So they call New York City the concrete jungle, right? But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when looking for a great park to lace up the spikes and play pickup soccer with fellow New Yorkers. With so many excellent parks and fields in all five boroughs, searching the parks for other soccer players can be daunting.
The internet is full of recommendations on New York’s hottest clubs, tastiest restaurants, and swankiest museums, so when selecting your home turf, why not be just as thorough? Whether you’re new to the city, new to the game, or a lifelong soccer player, New York’s recreational options will not let you down.
Imagine the city like your favorite video game map; each soccer field brings unique characters, backdrops, and theme songs. It’s up to you to pick your environment, so venture on and choose wisely. By signing up for the GoodRec app you’ll be able to play everyday on these fields and more throughout the city.
Tucked just underneath the Manhattan bridge, The Ground’s rooftop and indoor futsal fields feel like the cozy, graffitied den of legendary New York recreational athletes, the Ninja Turtles.
The all-weather facility, which also hosts soccer game watch parties and comedy open mics, is located at 130 Madison St. in lower Manhattan a few blocks from the F-Train’s East Broadway Stop. If you’re coming with a full squad and dare to bring a car, you’ll want to leave it at the Essex Street lot, or the NYC Parking 170 Park Row lot.
Bring your turf shoes or sneakers because soccer cleats are likely not permitted. The space is great for cozy mini-pickup soccer matchups and a post-game snack or drink.
Characters you might encounter: Off-the-clock finance bro futbolistas or mutant ninja skateboarders trying their hand in a new recreational sport.
Backdrop: The blare of overhead bridge traffic above a mural honoring some of soccer’s legendary heroes.
Theme Song: N.Y. State of Mind by Nas
Surrounded by New York’s crystalline skyscrapers, you can’t help but feel that you’re at the center of the world at Battery Park City’s turf soccer fields. Peeking out between the soaring spires and glass mountains, you might see Manhattan’s native super squad, The Fantastic Four, landing on their helipad at the Four Freedoms Plaza.
For those without such epic transit options, you can reach the field at 205 Warren St. for pickup soccer games within a few blocks walk from the Chambers Street subway station on the one, two, and three trains. You’ll also find parking at the Battery Parking Garage.
This space is shared by athletes of all ages and sports and has plenty of space for full 11 v.s. 11 soccer games. The field is also equipped with lights, making it a great destination for breezy nighttime pickup.
Characters you might encounter: Hard tackling, trendy Manhattanites, or stretchy Mr. Fantastic showing off his goalkeeper skills.
Backdrop: Shining skyscrapers and the wafting smells of New York’s finest cuisine.
Theme Song: My My MetroCard by Le Tigre
Jutting out into the East River, playing soccer at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier Five field at 334 Furman St. feels like a pickup game at sea. But, the water Pokémon won’t have an unfair advantage, as the Brooklyn Heights park has three full-sized turf fields in excellent condition for all recreational athletes.
You can reach your soccer game from the Borough Hall/Court Street station on the N, R, W, two, three, four, and five trains. Parking is limited near Piers One and Six.
The fields feature an excellent view of distant Manhattan across the water and are one of the Brooklyn soccer community’s most popular gathering spots.
Characters you might encounter: Brownstone-dwelling center backs or Squirtle coming out of the water for some soccer action.
Backdrop: Honking ferries, a green parkway, and shimmering water on three sides.
Theme Song: No Sleep Till Brooklyn by the Beastie Boys
In a city as jam-packed as New York, you never thought you’d find so much indoor space dedicated to soccer as at Socceroof’s Sunset Park location. With two other indoor soccer facilities in Crown Heights and Long Island City, the Sunset Park complex is Socceroof’s brightest jewel.
Located at 14b 53rd St, the facility has ten mini turf fields that can combine to suit bigger pickup games and even features a rooftop bar, a patio, and a restaurant. With enough space to house Mario and Lugi’s entire family, it’s the perfect location for tournament-style soccer duels against Nintendo’s whole cast of characters.
Socceroof’s facility is just over half a mile from the 53rd Street subway station for the R and W trains and just under a half mile from the Amano parking garage on 55th St.
The soccer complex is as full service as they come, with offerings covering youth camps, private events, and regular pickup games.
Characters you might encounter: Deli workers wiping off their greasy hands before taking the field or Wario and Bowser practicing their power shots.
Backdrop: Your new fans cheering from the restaurant, and Lady Liberty waving from a distance.
Theme Song: 53rd and 3rd by the Ramones
Another of New York City’s beautiful recreational piers, Pier 40 at Hudson River Park, looks out over the river towards neighboring New Jersey. You may need X-ray vision to see fans cheering you on from across the way, but you can invite your friends to post up in the surrounding stands for a better experience. Pier 40’s facility also features indoor fields, making year-round play a treat.
The park is easily accessible from the Christopher St-Sheridan Sq subway station (1 train) and just a short walk from the West Fourth St station (A, C, E trains). There's also paid parking available nearby, although it can fill up quickly during weekends.
Characters: A diverse mix of weekend warriors, seasoned players, and families engaging in friendly competition.
Backdrop: The sparkling Hudson River, with iconic city views.
Theme Song: Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys.
We wouldn’t be doing the city justice if we didn’t include a Queens soccer gem, the Soccer Center NYC. Located just a block from the 33rd Street subway station (7 train), the facility’s three-stripe stamped rooftop fields make you feel like you’re playing in an Adidas commercial.
If you hang around long enough you’re sure to run into Queen’s native, Spider Man, swooping down from the rafters for a little pickup action. Don’t be fooled if you get nutmegged by a bookish photojournalist with freakish athleticism, it’s him.
Characters: A fantastic mix of local talents, from youth players to adults reviving their soccer glory days.
Backdrop: The camera crews and stagehands capturing you for the next release of Adidas’ You Got This campaign.
Theme Song: Queens by Misterwives.
Finding pickup soccer games and regular matches at these top fields is easy with the GoodRec app, which connects you with local soccer players and shows you where games are happening across New York City. Whether you prefer indoor venues like Chelsea Piers or outdoor spots like Central Park, GoodRec helps you stay active in NYC’s vibrant soccer community.
Download GoodRec today and start joining games at these fantastic fields. Whether you’re looking for casual matches or more competitive play, there’s always a soccer game waiting for you in New York City!
Written by Ezra W, GoodRec Team
Our hope is that GoodRec brings people together. We love hearing that best friends have met, relationships have started, and group chats have been born through these games. We're excited to have you join us.
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