Tryouts. Physicals. Team dues. It’s no secret there’s much more to athletic participation than showing up to games. Or is there? All across the city of Memphis recreational sports teams are on the rise. These teams aim to take the pressure and process out of team sports while leaving the exercise and fun.

Many busy students find that their schedule would take a huge hit if they were to add of the pressure of a school sport. Some students set aside their passion for their sport; while, others join a recreational sports team instead. The object of a rec team is not competition but instead promoting fun and passion for the sport.

“The main drive in [rec] sports is your passion to continue doing it. You could stop any time you want, but to continue doing it shows that you have motivation and love for that sport,” Petrosyan said.

For students like Petrosyan, recreational sports give an opportunity for sports that have not been established at White Station.

“I fence representing White Station although it isn’t a recognized sport at the school, “ said Lily Petrosyan (12).

Recreational sports teams are no strangers to White Station as popular teams such as the Memphis Sonics and FC Lancaster include several Spartan athletes, like former basketball player Wise Rudolph (12).

“I was not as raw at basketball as I thought I was…[but] I love being able to go out with my friends and play an organized sport. Often times in school sports, you are with the best guys who want to play that certain sport, most of which you are not friends with. This would make me less excited to go out and play a certain sport,” Rudolph said.

Rec teams are generally low commitment, and players will often meet with their team only twice per week: one time for practice and another for the game.

Organizations like the Memphis Athletic Ministries and KROC Memphis offer teens a plethora of opportunities to find a rec sport that suits them. However, with new rec teams popping up all over the city, some wonder if this will take talented players away from competitive sports teams. Rudolph does not think so.

“Rec offers kids who aren’t quite good enough or are busy with other things a chance to play sports…[but] the best players play school sports, “ Rudolph said.

Athletic or not, anyone can play recreational sports. All you need is a little free time and passion for the game.