Free Summer Pick-Up Soccer League

Great Lakes Alliance FC and AYSO Region 158 invite you to join our Free Summer Pick-Up Soccer League, a casual community soccer program running all summer long. This league is open to all recreational and travel players in the area, bringing everyone together for the love of the game. Whether you play in an AYSO league or on a travel club team, or you’re new to soccer altogether, you are welcome to participate. It’s a chance to play soccer in a fun, no-pressure setting where the emphasis is on enjoyment, skill improvement, and camaraderie – all at no cost.

In this pick-up league, we prioritize a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. There are no set teams, no standings, and no tournament pressure – just show up and play! Our goal is to provide a positive place for kids and teens to enjoy soccer freely, building confidence and encouraging creativity without the usual pressures of coaches or competitive games. This community-driven program is a collaboration between Great Lakes Alliance FC (our local competitive soccer club) and AYSO Region 158 (our local recreational soccer region), reflecting our shared commitment to making soccer accessible and fun for everyone. By keeping the program completely free of charge, we align with AYSO’s mission to remove cost barriers and allow all youth to participate. All you need to do is sign up, show up, and be ready to play your heart out!

Quick Facts

Schedule & Location

When: Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, throughout the summer. Sessions will be held once a week on Wednesday evenings. The program will kick off in early summer (starting in June) and run through August, giving players a consistent weekly opportunity to enjoy soccer during the summer break. This three-hour window each week is designed to be flexible – you can stay for the whole session or drop in for a portion of the evening as your schedule permits. We know summer can be busy, so come as early or as late as you’re able; there will be games and activities going on the entire time.

Where: Location to be announced. The exact playing field/park is still being finalized. It will be a local soccer field in our community (we will update all registered participants with the venue details before the first session). Rest assured, the location will be convenient for Region 158 families and Great Lakes Alliance players. Once confirmed, directions and field information will be provided. (In the meantime, plan for a field in the area – we’ll make sure everyone knows where to go well in advance.) Please note: Since the league is outdoors, any weather-related changes or field updates will also be communicated to participants as needed.

Who Can Participate?

All youth players are welcome! The Summer Pick-Up League is open to boys and girls of all skill levels, generally in the youth age range (approximately ages 8 through 18). We specifically encourage both recreational players (e.g., those in AYSO Region 158’s regular programs) and travel players (e.g., members of Great Lakes Alliance FC or other club teams) to join in the fun. In short, if you love soccer and want to play, this league is for you. The pick-up format is inherently inclusive – anyone who has the desire to play can participate, regardless of their skill level or soccer background. You do not need to belong to a particular team currently; even new players who haven’t played on an organized team before are welcome to come give soccer a try in a friendly setting.

We accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities and will organize games to ensure everyone has a good experience. Players will be grouped by age (and sometimes by skill/experience) so that everyone can play with peers of a similar level. For example, younger players will typically play in separate games from older teens, and we’ll adjust groupings based on turnout to keep matchups fair, safe, and enjoyable for all. The environment is co-ed and focuses on respect – boys and girls will play together in many cases, which adds to the fun and community spirit. Our volunteers and coaches on site will make sure that groupings and teams are balanced and that no one is left out. The emphasis is on inclusive play: every participant, from the casual recreational player to the seasoned club player, should feel welcome and engaged.

How to Register

Registration is required for all players, even though the program is free. Signing up in advance helps us plan appropriate group sizes, ensure we have enough equipment, and communicate with you about any updates (like location announcements or weather notices). It also ensures we have necessary emergency contacts and signed waivers for all participants. There is no cost to register – it’s completely free – but every player must sign up before participating. Don’t worry, the process is quick and simple, and one registration will cover the entire summer season of pick-up games (you do not need to re-register each week).

To register for the Summer Pick-Up League, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the Registration Page: Go to our official website and find the Summer Pick-Up League Registration form. (This will be available on both the Great Lakes Alliance FC site and AYSO 158 site – we’ll provide a direct link in our communications and on social media.)
2. Complete the Online Form: Fill out the required information for the player. This typically includes the player’s name, date of birth, and contact information. If the player is under 18, a parent or guardian should complete the form on their behalf and provide their contact email/phone.
3. Agree to the Waiver/Consent: As this is an organized youth sports activity, you’ll need to read and agree to a standard participation waiver and code of conduct. This is built into the registration form – simply check the box or provide an e-signature to acknowledge. (The waiver covers basic liability and sportsmanship expectations.)
4. Submit and Confirm: Submit the registration form online. You should receive a confirmation email shortly afterward. This email will confirm your sign-up and provide any initial details available (such as a recap of the schedule and a note that location info will follow). We’ll also add you to our league mailing list so you get weekly reminders and updates.

That’s it! Once you’re registered, you’re all set to start attending the Wednesday pick-up sessions. You will receive updates from us via email (so make sure to provide a valid email in the form). If you have any questions about the registration, or if you have trouble with the online form, please contact us – we’re happy to assist. (For example, if online access is an issue, we can arrange an alternative sign-up method.) We encourage everyone to register as early as possible so we have an idea of how many participants to expect on the first night. However, we will keep registration open on a rolling basis throughout the summer – even if you find out about the league later in the season, you can still sign up and join for the remaining weeks. Remember, one registration covers the whole summer, so you can attend every week or whenever you’re available.

