By Katie McKinnon
The squeaking sound of running shoes rubbing against Glashan Public School’s gym floor echoes throughout its hallways.
But the building’s ruckus belongs to local 20-to 45 year-olds who have gathered to play a game of volleyball for some exercise, friendly competition and possibly wings and nachos.
There are no fans, family or friends watching. There is no stress. Everything from outside is left at the gym’s doors when the players pass through.
The reasons for participation in the Ottawa Sport and Social Club (OSSC) vary from player to player, who can join as a part of a team or individually.
When registering with the OSSC, teams specify their skill level as recreational, intermediate or competitive. They compete for one hour against other teams at the same level and then report the results to the club’s Web site.
The club encourages Ottawa residents to live a healthy and active lifestyle, says OSSC director Nicki Bridgland “It is not just reserved for elite athletes, but caters to all levels.”
The club has nearly quadrupled in membership from 350 to 1,200 members since starting last February. The increase is primarily due to word-of-mouth and advertisments in local papers, says Bridgland.
The recreational sports league is intended for individuals who have graduated from university or college. It allows people who no longer have an athletic outlet at school to remain physically active.
“There was nothing in Ottawa that tied sports and [socializing] all together under one roof,” says Bridgland of why the club was created.
The OSSC operates in affiliation with the Toronto Central Sport and Social Club, which has provided sports leagues for the past eight years. Because the Toronto program was so successful, its business model was copied in Ottawa, says Bridgland.
The OSSC offers both indoor and outdoor sports in the fall season including volleyball, floor hockey, basketball and soccer. The same sports will be offered in the winter season.
Outdoors, members have the choice between ultimate frisbee, soccer and flag football. All games are self-refereed.
“I joined to have fun, get in shape and meet people,” says Paul Viau, a floor hockey player. “I can still play hockey without the expense of ice-hockey equipment.”
Recent University of Ottawa graduates formed a volleyball team and entered it into the OSSC in an effort to keep in touch.
“It’s an excuse to get out,” says team member Julie Deslendes. “Otherwise I’d sit around and watch TV.”
After each game, players get together at local Royal Oak restaurants. If more than six members attend, the restaurant provides one pound of wings and a plate of nachos for free.
Many people join the OSSC for the social aspect. “The leagues are the backbone of the business,” Bridgland says. “But, there is a huge emphasis on the social component.”