Building a stronger sports culture at CSI means creating more access.
By: Joseph Lonardo
Last semester, I walked across the soccer field at CSI and noticed how empty it was most afternoons. While CSI has official sports teams, there are limited tryouts and even fewer chances for students who want to play soccer in a more organized way, leaving many of us without a place to compete or improve.
For many students, soccer is more than just a game. It is a way to stay active, relieve stress from classes, and connect with others across campus. CSI should make it easier for students to access that experience.
Currently, soccer opportunities are too limited to officialize tryouts or the occasional intramural event. The problem is that many students never hear about when tryouts are held, or they are discouraged because there are no other levels of competition offered.
The solution could be expanding opportunities by offering more tryouts, building recreational leagues, and hosting frequent tournaments that keep students engaged.
Other colleges have weekly recreational games and club level teams, which allow more students to participate even if they are not playing at the official level. CSI can build the same kind of culture by organizing leagues that meet once or twice a week. This would give students something consistent to look forward to.
Better communication is also key. If CSI made tryout announcements more visible through emails, posters, and social media, more students would become aware of their options. Pairing that with the accessible recreational teams would create a more complete program.
By expanding soccer beyond one official team, CSI has the chance to strengthen its sports culture. Students would not only gain healthier outlets, but also develop stronger connections on campus.
The field should never sit empty when so many want to play.
