How to organize an all-age, family pick-up soccer group

If you like soccer (futbol) but don't feel quite up to joining a league, why not just organize some friends of all ages and just play? Here's how:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Field to play on, a park or school is perfect, but even a home lawn is good, if it's fairly large and flat.
• 6 or 8 folks - all ages are welcome
• Cleats & shinguards
• Size 4 or 5 ball
• Cones to define touch lines and goals

1. Find a good field, if you have a school or park with a soccer field ask if you can use it. Call the local school system or parks & recreation department.
2. Email and phone all your soccer buddies and invite them to meet at the field. Let them know that all ages are welcome.
3. Choose teams - be sure there's a good assortment of ages and skill levels per team. Most teen players will accept the younger and less skilled players if all are treated with respect and a little humor.
4. Set some ground rules: no dangerous tackling or brute-force shooting. Suggest that everyone work on finesse & tactics. Less chance for injuries to the novices and littler players, more fun for all.
5. Play on and have fun! Repeat weekly or as often as your league wants!

Tips & Warnings

• Advertise for more players with fliers in the local markets, churches, etc.
• Players will come & go
• Our bunch has been playing year-round for 5+ years and we have players from 6 to 60!
• Be sure to bring extra water - someone will forget to bring some
• Take plenty of breaks - remember, this is pick-up ball, you can play as many halves as you want
• Have a good first aid kit and plenty of ice - someone will need it!