Under the bright lights of West Campus Green Field, SF State students laced up their cleats and wrapped flags around their waists as they prepared to engage in the friendly competition of intramural flag football.

Student referee Ryan Williams said intramural sports emphasize fun and competition.

“A lot of the students who joined like the competition and are having fun showcasing the skills they’ve got,” Williams said.  

Teams play every Monday and Thursday night between 6 and 10:30 pm. The games’ officials consist of three student referees, with one acting as the scorekeeper.

Some students joined flag football because it’s the only football-related thing the University offers, according to Williams.

“Our school doesn’t have a football team, so many of the students come to play intramural because they want to get involved with the sport somehow,” Williams said.

Williams added that a lot of the students are freshman who recently played high school football and wanted to continue playing.

SF State student Darnel Salcedo said he played football in high school and enjoys the opportunity to keep playing. “I decided to join intramural because I wanted to pursue my interest in football,” Salcedo said.

Dominic Vincente DeAnda, captain of his team, said he loves playing football and has devoted most of his life to competing in the sport. DeAnda said that he has been playing football for 10 years, including Pop Warner and high school football.

“Football has been my favorite sport my whole life and a sport I grew up playing,” DeAnda said.

Some students said intramural participation has benefitted them socially.

“It helps me release stress from school, meet new people and strengthen the relationship with my friends,” DeAnda said.

DeAnda’s teammate, John Abellana, said one of the reason he joined intramural sports was because he wanted to bond with his friends.

“I love playing the game, especially with my three close friends,” Abellana said.

Intramural sports played at SF State include flag football, basketball, volleyball and indoor and outdoor soccer. Each participant must sign a liability waiver before starting to play. Failure to do so would prohibit their participation.

Students can join intramural flag football or other sports by going onto the University campus recreation site and clicking on the IM league link.

“After you make an account, join a team or sign up for free agent,” William said.