More fun than a treadmill
Drop-in soccer offers low-pressure exercise
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 17, 2016
INUVIK
If running on a treadmill doesn't keep you interested enough, drop-in soccer might provide the fun exercise you're after.
Jordan Rogers, left, battles for the ball with Brent Pierrot, middle, and Chad Colin. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photos
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"Everybody's different," said Bes Rogers, catching her breath after a shift on the court at East Three School on Nov. 14.
"I find for me, I have to be doing something fast-paced if I want to work out," Rogers said.
"I can't go on a treadmill, I can't go for a walk. I have to do something fast-paced, something that keeps me interested."
Drop-in soccer runs twice a week on Monday and Wednesday nights, and offers a low-pressure environment for people to get some exercise and kick the ball around.
The game is played with four on each side plus a goalie, with subs rotating from the bench.
Players don't keep score, and all skill levels are welcome.
"A lot of the players here have been playing together since high school," said Rogers.
"We get a lot of out-of-towners, sometimes nurses and doctors, people in the community. I feel like it's a really good benefit to the community."
The group usually attracts enough people for two teams on each side plus subs, and sometimes upwards of 25 people come out over the course of the night.
"We get a lot of teenagers," said Rogers. "Today we're playing old against young, because way back in the day we used to have the same thing. We had a bunch of 13-year-olds that were so good we'd play against them. It was really competitive."
This year, though, the soccer is open only to those 16 and older.
Dropping in costs $5 per night and there's a cheaper monthly pass available. Sometimes the group gets funding from organizations such as the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Many players use the group as a way to practise for the annual soccer tournament in spring.
Rogers said there's no pressure involved and people of all skill levels are welcome. She's seen some of the younger players improve vastly just from the drop-in group.
Drop-in soccer meets Monday and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the East Three School gym.
