered nonprofit organization.

Five years down, I’d like to see CPD have it’s own complex downtown where people come to be active and social. It would house all of our sports leagues and social events. Ten years from now, wow. How about ‘Come Play America’? (laugh) When you move here [Detroit] CPD is going to be your go-to spot to look for your new social network – that’s the goal.

JUSTIN: Find something you love to do and you know other people love to be involved in – something that engages people.

This has become the dream job for myself. I am so fortunate that I have such great people working with me to help make my dreams for our community come true.