Adult Soccer Leagues... Kick A Ball, Meet Some Friends & Have Some Drinks After

Looking to get a run in then adult soccer leagues are for you? There's nothing like meeting up with some friends, kicking a ball around, scoring some goals and having a couple of drinks afterwards.

Before you jump right in there's a bunch of things you need to make sure you have to run a team the right way (assuming you're running the team yourself).

How many players do you want? Who's on the team? How much will it cost and of course the most important question of all, what jersey's are we wearing?!

If it's prices, how to join a team or what level you should play at in these adult soccer leagues I've got all your answers here, oh and remember you can join as an individual too if you're new to the area or don't know anybody on the other teams.

Most nights of the week their are leagues you can join but if there is a certain day you're looking for you may be out of luck, shop around a little if there are a few places near where you live and see what they offer.

Typically in terms of the amount of games you will get to play in one session is about 10-12 games guaranteed and then playoffs. So dust off those old turfs or polish the new ones and get back into the game.

Adult Soccer Leagues Video Overview

How Much Does It Typically Cost To Join A Team In Any Type Of Adult Soccer Leagues? Is The Uniform Included?

Typically for one session (Fall, Winter or Summer) it will typically cost between $2000 and $2500 to enter a team. Now you do the math if it's a 6v6 (5 + 1 Goalie) league and you have 10 players on your team (which is a little low) it will be about $200 to $250 per player.

Typically teams have about 12 players on a team which allows you to have 2 subs per position plus accounting for the days when not everyone is able to make it you are looking at about $200 per person on the safe side.

The uniform typically is not included in that price, some venues offer you to buy a jersey from them for your team for additional cost of about $50 (you'll get a decent looking and quality jersey).

Sometimes team captains will offer to the team to buy a jersey and pitch $50-$80 for a jersey of an actual soccer team like Manchester United for example. If you're not into that you can just bring your own red, white, blue or whatever your team colour is shirt from home and you'll be all set. Make sure the shirt has a number on the back so the league and referees can track your number should they need to.

If you can't think of a name to give your team and you're looking for something creative, playful and funny then check out this great list of team names at 80 Funny Soccer Team Names.

Should I Start My Own Team Or Join Another Team Alone?

Well the question you should really ask is how many of my friends or people I know that actually play soccer and more importantly want to play on this team with me and make the time and financial commitment.

If you have five or six reliable friends that are a good time and decent at soccer and commit to play finding the rest should be easy and in that case you can make your own team.

If you can't then either register alone or get the info of other team captains and see if they are looking for players. One thing I have to mention about starting your own team, running it is such a pain in the you know what.

People cancel, don't pay on time, don't show up etc etc etc. It's better to be a guest at a party (join another team) than throw the party (make your own) and get all of the extra work thrown on top of your shoulders when it comes to playing in these leagues, think wisely before making this important choice.

Oh and if someone doesn't pay up, you're on the hook Bezos.

Are Indoor Soccer Leagues 5v5 Or 6v6?

Ohhh the eternal debate, no not Messi or Ronaldo but is indoor soccer 5v5 or 6v6? What is the right way to say it?

Okay so against popular belief the actual amount of players is 6 on the pitch for each team, so it is actually 6 players versus 6 players aka 6v6.

But for some reason when talking about indoor much like when you say a formation in outdoors you don't include the goalie. Teams play a 4-4-2 formation not a 1-4-4-2, even though it is accurate nobody includes the goalie for whatever reason.

So yes it is 6v6 when you include the goalie but nobody does when saying formations so that's why everyone says 5v5 for indoor soccer, there you go, case solved.

Do Adult Soccer Leagues Allow You To Join A Team By Yourself?

Yes of course you can, registering into a league as an individual is pretty straight forward. You show up, pay your fee (about $200) and they first look to put you on a team with other people that have signed up as individuals as well.

If there is not enough players to form that team they may look to a team that needs some players and distribute some of you across a couple of those teams.

Basically the answer is yes but you should also consider reaching out to the teams in the leagues directly and see if you can join them first, either way it is a great way to kick a ball around, get a workout in and meet some new people.

What Are The Different Levels You Can Play In Adult Soccer Leagues?

The million dollar question and I'm glad you asked it. First off there are usually a few different levels ranging from Elite, competitive, semi-competitive, recreational and co-ed.