What to Expect On the Field

Casual Game Format: Each Wednesday evening, we’ll organize informal soccer games (scrimmages) among all the players who attend. There are no fixed teams week to week – instead, teams will be formed on the spot each session. As players arrive, we’ll divide everyone into teams based on age and skill, making sure games are balanced and fun. We’ll set up multiple small-sided games (for example, 5v5, 7v7, or appropriate numbers) depending on how many players come and their ages. The atmosphere is akin to a friendly neighborhood pick-up game rather than a formal league match: it’s informal, flexible, and all about the love of playing soccer. If you’ve never played pick-up soccer before, imagine a bunch of friends splitting up and playing for the joy of it – that’s the vibe we are going for.

No Pressure, No Scores: We won’t be keeping official scoreboards or standings. The purpose is to play for fun, so players can enjoy the game without the pressure of winning or fear of making mistakes. Coaches from Great Lakes Alliance and volunteers from AYSO will be on hand to facilitate, but they won’t be actively coaching during games – there will be no drills or laps here! Their role is mainly to organize teams, start matches, and ensure safety and fairness. This means players have the freedom to be creative on the field, try new moves, and learn by playing. There usually won’t be formal referees for these pick-up games; instead, players will call their own fouls and switch sides amicably, which helps everyone practice good sportsmanship and self-regulation. (If any disputes or unsafe play arise, our adult supervisors will step in to guide as needed, but we expect everyone to play fair and in the Spirit of the Game.)

Multiple Games and Play Time: Over the course of the 6–9 PM session, players may play in several short games. We might organize, for example, a rotation where teams play 20-minute matches, then shuffle teams or opponents and play again. Our goal is to maximize touches and play time for each participant. In a pick-up setting, everyone gets plenty of time on the ball and a chance to be involved – there are no substitutes sitting out for long stretches. If a lot of players show up, we’ll simply set up additional small fields so that everyone is playing. If someone needs a rest or water break, they can rotate out and jump back in when ready. The environment is relaxed: take breaks when you need, sub in and out freely, and just enjoy continuous soccer play. By the end of the night, you can expect to have gotten a great workout and lots of game experience.

Supervision & Safety: Even though the format is casual, safety is still a priority. Each session will be supervised by experienced volunteers and coaches from the Great Lakes Alliance FC and AYSO 158 staff. They will ensure that games are played safely and that all children are looked after. First aid kits and water will be available on site, and we will have a protocol in place for any injuries (however minor). All participants are required to wear shin guards and proper footwear (see the next section), which is standard for safety. We also enforce a zero-tolerance policy for rough or unsportsmanlike behavior – this is a friendly league, and everyone must show respect to teammates, opponents, and officials. Fortunately, pick-up soccer by nature encourages a spirit of mutual respect and sportsmanship, so we anticipate a great environment. Our organizers will briefly go over any ground rules at the start of each session (for example, reminding players to be honest with calls, to include everyone, and to most importantly have fun). Parents are welcome to stay and watch from the sidelines, but we ask that the sideline environment remain positive and supportive (no coaching from the sideline, let the kids play freely). By the end of each evening, we hope everyone goes home tired, happy, and a little more in love with soccer than before.

What to Bring

Come prepared so you can have fun and play your best. Here’s what each player should bring or wear each week:

• Shin Guards: Mandatory for all players. For safety, shin guards worn under the socks are required in order to play (this is an AYSO rule and a standard safety practice). Please don’t forget them!
• Footwear: Soccer cleats are highly recommended (they provide the best traction on grass). If you don’t have cleats, athletic sneakers or turf shoes are okay for the pick-up games – just make sure the shoes are closed-toe and suitable for running. No sandals or non-athletic shoes, please.
• Attire: Comfortable athletic clothing. We suggest a lightweight t-shirt or jersey, athletic shorts, and long soccer socks (especially to cover your shin guards). There is no specific uniform – wear anything you can play comfortably in. It’s a good idea to bring both a light and a dark colored shirt each week. This way, if we need to split into “light” and “dark” teams, everyone can easily switch shirts to distinguish teams.
• Soccer Ball: If you have a soccer ball, bring it along. Having a ball means you can warm up or juggle during any downtime. We’ll have some extra balls available, but it helps to have more. (For reference, players under 12 years old typically use size 4 balls, and 13+ use size 5, which is standard.) Mark your ball with your name to avoid mix-ups.
• Water Bottle: It’s summertime and likely warm in the evenings – bring plenty of water or a sports drink to stay hydrated. We will have breaks for water, and there may be water fountains at the field, but always best to have your own bottle on hand.
• Optional Gear: You might consider using sunscreen and bringing a hat or sunglasses (for early evening sun). Goalkeepers can bring goalie gloves if they’d like to play in goal, though we will rotate goalkeepers in games so everyone who wants to try can have a turn. If you have them, you can also bring a small towel or an extra shirt, since you might get sweaty after a few games.
• Positive Attitude: Last but not least, bring your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and love of the game! This league is all about having fun and supporting each other. Come ready to make new friends, try new tricks, and enjoy yourself. A good attitude is contagious – when everyone arrives excited to play, it creates an awesome atmosphere for all.

