Growing up in the backyard it's every little boy and girl's dream to play under the bright lights.

Events such as the World Cup final to game seven of the World Series, like every important sporting event, are played under the lights. Everyone dreams of making the diving catch to win the game or netting the game winning goal in overtime on the brightest stage'under the lights. While these dreams may not be at the forefront of every college student's mind, that doesn't mean that he or she doesn't have the opportunity to live these dreams out on a regular basis.

If you look outside a VWK or Stuart dorm room at night and wonder why it looks like the sun has yet to set, it is because the lights on Stuart Field have yet to be turned off. It may be as late as midnight on a Tuesday night, but that simply doesn't matter. The games must go on. This fall, soccer and softball are at the pulse of UD intramurals. The regular season has ended and the playoffs have begun.

Intramural leagues at UD are comprised of two divisions: recreation and competitive. These division names speak for themselves, but the Intramural Handbook, produced by Campus Recreation, designates the competitive league for teams and individuals with 'above average ability who wish to compete at a higher level.' This division is obviously for those who have prior experience in the sport of either soccer or softball.

There are several leagues within each division. These leagues include residence hall, independent, mens, coed, fraternity, women's and faculty leagues. The residence hall recreation league is designated, for the most part, for first- and second-year students. Independent leagues are geared more toward upperclass students.

With all these leagues in two different divisions, it is no wonder that the lights are always illuminating Stuart Field. In the best case scenario, the soccer leagues will play a total of 10 games a night, and softball could potentially play as many as seven six-inning games. The games go late into the night and can start as late as midnight.

While the idea of intramurals may be to go out and have fun, there is a certain amount of competitiveness that is inherent in any sporting event. Some leagues more than others.

'Fraternity games are obviously the most intense and competitive because these guys love to have bragging rights,' said Nick Iannarino, an intramural referee. 'Those are probably the hardest to ref because the guys definitely let you know if they disagree, but they're definitely the most fun especially if they bring their fans out.'

Although the fraternity games are more intense on the whole, sports like soccer and softball are taken much more lightly.

'Soccer and softball are much, much less intense than football, and especially basketball,' Iannarino said. 'Everyone's usually pretty laid back.'

Even though these early fall sports are more laid back, that does not keep competitors from focusing on the prize. Each team that wins the post-season tournament in any intramural sport wins a T-shirt. It is a burnt orange shirt with the Intramural Champion designation displayed on the front.

While intramurals may be a good time, a good source of exercise and a good stress reliever, there are more important aspects of it.

'In the end, it's all about the shirt,' said Eddie Kendralla, a sophomore participating in both the men's and coed soccer leagues.

So if you are not an active member in the soccer or softball leagues and find yourself wondering why those lights are always on, now you know. Hopefully you will join in the competitive and enjoyable experience that is intramural sports in the future.