About us
This group, Washington, DC Pick-up Soccer, is the biggest coed soccer group in DC. We play year-round, but have far more games during the summer when daylight lasts past about 6:45 PM, and people can just walk to games after work. Everyone is welcome and it is free to join!
Attending our mall games allows you to become part of a long tradition, and it's a great way of getting to know new, healthy, and friendly people in a casual setting. Currently, we have three games per week near the mall and two near Maryland. Do you know the secret reason for Marine One’s flight path? It's because the president, like any sensible person, enjoys watching a good game of the world's greatest sport and it gives him a perfect 45° viewing angle! (Hehe. Just kidding. The truth is that he is usually deprived of this pleasure, because we pause play to gawk back.)
Tourists without any cleats getting bored of seeing exhibits in DC’s 261 museums are especially welcome; the Organizer (Jason Taylor) actually likes to think that if all people were forced to interact more and specifically had to play soccer together at least once in the extended back yard of the world’s most powerful leader, we’d all, regardless of what language we speak, the color we are, our gender, etc., be one step closer to world peace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r99tcxqyGek
After games, we sometimes chat a bit while we change shoes and get ready to walk home. Relax! Don't be too rushed or too shy. Ask other players which way they are walking or going. Get their direct contact information. You may find it handy when the weather is iffy or when the security people moved our game to "an undisclosed location." Aside from building your own network, more communication and discussion allows everyone to contribute and cooperate to make games better.
RSVP liberally, but always check if there are enough RSVPs before going. Ideally, please put on your profile roughly where you live so others who rsvped without a car know who to ask for rides. Before heading out, it can help to review the RSVP list to remember names of players with face pictures on their profile. (Knowing the names of your teammates helps you communicate with them during the game.) If you arrive late, count the number of colors and non-colors or whites vs. darks to know which side you should probably join. Unless the organizer says otherwise, you can just join the side with fewer players, but the best thing is to wait until another player arrives and go on opposite teams simultaneously.
Each game location/venues has different players and organizers. Parking near the mall games during the week is difficult because they overlap with rush hour, but for the Tidal Basin games try Ohio Drive. Parking at other games is better. If you know of a good field closer to you and are willing to host and organize your own weekly game let me (Jason) know. If we can get a backup co-organizer I will probably decide to green light your venue and you will have no problem getting the players you need for hosting your own game. This flexibility we allow is why we don't allow the opposite (player recruitment or "poaching" of our best players for for own and probably expensive league not a part of our mostly free group) unless it helps the group overall. Call me at 240-471-5613 if you see any such behavior or have questions. That effort would be better spent helping our own games become better. Also let me know if you see any errors in any game descriptions, directions on where to meet, or have an idea of how to improve.
Curious why we have a treasurer when our games are usually free? The reason is because we are trying to improve our games by supplying all co-organizers with portable Pass goals. A set is only $80 and shrinks to the size of a briefcase suitable carrying on the Metro. If you would like to donate funds for goals and can spare $5 please hit the green chip in button. I hereby promise that 100% of any donations will either go towards goals or will otherwise be spent to make the games better. (I don't mind the fact that I pay for all meetup fees out of my own pocket since doing this actually allowed me to save money from being able to cancel my old $125/month sport and health membership. I personally preferred playing soccer with cool people over boring gym machines anyway. ) Selfish donations (earmarked only to make games you already are going to better) are especially encouraged.
We hope to see you at our next game!
Sincerely,
Jason Arthur Taylor, Organizer for Washington, DC Pick-up Soccer and Safer Soccer
P.S. I respond within 48 hours to all communications made directly to me including meetup.com chats; if you messaged me for any reason and I didn't respond, I didn't actually get your meetup.com message. Please email a copy and phone it.
P.P.S. Washington, DC Pick-up Soccer is not liable for any injuries that may occur while playing. By attending our games, you accept full responsibility of your person and belongings, waiving any right to hold the group, the field owners, or the field caretakers responsible.
