AYSO Adult Soccer encourages everyone, no matter their age or skill level, to get out and play. You may have to get a little creative with how you play—whether it’s a game of 3v3, 7v7, pick up soccer or futsal, the intention is to get everyone out having a good time playing soccer and enjoying the AYSO experience.

Here are some great examples of the type of soccer you can play within your community:

• Pick Up Soccer: This is a very organic way to start a new program. Coordinate a time and place for everyone to show up, split the players up into teams and get them playing. It’s as easy as that! Your numbers will determine the format in which you will play.

• 3v3: A great way to play a fast paced, fun game of soccer. The beauty of this game is that it requires very little space and a minimum number of players to play. Keep games short and rotate teams often. Play within the penalty box of an already marked field. Put up small pop-up goals on either end of the box, throw out a ball and play!

• 7v7: Playing 7v7 is a great way to play, while maximizing field space by playing across the width of a full sized field. If numbers permit, you can fit three of these width-orientated fields on one full-size field, allowing upwards of 40 people to play at any one time. Play short halves, 2 x 25 minute halves with a quick break for half time. Play using 10U size goals if you have goalkeepers. If not,  play with small pop up goals and no goalkeepers. Either one of these variations are great fun and hugely enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

• 11v11: Play the game in its purest form, full field, 11v11. Make sure though that you have enough players (and subs) to keep the game moving to keep it fun for all. Rotate substitutions often and switch out your player positions. Not everyone dreams of growing up to be a left full back. Let’s face it, everyone wants to score once in a while!

• Indoor Soccer or Futsal: If you have access to any indoor space, a high school gymnasium, a basketball court or even a tennis court, then you can play there too. Playing indoors is certainly a great option for those dealing with extremes in weather and temperatures.

These are a few ideas that can help you get started. Something else to consider is splitting up players into age groups. It’s great to have an open age division to encourage players that have recently aged out of their youth AYSO program to play, but let’s be honest, not everyone’s idea of fun is chasing a 20-year-old around a soccer field. Also, think about creating Coed divisions as well as Men’s and Women’s.