13 Inside Look: Soccer Club Sports

Ahtziri Guzman, Bin You, Christian Soto

The University of Washington men’s soccer club team is a perfect representation of a thick institution and the collegiate ideal.

The team meets up a couple of times a week on the IMA fields to get together, practice and play their games and assign shared tasks as they each have different roles on the team. The way that this team brings people together is a prime example of the collegiate ideal as it gives them a more social and complete experience. Many of the players aren’t necessarily focused on if they win their games or not but they are focused on having fun and getting to spend time with their friends playing soccer. Club sports is an example of the collegiate ideal as it shows to improve various types of skills.

“It’s a fun time, we’re not too serious about it, so even if we lose, we don’t sweat it too much… we value the friendships and the memories made” –  Vice President of UW Mens Soccer Club Team

We find that most athletes are driven to participate and contribute themselves to these club sports because of the community and environment. It purely does not depend on additional practice, but it’s for the relationships that are made and the unity amongst peers. This is a direct example of the collegiate ideal. Additional to their academic excellence, their social skills and sense of community are found in these club sports. Not only do they come to campus for their physical class lectures, but they also look forward to that physical space at the club sports which contributes to their own personal growth and experience.

We know that the team is a very close knit group that likes to have fun and we also know that playing is more fun when you’re doing it with joy and with people you enjoy spending time with.

“I connect more with soccer through the club instead because I get put into this space of freedom and joy to play my favorite sport with my community and other peers. To be honest, it gives me time away from the competitive environment which is healing.” – ASU student

One of the key features of thick institutions especially in regards to UW Men’s club soccer is the emphasis on continuous learning and growth among its members. This club is known to provide opportunities for skill-building, and personal growth for players, both on the field and off of it. It also fosters a culture that encourages curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning, whilst making connections between teammates but also other club teams.

“This experience was minuscule but I wish I did more club sports over time [through undergrad].” – UW Senior in Soccer Club. 

Over many studies, it’s shown that going outdoors or to a location of nature can significantly decrease overall stress (Hansmann, 2007). Students mainly attend the University for the lectures and classes for further education, however, being in a setting of consistent lectures back to back can be detrimental to one’s health. Club sports not only help one’s skills but it can unknowingly improve your overall state of stress and anxiety.

Not only can it be a new experience for you, but it can enhance your well-being and it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself for a college experience that cannot be found doing anything else. The college experience is more than just the homework, the lectures and labs. Therefore, take the risk, join a club team, and make those friendships and memories.

References:

Hansmann, Hug, S.-M., & Seeland, K. (2007). Restoration and stress relief through physical activities in forests and Parks. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 6(4), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2007.08.004