Upcoming events
277
Friday evening soccer in JFK Hockey Field (Co-ed)
JFK hockey field, home front dr, Washington, DC, USJoin us for a pickup on a weekday! We might have TWO games if number so require. Group is relatively small which means you will get to show your skill and run quite a bit ! It is a co-ed game and open to all. Once the players limit is reached, no player will be admitted into the game. We already got a number of players confirmed OFFLINE as guests of Host(s) through Signal. Those in waitlist will be moved to the confirmed list only when spot becomes available.
The games RULES are as below, fair play and camaraderie must be followed.
⚽ Make small contribution to cover some of the game's expenses. a) $20 those appearing more than 4 games in the past or will be next, b) $10, $15 only appear 1 or 2 in the past and only few in the future.
PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/pool/9rmTNB1dEr?sr=wccr or DM for Zelle or Venmo. First timer will be admitted without a contribution for the first time.
⚽ It is a friendly game, no slide or back tackling, no rough play, and no greedy play or coaching.
⚽ Join the Signal group, Download Signal app and join the Signal group (strongly preferred and recommended) for the game day updates. Firstcomer, SEE the host to approve you to join the group.
Those preferring WhatsApp group instead can join the group on WhatsApp too if you do not mind sharing your phone number to group members‼️rather than host!
⚽ No groupism or favors, everyone gets to play without regard for the level be it starter, intermediate or advanced. One must pass ball to appropriate fellow players without favors or preference to a particular player(s).
⚽ You are expected to change positions, no one is permanent striker or defense, make sure you circle around and give chance to everyone to experience the game fully. Rotate and offer to play full back or defense too not just forward.
⚽In case of disagreement during the game, the host acts as a referee so the game stays smooth and enjoyable to everyone.
⚽ You must bring WHITE as well as DARK jersies (and ball too if you can).
⚽ Send DM to host(s) on Signal if you have questions. (NOT to the group except on the game day not more than one hour before the game to reduce distractions)
⚽ Look out for the changes in location of the field in case we would have to change the field.
⚽ Change your RSVP if needed. More than two no shows after RSVP will be banned for next games. If you need to cancel, do so at least 3 or 4 hours before the game. We do not want to have a low turn out due to last minute cancellations or no shows.
⚽ Additional guest must RSVP themselves to ensure personal accountability in case of no shows.
⚽ We typically post the updates on Signal and MeetUp.
⚽ DM host or reply DM if you want to be confirmed to the group.
⚽ Find street parkings on your own, better try to bike, scooter, walk to the field. Be mindful of heavy traffic on the day and parking challenges of a typical city! Finding parking and arriving on time is your responsibility, so do not expect others to provide you directions or guide about parking spots.
⚽ We may get some players confirmed OFFLINE. We limit the RSVP slots to avoid being a large group. If we will have enough players, we will have second game too.DM on Signal or text 510- 394 29 three nine only if your question is not ANSWERED from above.
Welcome to our group and to the beautiful game of soccer/football ⚽!You Agree to these Liability Waivers:
⚽ By joining our games you fully assume risks of injuries.
⚽ASSUMPTION OF RISK I, on behalf of myself ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS THAT MAY OR CAN ARISE OUT OF PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ATHLETIC ACTIVITY ITSELF, USE OF THE EQUIPMENT, FIELD OR FACILITIES, THE ACTS OF OTHERS OR THE UNAVAILABLITY OF EMERGENCY CARE.
⚽ INDEMNITY/HOLD HARMLESS I, on behalf of myself and/or our heirs, personal representatives and/or assigns, also agree to indemnify and hold DC Pick Up Soccer group harmless from any and all claims, causes of actions, lawsuits, arbitrations or proceedings as well as from any expenses, judgments, costs, fees, damages, expenses and/or liabilities, including attorneys’ fees incurred in defending or prosecuting any such claims brought against DC Pick Up Soceer
⚽ RELEASE/WAIVER In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Activities, I, on behalf of myself and/or our heirs, personal representatives and assigns HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE AND DISCHARGE the host or members of DC Pick Up Soccer from any and all liability associated with or related to my participation in the Activities and agree NOT TO SUE the Host or member of the game for any reason resulting from or associated with my participation in the Activities. This waiver and release is intended to include all claims for injuries, accidents, illnesses, or property loss, whether known or unknown or anticipated or unanticipated, which are in any way related to or associated with the Activities.
