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meet people . “ I was looking for somewhere in Lethbridge where I could go to play a recreational sport and go to social events and could connect with people , and that just didn ’ t exist here ,” says Patrick . “ The idea was percolating in my head for a while , and I finally decided to just do it myself .”
In recent years , similar sports and social clubs have cropped up in other cities across Canada for adults looking to stay active and make new social contacts . Patrick says the Lethbridge club fills an important niche beyond just giving people a chance to meet up with strangers to shoot hoops , go for a walk , or try a new restaurant . “ I think we ’ re very tuned in digitally today but not connecting face to face ,” he says . “ As human beings , we really crave those interactions , but we ’ re losing touch with those things .”
A growing body of evidence , both anecdotal and scientific , backs Patrick up . For many adults , the demands of family and work mean less time and energy for building or maintaining friendships . Social media , theoretically an easy way to
“ No one is going to judge you ; we ’ re just here for fun .”
connect with other people , has been shown to actually exacerbate feelings of social isolation . While middleaged men are particularly vulnerable , loneliness and lack of friendships between adults transcends age and gender . More than just a personal problem , it ’ s a public health issue . A landmark 2015 study from Brigham Young University linked feelings of loneliness and social isolation , as well as living alone , with a dramatic uptick in threats to physical health , including increased risk of heart disease and strokes . Former U . S . Surgeon General , Vivek H . Murthy , has said that isolation and social
Patrick McCullagh ( middle front ) and Lethbridge Sports and Social Club members enjoy the sunshine at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
disconnection is the most common disease today , ahead of even heart disease or diabetes .
“ Lethbridge is a growing city and as more and more people are coming here , they are looking to make those connections ,” says Patrick .
Initially , the club started with informal events including hikes and snowshoe trips , before launching organized volleyball and basketball leagues . This summer the club is adding squash and tennis leagues into the mix . You can participate in one-day flag football and kickball events throughout the season as well .
While Lethbridge has no shortage of adult recreational sports leagues , it can be tough for newcomers to the community or beginners to a sport to find spots , and sometimes the competition can get heated even at the recreational league level . Patrick says accessibility and a focus on fun are keys for his vision of the Lethbridge Sports and Social Club . “ What draws people to us is we ’ re meant to be a welcoming and warm environment ,” he explains . “ We have members with injuries , people who are trying something new , people who have been inactive for a while . We encourage people of all abilities , and we foster the idea of trying something new and just having a good time . I think that sets us apart .”
Club member , Hillary Slusar , agrees . She found out about the club ’ s volleyball league from her sister , who had seen a post about the club on Facebook . “ My sister and I play in a women ’ s volleyball league throughout the year and this is a lot more laid back ,” says Hillary . “ I ’ m not a super competitive sports person by nature so I ’ m really enjoying that .”
In just a few months , Hillary says the league has helped her make new connections . “ It ’ s a cool way to way to meet people because you have a shared activity to focus on ,” she says . “ When I joined the team , I just knew my sister and one other friend . We hadn ’ t met anyone else before .”
Michael Barnes moved back to Lethbridge two years ago after living in Victoria and says the Lethbridge Sports and Social Club has been beneficial as he re-establishes himself here . “ With a lot of other leagues , you really need a group to start a team or to know someone who is already on one , whereas
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