Intramural indoor soccer is back in season at ABAC, and students are eager to show off their sportsmanship and skills by creating their own teams amongst friends.
Each team has several players, but only a maximum of six players can be on the field simultaneously. Soccer takes place on the outdoor field and inside the Gressette Gym, providing spectators the opportunity to watch their favorite teams compete with one another.
“It is a good way to bring students together because ABAC does not have many sports, and this allows both girls and boys to compete with one another,” said Luis Palomares, a senior majoring in business. “I play intramural soccer to have fun, and I believe that engaging in this sport encourages more commuters to remain on campus after their classes end.”
Intramural sports also give students the opportunity to establish new relationships with others who share the same interests in the sport. Sports on campus help students become more social and brings the small community of ABAC together.
“After classes, me and my friends like to come out and support our favorite teams. Sometimes the games can get intense watching the score board, having the crowd guess on who is going to win,” said Joceline Tinajero, a sophomore majoring in elementary education. “I’m looking forward to phase two of intramural soccer because it means players will get to play soccer on the grass instead of indoors, giving players more room to compete.”
International students’ involvement has not just raised the competitive standard but has also brought unity among players with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Antonin Leborne, a general studies major from France, said, “This sport is a great way for everyone to come out and enjoy a nice game from time to time.”
Which team will win is a mystery, and many have speculations on which team will take home the victory.
Reyes Ortega, a freshman nursing major, said, “It has to be either Melanin or my team, Schaubaux, because Melanin has a lot of different talent which allows them to play together. My team has not lost a single game, and we are a team full of international students. Look at our capabilities, passing, vision, and defense. I could not have asked for a better team.”
Intramural soccer provides students with a chance to engage in physical activity and allows for a time of relaxation from their academic courses.
Participating or even watching the sport fosters an overall awareness of new opportunities, especially pertaining to sports, among the students at ABAC.
“This sport is great! Playing with friends and having this sort of competition at ABAC makes it even more fun,” said Petar Wemmenhove, a general studies major from the Netherlands.
Whenever you feel stressed or feel the need to start something new, try out intramural soccer—you may find a new hobby and new friends.