⚽ NO INSURANCE I, on behalf of myself acknowledge that the Host or members of the game do not carry insurance on behalf of myself.
⚽ LEGAL RIGHTS I, on behalf or myself understand and acknowledge that I/we are surrendering valuable.
⚽ SEVERABILITY I, on behalf or myself understand and expressly agree that the games Rules and Waivers are intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of District of Columbia for which it is used and that if any portion of this rule and waiver is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance of the rule and waiver shall continue in full force and effect and that whatever portion is held invalid shall be interpreted and construed to afford as much protection to DC Pick Up Soocer as permitted by the applicable law.6 attendees
Soccer Zero
Capital View Homewood Park, 2720 Plyers Mill Rd, silver spring, MD, US● Ultra-light ball (~1/8th as heavy as a normal 5). This allows zero chances of ball causing brain injury. (Hence the name, Soccer Zero.) It's also nice to do toe kicks!
● Injury-based foul system. This means that the rules apply even for same-team-side fouls, too. You can use your hands to protect yourself from the ball; hand balls are only called if you did it to gain an advantage. Yellow cards will cause the fouler to sit out for 120 seconds. Strong kicks of balls to anyone's head, called "face kicks", or nuts (for male players only), are yellow-card fouls even though the ball is so light it doesn't matter as much. This penalizes inconsiderate play, something we really do care about. Reckless players or anyone getting a red card is banned. (Before heading, you need to have an idea of where other nearby players are.) So, as an example, if you kicked the ball at high speed to your own teammate's head you still have to sit out for 2 minutes.
● No out of bounds. This makes it more interesting and easier to ref.
● No offsides.
● No goalies for the senior team. (The senior team is the one that is ahead in points.) This rule is used in place of an offsides rule, since it implies you cannot win by sticking some fat player who stands in front of their relatively small Pugg goal all day long. We define a goalie to be any defender intentionally within the "goal area". In turn, this goal area is defined as the ground in front of the goal covered by the top of the goal, were the goal to be tipped forwards onto the ground, similar to what would happen if the wind blew strongly from behind and the stakes were not secured.
● Goal resizing. Sometimes a strong player comes on mid-game after teams were picked by the two captains. If someone like Ronaldo joins a team and/or both captains agree to goal resizing to make the game more balanced the game will be stopped and the goal sizes altered to make it more even. Please don't suggest team shuffling as a better method. It destroys the team spirit. If the switched player sucks, it will add insult to injury to him or her. On the other hand, if the switched player is good, past points stack against him or her, which also destroys the game integrity, much of which is about trying to get your team to win. Goal resizing and point multiplying (each point counts as 2 for the junior team) maintains game integrity and helps maintain balance and game intensity.Games are in Silver Spring, MD. They are reffed. Clean red and blue pinnies are supplied when needed. A weekly invitation including a recap of the prior week's game is sent out to any players who want to read it. See here (https://www.meetup.com/safersoccer/boards/thread/23643732/0/).
RSVPs are required. The reason is that it should increase their own enjoyment. You see, the ideal number of players for a pickup soccer game is perhaps 6x6 - 8x8; some players won't attend if they think the turnout will be low, and others will just assume the game will be cancelled even though we always play. (As a practical matter, smaller games are less fun since the comics won't have the audience they need, but, they do have two hidden benefits: shorter, more intense games/workouts and fewer face kicks/yellow cards. So we play no matter how small or large.) So non-RSVPers are a little short sighted, since they don't seem to want to maximize their own enjoyment in the long run. Rational and sane players who have a good chance of attending RSVP a week early here and in the subgroup.
Location map (cut & paste url into a browser)(park on Plyers Mill):
secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/1/7/2/600_364808562.jpeg
3 attendees
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