The University of New Hampshire prides itself on its athletics, especially its hockey, football, and basketball programs. While many people enjoy watching these sports, it’s somewhat discouraging for those of us who aren’t talented enough to actually play Division I sports.
There is a solution for us sports enthusiasts, however: intramurals and club sports. These options might not seem as prolific as playing at the varsity collegiate level, but in the end, they can be just as rewarding.
While intramurals and club sports may not seem as high-level as NCAA sports, they aren’t too different. When participating in intramurals or club sports, you can still play at a competitive level of organized sport.
Like collegiate sports, you are playing with and against competition on a similar level as yourself. This adds some excitement when playing.
Even though some players may be better than others, it’s that way in every organized level of sport. So if a player on another team is much better than you, don’t be discouraged.
That doesn’t mean that less-skilled players can’t still enjoy playing intramurals and/or club sports. In fact, some students who participate may not have even played the sport before; they may just be doing it for fun.
While they both offer competitive environments, club sports definitely require more effort. This is why students who may not be as skilled or dedicated decide to participate in intramurals.
“Intramurals give me the chance to play a competitive sport without the time commitment,” sophomore Kyle Santos said. Santos has participated in five intramurals during his time here at UNH, including flag football and basketball.
Even though intramurals can be competitive, they don’t involve too much pressure on performance. “If you mess up, no one’s going to yell at you,” he added. But, for those that enjoy the time commitment and extra pressure, than club sports are definitely the way to go.
Another great thing about intramurals is that most sports have different leagues, so students can participate in a sport regardless of their gender. For most intramurals, students have the option to either sign up as a team or a free-agent in either the men’s league, the women’s league, or the co-rec league. The men’s and women’s league are obviously gender-specific.
Intramurals and club sports are both fairly organized, with the latter being a little more so. Most club sports are in organized leagues and divisions around the country, and most have their own tournaments and national championships. Most of the team sports are also professionally officiated.
In contrast, intramurals are officiated by students, but still take on the feel of an actual game. “It feels like a much more laid back sporting event,” Santos said. They also offer structured leagues and tournaments, and have their own playoffs and championship games.
Probably the most rewarding part of playing intramurals or club sports, however, is the people you meet through the experience. Whether you knew the people on your team before you started or not is irrelevant; some real friendships can be formed through participating in these extracurriculars.
UNH currently offers over 20 sports and tournaments for intramurals, including sports from flag football to kickball. There are also 32 sports clubs that are offered, ranging anywhere from hockey to baseball to judo, and almost 1,000 student-athletes are currently members. And both clubs and intramurals actively welcome newcomers.
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