With the start of a new semester, comes the start of a new intramural league season. Now for those of you who aren’t sports nerds like I am, or just don’t know what intramural leagues are, let me give you a super quick rundown of the whole thing.
Leagues are coordinated by MacEwan University Recreation staff, here at city centre campus. You get to form teams with your friends to play a variety of sports ranging from Soccer, to Volleyball, to Table Tennis, to Badminton and more! Don’t know enough people to make your own team? No problem, you can register as an individual and Recreation will make a team for you!
Leagues are great because while you still get to play in official games against other teams, it is only as competitive as you make it. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner looking for a reason to get off the couch, or you live to play sports, anyone can participate and have a great time while doing it.
Not only is it a fun experience, but you can try sports that you have never played before to see if you like them. So if you’re considering joining or starting your own team, but are a little unsure about it here are 15 reasons why you should:
- It is a great way to make new friends.
- It is a great way to stay in shape.
- You can continue playing a sport that you love, or try a brand new one.
- “It’s so great being able to stay active and share a common interest with some of my friends, and being able to have fun and cheering each other on, win or lose.” -1st year student.
- Everyone gets a Recreation T-Shirt when you meet participation eligibility requirements.
- “It’s something to look forward to every week. It’s easy to get bogged down with your school and/or work schedule, I always look forward to Thursday nights as that it’s my night to have some fun with my friends!” – 3rd year student.
- You can take it really seriously, or just have fun with it. There is no pressure to win or lose.
- If you’re really competitive (like me), it is a great way to utilize that aspect in a healthy way.
- It is a good way to relieve stress and have a study break.
- “Do it for the Insta.” Everyone always needs more action shots to post on their social media. Dodgeball selfie anyone?
- Bragging rights! League Champs and Spirit Awards get extra prizing and bragging rights for the semester!
- Get involved! University is a big place, even if you can make it from one side of the campus to the other side in a five-minute walk. Joining a club or getting involved may not be your thing, but getting involved and meeting people on campus is important to your development during university. Watching and playing sports brings all kinds of people together to bond over a common love for the game. Who knows, you might even meet a lifelong friend or your future boyfriend or girlfriend.
- No practices – just games! Whether you are competitive or just want to goof around in the gym, intramural sports offers students the opportunity to have fun without the stresses of screaming coaches and shuttle runs.
- Relive your glory days! For those of you former all-stars who are still nostalgic about your high school athletic successes, MacEwan Intramurals may be your second coming. Get out there and prove the skills you still have—or think you still have. You might impress your audience and make a name for yourself or, in the worst case, put your prime to rest at last.
- Organized Games. Admit it. You can only play so many pick-up basketball games at the gym before you get annoyed with the guy who fouls you every five seconds. Sure they’re fun and competitive, but do you want a little bit more structure and organization to your games? Intramural sports provide referees and/or officials, record wins and losses, observe time limits or running clocks, and even have tournaments and playoffs! Intramural sports allow you to feel like you’ve never left the game.
In conclusion intramurals are AWESOME! Squash those thoughts “What if I’m not good enough?”, “I’ve never played sports” and “I don’t know anyone”. I’m here to tell you it doesn’t matter how good you are, they are fun regardless!
by Sandra Veikle
Sandra holds a degree in Sport, Health and Physical Education; specializing in Organizational Management. Sandra played for the Vancouver Island University Mariners Women’s Volleyball team, winning the CCAA National championship in 2012. She has a lifelong passion for sports and a desire to share that with university students.
