Welcome to the club. We started back in 2008 as a simple Meetup group because we just wanted to play. Fast forward to today, and we are running over 20 active divisions across 3 boroughs. Whether you played D1 in college or you haven't touched a ball since gym class, we have a spot for you. Here is everything you need to know to get on the pitch.
Quick Links:
A: We keep it simple. You have two main paths:
The "Free Agent" (Individual): New to the city? Friends don't play? This is our most popular option. You register by yourself, and we place you on a team that needs players. Honestly, it is the fastest way to build a social circle in NYC.
The Captain (Full Team): You have a squad ready to go. You register the team, you control the roster, and you chase your teammates for money. We provide the league, the refs, and the gear.
A:
Free Agents: Usually $130 - $185 per person depending on the season length.
Teams: Between $1,450 - $1,800+ per team.
We are investing in your game: This year, your fees are going directly back into the player experience. We're rolling out brand new goals and match balls, upgrading our team jerseys to higher-quality kits, and investing in professional photography so you look good on social media. We're also doubling-down on social events for everyone.
A: As soon as possible. We aren't just saying that—prime locations (like Pier 40 or McCarren) sell out fast.
Fall: Opens mid-Summer.
Winter: Opens in the Fall (Yes, we play outdoors in winter).
Spring: Opens in Winter.
Summer: Opens in Spring.
A: Your game schedule will be sent roughly 1 week prior to the start date of the division, via email. We are also testing chatting via WhatsApp, but this is in a trial period. Also, you can login using your LeagueApps login to see your schedule from your dashboard. At any time if you have questions reach out to support@nycsoccer.com.
A: Roughly 1-2 weeks prior to your first game. Why so last-minute? We are finalizing teams and balancing our rosters until the very last possible moment. This is in an effort to improve your experience. We know you would like to get the schedules as soon as possible but we'd rather not give you something that is half baked and that we need to revise 3 times before it is ready.
A: We curate our divisions to avoid blowouts.
Intermediate: This is our sweet spot. You've played before (high school or club), you know what you're doing, but you also have to go to work tomorrow. It's competitive, but the vibe is "play hard, then go grab a drink."
A: We offer both, but Co-ed is the heart of NYCSoccer.com.
Co-ed: Rules require a minimum number of women on the field (e.g. 2 for 7v7).
Men's: Women or men can join and there is no minimum requirements of any gender.
A: We fight hard to get permits for the best turf in the city so you aren't playing in a dustbowl.
Manhattan: Prime spots like Pier 40, Chelsea Waterside, and East River Park.
Brooklyn: The scenic Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bushwick Inlet, and McCarren Park.
Queens: Astoria Park and Gantry Plaza.
A: Fast and fun.
Format: Mostly 7v7 or 9v9. We like small-sided games because you get more touches on the ball.
Time: Games are 50 minutes long, divided into two 25-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime break.
A: The top 4 teams based on standings go to playoffs, which typically take place the week after the last day of the season, on the same day that the league plays. Semis and finals take place on the same day in one, grand, champagne-soaked finale.
A: Yes to refs, hard NO to slide tackling.
No Slide Tackling: We are all adults with jobs. We want you to play hard, but we want everyone walking off the field safely.
No Offsides: In 7v7 and 9v9, we strip out the offside rule to keep the game moving and the goals flowing.
The Refs: We hire experienced officials who know the game. Respect the call, respect the ref.
A: This is football—we play.
Weather Policy: We play rain or shine. We only cancel for dangerous conditions (lightning, heavy accumulation of snow/ice). If we do cancel, we email you immediately and work to reschedule the game.
A: 100%. We were founded on the idea of bringing people together (literally, we started as a Meetup group). We have seen countless friendships, business partnerships, and even marriages start on our fields. Many teams head straight to a local bar after the game—it's part of the culture.
A: Because we are putting the "Club" back in "Club Soccer." We aren't a faceless corporation; we are a local operation investing heavily this year to make this the best experience in NYC.
Better Gear: We are refreshing all our equipment this year with new balls and goals.
Better Service: We're upgrading our customer service tools so you get answers faster.
Better Content: We're bringing in pro photographers. Get ready to update your profile picture.
A: Turf shoes are your best friend here on NYC's artificial fields. Shin guards are recommended. We provide the jersey.
A: Sign up for the waitlist from any page of our website. We don't spam, but we do send out alerts when registration opens—and since spots sell out, you'll want to know first. Follow our Instagram for those new pro action shots we mentioned.