But be sure to be aware that not all levels are offered every day of the week, the level you're looking for may only be played on Sundays or Wednesday nights so part of the decision of what level you're going to play at may be made for you already depending on your availability.

Elite (1st Division)

• This level is for the player who has played at a higher level growing up in the club system and perhaps at the University or College level.

• This is a pretty high level of play and can get quite intense and competitive so be sure you want to join a league that is serious and taken seriously by all those involved. 

Competitive (2nd Divison)

• This is the second level of play under the highest elite division that allows for players to play in a good competitive environment but no ringers here.

• Players typically have some experience playing but aren't ready to jump into the first division until they test the waters a little bit in the second division.

• This is a great level if you've played a little before and are trying to get back into it and maybe one day go to the higher division if you're feeling like your old self.

Semi-Competitive (3rd Division)

• Mainly for beginner soccer players looking for a league to improve their skills and play with some friends.

• If you feel you're too good for this league and want a bit more of a challenge then moving up to the 2nd division is something you can always try next session.

Recreational

• Recreational is a good time for everyone involved. No yelling, no screaming and lots of sportsmanship and laughs all around.

• You will still get a good sweat in and the teams take it seriously but the main goal here is to get a workout in, enjoy some time with some friends, get some drinks after and be left in one piece to be able to go to work the next day.

What Is Co-Ed Soccer? Should I Play It Or Not? Do They Offer This In Most Adult Soccer Leagues? 

Co-ed which means co-educational is a mix of men and women playing on the same team against other teams of men and women.

Typically there are rules around how many of each gender is to be on the field at one time, this varies from league to league so be sure you know the rules before stepping on the pitch.

Co-ed is actually so much fun and as you get older you will prefer it over anything else, it's hard to explain but playing with both men and women gives the game a different element and is a lot of fun all around.

If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend then it is a great way to do something together and make a team with other couple friends you may have, believe me no matter what you think it is a blast and the adult soccer leagues that offer them is the way to go.

Is It Fun To Play In These Adult Soccer Leagues? Does The Team Go For Drinks After?

The best part of playing in any adult soccer leagues at any level is of course the social aspect of it.

Soccer is of course fun, getting some exercise is great too, but the best part is the comradery, the laughs and times you spend before and after the game just sharing stories and a drink or two.

If you just want to play soccer no problem but you won't get as much out of the experience so be sure to engage with any social activities your team may do before and after the games.

Top 5 Things To Remember About Adult Soccer Leagues

1. Get Fit Before You Start

• The last thing you want to do is pick up a bad injury because you've been sitting on the couch for six months and go out there and start sprinting and putting your body on the line before it is ready for it.

• You don't need to go do an ironman or marathon to prepare but getting some cardio in and going to the gym for a few weeks before you step right into one of the adult soccer leagues is a good idea.

2. Get Your Workout In

• Sometimes due to too many subs, another team not showing up or it being just one of those games you may feel like you didn't get a good workout in.

• If this is the case then while you're on the bench do push ups, sit ups, squats or sprints to make sure to get a good sweat in.

• Even if you have to wait until after the game get some type of workout in before you get to your car, you're already there and warmed up you might as well get the most out of it.

3. Try Not To Take It Too Seriously

• We all have competitive juices that at times we can't fully control but don't be going into wild tackles, getting into a verbal fight with the other team or your own for that matter.

• Enjoy the night out and don't be that guy that everyone wishes wasn't in the league. 

4. Socialize

• After all soccer alone usually isn't enough to get us off the couch so be sure to go for drinks after, come early to chat and be sure to be playful with your teammates and opponents.

• There's nothing better then meeting an old friend you played soccer with a decade ago and watch how the two of you have slipped out of your primes into the shell of the players you are now playing in some unknown adult soccer leagues year after year, just kidding (not really though).

5. Bring The Right Gear

• You're going to need to bring a few things to the game that the team usually won't provide such as turf soccer shoes (typically all indoor adult leagues are played on artificial turf).

• Just regular indoor shoes with a rubber sole won't give you the grip you need so make sure you get turfs with small little rubber studs on the soles.

• Shorts, socks a shirt to change into after and shin guards, all leagues require them for safety issues but if you wear a pair of high socks most refs won't say anything.