Two basketball leagues are showing people the true meaning of the sport. The Western Loudoun Basketball League (WLBL) and the Central Loudoun Basketball League (CLBL) are two similar basketball leagues that students are joining. They play their games on Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons, have few practices, and there is little stress about winning or losing. Students can just show up and play like they are playing in the park with their friends.
Playing without the stress of winning can make a big difference in a student’s mental health. The WLBL play all around Purcellville, while the CLBL play generally in Leesburg. Having these fun and stress-free basketball leagues so close and easily joinable allows students of all ages to have fun learning and playing the sport of basketball.
Sophomore Andrew Wetmore, who participates in the WLBL, said, “At first, I joined WLBL to pass the time on my Sundays, but as of last year, I have started to really enjoy going out and just playing with my friends.” Students bond with each other through a fun competition that has no pressure. These two leagues are good examples of what sports should be. Sometimes kids can forget the true importance of playing sports is to have fun no matter what, even if it means losing from time to time. “You are able to play for fun rather than for competition which allows players to enjoy it more,” declared senior Brynne Griffith, a member of the CLBL.
The WLBL and the CLBL are helping the community by giving kids a fun way to take their minds off of stressful aspects of life, such as school. It is so much easier to balance school and sports with these leagues. “We only have one practice and one game a week, so it’s easy to schedule around,” expressed Griffith. Without the stress of having to change all your plans once the season comes around, the WLBL and CLBL allow athletes to live normally. Parents do not have to worry about their kids getting to practice or games almost every day. Sophomore Aldriel Garcia, a WLBL participant, said, “It feels like I am playing street ball and nobody’s that serious about it.” These two leagues provide many perks that come with playing a sport with less commitment, and it is reminding students that sports can be fun.