PICKUP
SOCCER

An initiative of the Mayor's Office with NYC Parks, Hudson River Park, NYCFC, and NYC Footy: five fields, one per borough, set up for 7v7 pickup night after night during World Cup 2026. Staff on site organize teams and coordinate games across skill levels, so you can arrive with a crew or as a free agent.

It's the biggest public commitment to pickup soccer NYC has ever made — free, open to adults 18+, with a simple sign-up waiver. Fields include Chelsea Waterside (Manhattan), Calvert Vaux (Brooklyn), Astoria Park (Queens), Soundview Park (Bronx), and Fairview Park (Staten Island).

GoodRec runs organized pickup at fields across the city every single day — you browse games by location, time, and level in the app, pay for your spot, and show up. Hosts handle bibs, balls, and balanced teams.

It's the easiest on-ramp for newcomers to the city or players with unpredictable schedules: no team, no season, no captain duties. Levels are enforced enough that games stay competitive at the top end and welcoming at the bottom.

Bowery Football Club started in 2001 as a small 7-on-7 pickup run at Sara D. Roosevelt Park and grew into one of downtown's most respected grassroots clubs — organized, competitive, and friendly, with more than 50 active members.

The club still prides itself on a proper game of pickup: prompt kickoff, year-round, rain or shine. Postgame analysis happens at Forgtmenot on Division Street, which tells you most of what you need to know about the culture. Bowery also fields coed and men's sides in league play, including the Bowery Premier.

Street FC organizes community pickup sessions that welcome every skill level and background — the point is the club feeling: familiar faces, good vibes, real games, none of the hassle of running a team.

Sessions run at fields around the city and fill fast. Follow the Meetup group or their socials for the weekly schedule.

A nonprofit community organization that has run recreational, coed pickup since 2006 — one of the longest-standing organized pickup communities in the city.

Expect a friendly, mixed-level crowd and a culture that values the run itself over the score. Check the site for current fields and times.

Socceroof runs scheduled drop-in pickup at its three indoor facilities, so the game never stops for weather or winter. Book a session online, show up, and get sorted into teams.

Fields are small-sided with proper turf and boards — fast, technical football that rewards touch over legs.

Manhattan FC hosts regular pickup where the run doubles as a fundraiser — organized games with a community mission attached.

A good pick if you want your five-a-side habit to do something beyond your own touch count.