For the Love of the Game

strangers helps with arguably the most important skill to have in

“I mean, if we are all on a team together we have to communicate,” Shields said. “[Pickup games make you better at communication] because you have to meet new people you’ve never

Playing in pickup games often provides additional athletic benefits to people, as it serves as a useful component in

“I can tell you from the training aspect of what I do now, pickup games are literally how you go out there and see what works and what doesn’t,” Kelly said. “Pickup games are probably the best thing you could possibly get into, because at the end of the day, a pickup game doesn’t really matter, but it’s helping you improve your sport, your skills and your abilities you can bring to

The field and court are not the only locations players can utilize the skills they have acquired through playing their respective sports with and against strangers. Kelly believes that playing in pickup games can help players form better teamwork, cooperation and social skills that athletes will use for the rest of their lives.

“Everything I’ve learned in basketball has helped me in life,” Kelly said. “The first thing was learning how to work with others. For me, when I was younger, it was learning how to speak up for yourself. So, I had to be a little more assertive when I was out there on the court. Then, as I got older, me being assertive on the court helped me be very assertive when I was in a business or

While participating in pickup games can improve players’ athleticism and help them form lifelong skills, many play for a much simpler reason: enjoyment. According to Shields, when it comes to recreational soccer games, the more the merrier.

“I think it’s more fun to play with other people too, because the games have more people in total,” Shields said.

“Like, instead of being a three v. three, you’re playing a 10

By playing with strangers who share a passion for a certain sport, one can form bonds with people they may in sports, however, because of the inevitable bond formed within a team. This new trust formed between teammates and the interest they share (their sport) unifies people in a way unparalleled by any other experience.

“The whole concept of a ‘team’ pretty much will bring people towards a common goal, even if it’s for a short period of time,” Kelly said. “I’ll start talking to somebody, and, you know, we just hit it off because we have the same common interest. So it’s an easy icebreaker.”

Similarly, Miami Palmetto Senior High sophomore and pickup soccer game player Hudson Shields believes playing with

“There was this one time, these two guys— seniors, I think from Columbus, walked over to our game and they were messing with players on my team, it was fun,” Shields said. “It’s nice to meet people from other schools— not just Palmetto. That’s one of the best parts of pickup games.”

Edie Carneiro Copy Editor e.carneiro.thepanther@gmail.com