Do you ever find yourself watching a sporting event and miss being a part of it yourself? It is not so uncommon to long for the camaraderie that comes with being a part of a team and to crave that competitiveness that comes out whilst playing a game. Everyone knows that there are traditional leagues you can join like softball or pick up basketball games that go on at the local gym- but there is so much more out there! Some not so traditional sports are calling your name and just waiting for you to give them a try. Albany offers a sports scene for adults that is far from average. Here are 6 unconventional sports that are worth checking out!
1. Curling
Curling is that weird winter sport that is kind of like hockey, sort of like shuffle board, and something most of us have never even tried. This winter-time Olympic sport dates all the way back to 1541 and has remained a popular tradition. The object of the game is to get the “stone” closest to the “house” and to receive the highest score for a game. Players get points by landing their stones closest to the center of the house at the conclusion of each end. Want to see what its all about? Check out the Albany Curling Club’s calendar of events! If you’re already familiar with the sport of curling, become a member of the club!
2. Dodge Ball
Who doesn’t want to go back to high school gym class and pelt people with a rubber ball? One of the best ways to get aggression out as an adolescent was to wait for the sweet revenge that was dodge ball. A sport that mixes quick reflexes and good aim is the perfect way to blow off some steam after work. Remember the glory days of being a gym class hero and want to do it all again? Check out the Sportsplex in Halfmoon and their “Hometown Dodge ball League”! The Hometown Dodgers, started in 2004, are grownups playing the game all over again. Visit their page to see rules, regulations, and schedules. There is also a bonus to playing as an adult: celebrate your win with some cold beers after the game!
3. Rugby
This sport is said to be one of the toughest there is; it’s football minus the pads and has an “everything goes” mentality about it. Willing to test your strength and get out on the field? Then this sport is definitely for you! If you are familiar with football and its rules/structure, rugby will be a breeze for you! In Albany, the Knickerbockers are the local league to join! This club has 3 divisions: men’s, women’s, and “old boys” (35 and over). The club is always recruiting new players and no experience is necessary! Stop by and watch a game or try out it yourself! This sport is a high contact, high intensity battle from start to finish and will get you in the competitive spirit.
4. Roller Derby
YES! Its true! This hardcore, no-nonsense sport exists in real life! Stop fantasizing about being that cool chick in the movies and get out on the rink yourself. Believe it or not, roller derby has a huge cult following and is quickly gaining popularity. The sport consists of two teams who ultimately have a “jammer” try to lap other skaters as much as possible. With full contact and body-checks a staple of the game, you can be sure it is a lot tougher than it sounds. Albany is home to some of these rocker-chic roller skaters themselves: The Albany Allstars. With over 3 dozen on the team, these girls make roller derby very fun and exciting! Check out the scene for yourself and find out what it’s all about at the Washington Armory.
5.Bike Polo
Close your eyes. Picture yourself on a hot summer day watching a traditional equestrian polo match. Everyone is dressed like royalty while sipping tea, chatting about the weather. Now, take away the horse, the nice playing field, and the beautiful uniforms. Replace all of it with a bike, a parking lot, and some guys bundled up in their winter knits. What do you get? BIKE POLO! This up and coming sport has all of the traditional rules of equestrian polo but instead is played street-style on a bicycle. The sport is spreading like wildfire across the world and has now reached Troy! Players of “Collar City Polo” are all fairly new to the game, making it easy for anyone to join and feel comfortable. Check out their listing for details and scheduling and give something new a try!
6.Ultimate Frisbee
I remember hearing about Ultimate Frisbee and thinking, “this cannot be an actual sport.” I could not have been more wrong. First of all, as my dog will tell you, catching a frisbee is not always easy. I also have trouble throwing the plastic disc in the direction I planned on it going. This game makes it even harder by throwing in a mix of soccer and football; players play both offense and defense in a quick rush to the goal. Ultimate Frisbee has become a popular activity among those interested in coed and intramural sports. Albany has an association of its own, inviting all those interested in the game to come and check it out. Albany Ultimate, a USA Ultimate Affiliate, offers a club team (The Destructors) and also hosts pick up games. Browse their site for a schedule, news, and how you can get involved.
Give some of these not-so-traditional sports a try in the Albany area! For more information and listings of fun, local events visit Albany.com!
