In the eyes of most people, athletes are the ones seen wearing the name of their school on their chest. They are seen as the ones who put in countless hours before and after school in an effort to not only better themselves, but their team. They strive for greatness and are willing to sacrifice their time to form a bond with others sharing the same passion. But where do the people who love sports just as much, without playing on an organized team fit in? The people who choose to put in the hours of playing the game just for fun?

A huge difference between organized sports and “backyard sports” is the commitment. For some, it is more enjoyable to just run around with friends and simply play for the love of the game.

“You don’t have any practices and you can go out and just have fun with your friends and just mess around,” senior Jake Ressler said. “It’s not like a set thing that you have to do.”

Backyard sports also present a chance for people to go out and get good exercise.

“Physical activity boosts your morale and makes you happier,” senior Jesse Tamez said after being asked about the positive aspects of backyard sports.

As former football players, Ressler and Tamez have had the opportunity to see each side of the game. After a couple years, both of them chose to hang up the cleats and just enjoy playing with friends without the stress of having to be truly committed to a sport.

“[Backyard sports are] better because it’s not as serious, so risk of injury is less than if you were to play with serious competition because your opponents will be playing at a higher level,” Tamez said.

One of the greatest things about being able to just play sports with friends is being able to enjoy a game that someone does not have to try out for. Whether it is due to lack of experience or just not wanting to, you can do backyard sports and have a lot of enjoyment while doing so.

“Basketball [is my favorite sport] because it is just a fun game to play,” Ressler said.

As a former football player, Ressler has gained a new passion for a sport that he would not have been able to find while playing football.

Despite the differences between playing unorganized and organized sports, each present the opportunity to grow as an individual and to fulfill passions since a special connection to that sport has been made. Whichever path a person chooses to take, there is no doubt that they are bound to find something they truly enjoy.