Metro Detroit

Adults gain health, camaraderie with team sports

By Chris Jackett
C & G Staff Writer

Whoever said “kids get to have all the fun” probably hasn’t been to many of the region’s facilities providing adults the opportunity to hop on a field or court for some team competition.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 37 percent of adults are not physically active, and only 30 percent receive the daily recommendation of 30 or more minutes of physical activity at least five days per week. However, with the national focus on improving health and the improving economy allowing residents to have “fitness funds” once again, facilities are well aware of how they can help.

“When it’s cold outside, people come in here to work out,” said Brandon Harkins, manager of Total Soccer in Fraser. “There’s people that have played here for 18 years. I’ve watched kids grow up, and I’m one of them.”

Harkins, 30, who has been involved with his facility since he was 12, said the social atmosphere and healthy benefits of competition are two factors continually driving residents to sign up for the adult soccer leagues. He said about 175 of his facility’s 412 teams are adult squads.

“It’s a pretty friendly atmosphere,” Harkins said. “It’s pretty laid-back as long as no one gets hurt. We just want everyone to come in here and play and leave happy.

“Four years ago, we added another field onto our building. A lot of teams were looking to play more of an outdoor style. We have tons of high school teams and college-aged. We offer a wide range of skill levels.”

Harkins said it’s common that adult teams go out for a drink or food after a game, contributing to some of the mental health aspects of team sports participation.

Harkins said working out alone doesn’t offer the same camaraderie and motivation to regularly attend that a weekly team game does. A soccer team can also provide a comprehensive workout depending on what the individual is looking for.

“You can only work out certain muscle groups,” Harkins said. “Here you can play three days a week and take a break every day in between. Obviously, any kind of physical activity is good for your health, but you’re not going to get a great workout just playing on one team,” he said, suggesting that people play on more than one team, so they can get a workout several times a week.

Rheanne Suszek, membership and marketing director for the Birmingham Family YMCA, said many adult recreational athletes are simply trying to continue playing the sports they loved in their youth. Getting away from team sports and into individual gym trips just isn’t for everyone, she said.

“Most of the adults grow up playing team sports,” Suszek said. “A lot of people who grow up with that. (A gym workout) never really resonates. I think the workouts are definitely very similar. It depends on the person.

“If you’re the type of person who derives motivation from a team support, you’re not going to get that if you’re just on the treadmills. It’s one of the most important components for those who stick with a fitness plan as they age.”

The Birmingham YMCA hosts an adult basketball league, but Suszek said other YMCA locations have adult kickball, floor hockey, softball, volleyball, pickleball and soccer leagues.

“Our point here in the community is to strengthen the community we serve,” said Suszek, whose club serves about 3,500 members. “Most of the adults we get who come through here also have children. We have a lot more demand for youth leagues and adult individual sports.”

Pickup basketball is available for members at the Birmingham Family YMCA from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Suszek said 20-30 people typically show up to put a few full court games together.

For more information on Total Soccer in Fraser, 34300 Utica Road, visit www.totalsoccerinc.com/fraser.

For more information on the Birmingham Family YMCA, 400 E. Lincoln St., visit www.ymcadetroit.org/site/c.iuIPLaMWJvE/b.4124563.

There are several other local facilities with adult leagues in various sports, such as YMCAs in Royal Oak, Farmington, Mount Clemens, Livonia and Auburn Hills. Local parks and recreation departments frequently offer adult leagues, as well.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Chris Jackett at cjackett@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1110.