Where Internationals Play, Part 1: Soccer
Not necessarily known for its open and green space, it may come as a surprise that New York City is actually home to some of the coolest and most competitive pickup soccer games and leagues in the country. With the infusion of international talent from around the world and access to a variety of parks around the city (all with the fantastic NYC backdrop), you might find that soccer can be more fun in NYC than back home.So, whether you're looking for a casual pick-up game on a Friday night, or the chance to join a team in a competitive league, our list will give you all the hot spots you'll need to get involved in the game.
Pickup Games:
Pier 40
353 West Street, West Village
Nearby trains: Houston Street (1,2) / Spring Street (A,C,E) / Christopher Street (1,2)
If you're looking for a truly international-led pick-up game, Pier 40 takes the cake. You’ll find
Germans and Brits playing alongside Brazilians and Mexicans in a fun, fast-paced, and competitive environment. If you consider yourself a novice of the game, you may prefer to bring your own ball to practice since most pick-up games are played at an above average level. But don't worry, Pier 40 is huge so finding an open spot will not be difficult. For those who want to ditch the bigger games, Pier 40 offers beautiful rooftop fields as well. If you're looking for optimum competition and to meet individuals of different nationalities, Thursday and Friday evenings are the best.
Nike Field
Sara D. Roosevelt Park between Rivington & Stanton Streets, Lower East Side
Nearby trains: 2nd Avenue (F) / Bowery (J)
If a sportswear giant decides to sponsor a park, then the competition at the field has to be high right?
Right. Nike Field is the preferred soccer field of many professional athletes when they visit New York City - Canadian Steve Nash can often be seen in the summer playing pick-up (he’s very good!). Just as International as Pier 40, Nike Field is packed with different soccer styles: from the rough and powerful German style to the silky smooth and low to the ground Latin American style. However, keep in mind that it is only one field and many times if your team loses, you will be waiting on the sidelines for a good amount of time before playing again. For the optimum experience, it is best to go during Saturday and Sunday.
Central Park – Great Lawn (fields 8 & 9)
Central Park, Mid-park between 79th 85th Streets
Nearby trains: 81st Street (B,C)
We can’t forget about THE New York City Park. On the weekends, fields 8 & 9 on The Great Lawn are
exclusively for soccer so BYOB (Bring Your Own Ball)! At Central Park, you will find fields with a French style of play and competition levels of all kinds. Soccer with a chance to practice French? Oui Oui!
Macombs Dam Park
East 161st Street & Jerome Avenue
Nearby trains: 161st Street – Yankee Stadium (B,D,4)
Nestled up north across from The Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, Macombs Dam Park is home
to some of the fastest and most athletic soccer games you'll see. It is a neighborhood that is heavily Caribbean, South and Central American, and has one of the largest soccer fields in the Bronx. For the optimum experience, it is best if you go during the weekend.
East River Park
Montgomery Street to East 12th Street & FDR Drive
Nearby trains: Essex Street (J,M,Z) / Delancey(F) – all 10-15 minutes away
A favorite of New York International for its beautiful scenery, East River Park is home to soccer for all levels. Many of the players who frequent it originate from Latin America, but are often joined by university students from all around the world. It is a little far because of the lack of public transportation nearby, but is worth the trip if you're looking for true soccer aficionados. The best times to go are on weekends during the day.
Leagues
This year-round league plays mainly in Williamsburg, Chelsea, and the Lower East Side, and has separate divisions for different talent levels. You have the ability to sign up for a weekly game over a ten week season for $140 or you can sign up your entire team at around $1,400.
This league was born out of Susanna Thornton’s frustration with “ultra competitive” leagues so this one functions without standings. Pickup Soccer NYC operates year round and the pricing is flexible. You have the ability to buy a season pass ($250) to access all games during the 9-12 week season or you can sign up for a particular day each week ($100). The games are held throughout Manhattan (Pier 40, Central Park, and Riverside Park).
This league operates with teams between 5-8 and options for men, co-ed, and women outdoor intermediate and competitive divisions from early spring to late fall. The league is so popular in New York City that it has created Pickup Soccer Sunday for the people on its waiting list.