Although the University of Saskatchewan offers a fairly comprehensive list of recreational sports, there are other opportunities for students who can’t find what they want at the university or even just want a change of environment. In addition, students may be able to find space in one of these leagues if their sport of choice fills up at the university.

Those looking for a different experience or simply looking to meet new people outside of the university atmosphere can look to the City of Saskatoon’s recreational sports leagues.

However, rec leagues offered elsewhere across Saskatoon tend to be costlier than those offered by the U of S. When looking at the leagues offered by saskatoonrecleague.com, individual fees are $80. However, there are options to go as a team to split the cost between your fellow athletes.

Team fees vary by sport and each include a deposit that can be lost in the case of defaulted games or missed meetings. The cheapest is badminton at $260, followed by basketball at $335. Then there is flag football and outdoor soccer, both of which offer a six game season for $370.

Slo-Pitch also offers a six-game season but at a price of $410 with an $80 equipment deposit per team. However, there is no size cap on slo-pitch teams so the cost could be split many ways. The second most costly options are floor hockey and indoor soccer, both at $500. In order to play floor hockey, teams must provide their own equipment. The priciest league is dodgeball at $550, which will get you a nine-week season plus two playoff games.

While many of the leagues offered are similar to those offered by the U of S, there are a few exceptions. For instance, slo-pitch and badminton are offered as a league whereas at the university, there is only a slo-pitch tournament and badminton is offered on a drop in basis. This means that the option is there for those looking to play more of those sports in a structured league.

One option for students looking to play ice hockey outside of the U of S is through the Adult Safe Hockey League. This league allows for the formation of teams and also facilitates individuals looking to join a team. To register a team costs $9720.90 while registering as an individual costs $656.20.

One major difference in the ASHL as compared to ice hockey through the university is the playoffs. The ASHL playoffs go to the national level with playoff games coming at no extra charge so long as the team remains a contender.

As far as recreation goes, outside of sporting leagues, the Saskatoon Leisure Guide is where students can go to find a variety of activities around the city. This guide features 120 pages of activities like fitness classes and sports activities hosted in facilities all across the city.

There are a variety of drop in programs listed in the guide, such as public swimming and fitness programs. Programs range from aquatic-based classes to yoga and weight training. There is also the opportunity to play pick-up basketball at the Shaw Centre. The Leisure Guide can be found online or in physical form at leisure centers and at City Hall.

With a variety of options, there is something for every student in Saskatoon. If rec sports through the U of S don’t fit your needs, there are other options — and you don’t have to go too far to find them either!

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Jack Thompson / Staff Writer

Graphic: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor