Name the sport, they're playing at Vannie

The first day of summer brought immense sunshine, a peaceful blue sky and a soothing light breeze — ideal weather for a perfect day at Van Cortlandt Park. 

The 1,146-acre park was home to a multitude of people who played a variety of sports under the beautiful conditions last Sunday. Some were out to enjoy the weather and get some exercise. Others were out to have fun with their loved ones on Father’s Day. 

But many, like Tony Diaz, who plays paddleball at Van Cortlandt every Saturday and Sunday, were there because it is a routine. 

“Who wants to be cooped up in the house?” Mr. Diaz asked. “Are you kidding me? If I could come here every day I would.” 

The majority of the sports that took place last Sunday afternoon were played by people like Mr. Diaz, who come out to the park every week for organized games. 

There were cricket, soccer and tennis matches, not to mention the more popular baseball, softball and basketball games. But paddleball, with dozens of people gathered to play, was by far the sport with the most participants on the day. Many stood by the gates waiting for their turn, while others played intense games inside the court.

Regardless of whether they were playing or not, the courts were boisterous. There were loud grunts from the players as they lunged forward or reached to the sides to hit the ball or cheering and chatter from those waiting to play. 

Right next to the paddleball courts was the soccer field, where New York Fusion Soccer Club (NYFSC) Edge and the Bronx Mambas battled under the blistering sun. The teams are composed of high school freshmen and sophomores and belong to the Westchester Youth Soccer League. It is a travel league that gives players, a lot of them international, the opportunity to play in a competitive environment. 

For Matt Pavlich, head coach of NYFSC Edge, there is nothing better than being outside on a wonderful day playing soccer.