Having a kick-about. Taking a sweat. Pelada. In any language, pickup soccer is a great way to improve your skills, meet people, and be active. For recent transplants to Denver, it’s also a great way to acclimate to the altitude and get recruited for organized leagues.
From beginner to professional, all levels of players are welcome—a Denver Nugget has been seen playing pickup soccer, and he’s rumored to hold his own—, but before you jump in on a game at your neighborhood park, such as City, Wash, or Cheesman, there are a few rules of etiquette you should keep in mind to ensure everyone stays healthy and has fun.
Introduce yourself, and call players by their names. This will help you communicate on the field and build relationships off.
Mix it up. Part of the draw of pickup is its flexibility. As your team dynamic changes, so does the game—and your role. Switch with players on other teams, and try out different positions.
Know your skill level. If it’s your first time showing up to the pitch, take a moment to survey the teams and assess the level of competition. Then find a good position for you.
Play clean. No slide tackling, and call your own fouls. Better yet, don’t foul. No one wants to play with—or against—the reckless player with no body control. Don’t be that Guy.
Don’t be a cherry-picker either. Work hard on both ends of the field, pass the ball often, and check in and out of space. Pickup soccer isn’t about the final score; it’s about the intricate details between the goals: quick touches, short passes, long balls, give-and-gos...
Sub, so everyone gets some good playing time. No one likes to sit on the bench, but if everyone takes short breaks, the amount of time on the sideline can be minimized.
No coaching, unless someone asks for it. And even then, use constructive criticism and positive reinforcement.
Acknowledge good plays and solid efforts—from both sides. And if the ball goes out of bounds and you’re the closest one to it, even if it’s not your team’s ball, shag it. That goes double if you’re the player who booted a field goal over the crossbar into a pile of goosepoop.
Save the microbrews for the après-soccer happy hour or barbeque. Playing under the influence of alcohol puts you, as well as other players, at risk of injury.
Above all, bring an open mind, positive attitude, and friendly smile.
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