With a new school year under way, it may be time to get involved in some new activities. One option to consider is joining a recreational sports league. And, if you like playing sports you may want to consider playing on an intramural team.
If you are interested in joining a recreational sports league in your area, visit Boston Youth Zone’s sports section. This resource not only provides you with helpful information about recreational leagues you can join, but it lets you search for leagues by sport and/or neighborhood in Boston; almost any sport you can think of is listed on this site, as well as every section of Boston.
Or if you want to stick close to home, Boston Youth Zone helps you find sports leagues that are based out of your neighborhood. The cool thing about the website’s search feature is that its results let you know the location where a league is based out of, and who to contact to join the league. This way you have an actual person to get in touch with about joining a team. The site also lets you search by facilities, so even if you are not sure you’re ready to join a team, you can find places to play pick-up soccer or basketball with some friends.
Another sport to consider is Lacrosse, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the United States. If you have always wanted to play, MetroLacrosse may be for you. With both team and intramural programs, MetroLacrosse serves over 700 youth in the Boston area. There are opportunities to play throughout the year and leagues for all age ranges from 4th grade through high school. Visit metrolacrosse.com for more information about the different programs, and how to sign-up.
If a team sport is not what you are looking for, consider joining a local YMCA. With multiple locations throughout the greater Boston area, the YMCA is a great place to relax and de-stress. Most YMCAs have a pool and a gym, where you can exercise without worrying about being competitive. Doing a few laps after school or just casually shooting hoops with a few friends can help harness your energy and get you focused to get work done in the evening.
Martial arts are another way to focus your energy into positive outcomes. There are tons of martial arts studios in Boston, many with programs specifically for teens and young adults. You can start by checking out Red Dragon Martial Arts, which offers programs for teens at low costs and also has scholarships available. For more information, visit reddragonsmartialarts.com.
There are many ways to get involved in sports and it is up to you to find a sport that makes you happy. If you join a team or a league and are not happy with the experience, don’t give up on sports forever. There are a lot of other sports you can try, and many other people you can meet. If the first sport you try is not your favorite, decide what you didn’t like about the experience, and try to find a sport that better fits what you are looking for. Get out there and join a league to de-stress and to gain life experience; but most importantly, have some fun!
Lindsey Harrington is a former TeenLife Boston intern who graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in psychology. She currently works for Massachusetts General Hospital in the Neuroendocrine Unit and plans to attend medical school in the future.
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With a new school year under way, it may be time to get involved in some new activities. One option to consider is joining a recreational sports league. And, if you like playing sports you may want to consider playing on an intramural team.