(Note: We will provide all the necessary field equipment: goals, nets, cones, pinnies (scrimmage vests) for differentiating teams, etc. You do not need to bring any equipment besides your personal gear. Just show up ready to play!)

Why Join the Pick-Up League?

Still on the fence or just curious what makes this summer league special? Here are some great reasons to come out and play on Wednesday nights:

• Pure Fun: This league is all about the joy of playing soccer. With no trophies on the line and no coaches instructing every move, you get to experience the game in its purest form – just kids on a field, having fun. It’s a stress-free environment where you can remember why you love the sport. Bonus: Even many professional stars started by playing pick-up soccer informally in their neighborhoods. (Yes, even legends like Lionel Messi and Landon Donovan grew up honing their skills in pick-up games with friends!.) Here, you’re following that same tradition of playing for the love of the game.

• Build Confidence & Creativity: Pick-up play is a fantastic way to build confidence on the ball and encourage creativity. With the freedom to try new moves or positions without fear of mistakes, you can develop skills and creativity that sometimes get lost in formal settings. This unstructured play lets you experiment – attempt that trick shot or fancy dribble! Over time, you’ll find yourself more confident in regular matches too, as pickup soccer gives players a positive space to learn from each other without pressure.

• Skill Development: The more you play, the better you get. These weekly games offer an excellent platform for skill development and game awareness. You’ll get countless touches on the ball and plenty of real-game scenarios that improve your dribbling, passing, defending and teamwork. In fact, unstructured games are known to produce smart, adaptable players. You’ll also improve your fitness and sharpness by playing at a high tempo. Think of it as practice in disguise – you’re training hard but it feels like play. According to experts, such informal play leads to improved decision-making and technical skills, complementing what you learn in practice. In short, it keeps you sharp for the fall season!

• Social & Community Benefits: One of the best parts of the Summer Pick-Up League is the social aspect. You’ll get to meet new friends and connect with players from outside your usual team. Recreational and travel players who might not normally cross paths can bond over the game. This mix of backgrounds creates a true community feel. Pickup soccer naturally fosters camaraderie among players from diverse teams and backgrounds – you’ll quickly develop a sense of friendship and mutual respect with your fellow players. It’s also a great way to spend a summer evening outdoors with friends, rather than sitting at home. By the end of the summer, you might find you’ve formed a whole new network of soccer pals!

• Everyone Gets to Play: Unlike some competitive environments, in pick-up soccer everyone participates fully. There are no substitutes stuck on the bench and no A/B team hierarchies – just inclusive play. Younger or less experienced players can learn from older or advanced players, and vice versa, in a supportive setting. This all-levels approach boosts confidence and ensures nobody is left out. The format has very low barriers to entry, meaning it’s easy to jump in and play. All that matters is showing up with enthusiasm.

• Stay Active & Fit This Summer: Instead of taking the summer off and losing your touch, keep active with weekly games. The pick-up league is a fun way to maintain and even improve your fitness during the off-season. Regular play will help you stay in shape, refine your touch, and be more than ready when fall soccer starts back up. You’ll thank yourself (and your parents will be happy you’re out exercising!). Wednesday night soccer can be a highlight of your summer routine – something to look forward to each week.

• Flexible and Free: Our pick-up sessions are very flexible – come whenever you can, no strict commitment required. If you’re out of town one week, no worries; you can jump back in the next week. We designed this to be easy-going to fit around family vacations, summer camps, or other activities. And best of all, it’s completely free of charge for participants, which means you get all these benefits with zero cost. This is part of our philosophy to keep soccer affordably accessible to all who want to play. So you have nothing to lose by giving it a try!

In summary, the Free Summer Pick-Up League is a unique opportunity to enjoy soccer in its simplest, most enjoyable form. It’s a place to grow as a player, make friends, and create wonderful summer memories on the field. Whether you’re a serious player looking to get extra touches and stay sharp, or you’re a casual player who just loves the game, this league has something for you. Each week will be a little different, but it will always be fun, friendly, and rewarding.

Join Us on the Field!

We hope you’re as excited as we are about the Summer Pick-Up League. It’s not often you get a chance to play soccer in a structured yet pressure-free environment, alongside a whole cross-section of the local soccer community. Great Lakes Alliance FC and AYSO 158 are thrilled to host this program and watch our players enjoy the beautiful game together.

So, are you ready to play? Grab your gear, tell your friends, and make sure you’ve signed up. Wednesday evening pick-up soccer is right around the corner, and all we need is you! Come out, have fun, improve your skills, and be a part of our soccer family this summer. We can’t wait to see you out on the field, doing what you love.

Get registered, and we’ll see you on Wednesday nights for some great soccer. Let’s make this summer a memorable one – see you at the kick-off!