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Few expected Team USA to make it out of their “Group of Death” in the 2014 World Cup. Despite last week’s gutting last-minute loss to Belgium, enthusiasm for soccer hasn’t been this high since David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. If you’re gripped by soccer fever, here’s how to get your fix of the game both indoors and outside.
Why not play where you already hang out? The parks department has soccer pitches across the city where you can get your footie on for free. For organized league teams, you must apply online for an athletic field permit.
Now in its sixth year, NYC Soccer spans the city with a network of than 3,000 members. The highly organized co-ed league caters to intermediate-level players at locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Registration costs $150.
“It’s mainly about fun” is the ethos of this casual group, which meets every week at Dyker Beach Park in Brooklyn. All levels of experience welcome, and make sure to pack a black and a white T-shirt. A $3 fee goes to equipment costs.
If you’re serious about soccer this year-round league has indoor and outdoor events, competitive intermediate leagues and Sunday pick-up games. Matches are held all week at fields throughout Manhattan. Registration for male, female or co-ed leagues is $175.
If you don’t quite have the skills to do the sport justice, 510soccer offers training in all aspects of the game. No word on whether or not how to bend it like Beckham is covered though. Classes are held Wednesday and Saturday at East River Park and cost between $75 and $95 for four weeks.
Every Saturday, PS2G meets up to play for a worthy cause. The organization raises funds for the South Bronx United soccer club, a nonprofit youth development organization. Games are held from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Long Island City, Queens. Registration is $8.
Prefer to get your footie in before your morning meeting? This group holds free games every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Bushwick Inlet Park. Although it is open to all, it is frequented by intermediate and advanced players.
Pick-up games, adult leagues and a kids program are open to all, with a co-ed season starting July 12 in the Lower East Side. They are also looking for volunteers if you’re not quite cleats-ready. Registration is $100.
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