The grass outside begins to develop a thin sheet of ice as the sun starts to hide behind mountains that enclose the Wenatchee Valley. It is just past 5 in the afternoon, but the vibrant blue of the sky is swallowed by the night. Meanwhile, at the Wenatchee Valley Sportsplex, Wenatchee High School students and other community members gather for a healthy pastime. Its name: indoor soccer.

This sport is the recreational alternative to regular soccer during the winter months. Although some of the participants have a soccer background, many are joining the indoor soccer hysteria looking for something to do. Indoor soccer doesn’t demand the rigorous training that goes into traditional soccer.

“It is so much more laid back,” sophomore Matt Springer said. “We don’t even practice. There is just a group message where we are told what to wear. Then we just show up at the field.”

Indoor soccer is an opportunity for students to stay healthy. It is also an outlet during the cold weather. The schedule is also not demanding on participants.

“During the spring, when regular soccer is going on, I am doing track,” junior Ethan Knutson said. “It is nice because you can play without taking a big commitment.”

There are many on the field like Knutson who found mysteriously they had newfound interest in soccer. It also takes them back to their youth.

“I think [junior] Zach Thorson bought the FIFA game and decided to play real soccer,” Knutson said. “[Junior] John Kottkamp brings us halftime snacks and that takes us to the old days. He is like the soccer mom.”

A regular soccer team would have 11 players; this is not the case with indoor soccer’s six. This rule allows for a balanced participation between all members of the team.

“There is an opportunity for everyone to play. Everyone is just there to have a good time,” junior Jorge Tovar said. “My favorite thing is to be surrounded by people shouting things. Some like you and some don’t. It’s great.”

Whatever the skill or situation may be, indoor soccer is always a place for students to enjoy themselves.

“Win, lose, or tie we celebrate,” Springer said. “Soccer is becoming more popular. These are the best 40 dollars spent this winter.”