How, when, and where to play soccer in Austin
Ready to play?
By Michael Hollman
Maybe you just moved to Austin, maybe you are looking to try a new sport, maybe you just got out of college and are looking for your first post-intramural playing experience, maybe you took a break from playing the sport you love due to work/wife/life… fret not, you’re in the right place. No matter your circumstance, this session of State of Play is entirely focused on getting you back on the field. Most importantly, the right field to play soccer in Austin.
Playing Soccer in Austin
The first thing to consider when looking to play soccer in Austin is what type of playing experience are you looking for? The best way to evaluate this is to ask yourself what you’re looking to get out of the playing experience: Are you looking to scratch your competitive itch? Are you wanting to socialize and build/be part of a community? Are you wanting something easy and convenient that is more fun than hours on a treadmill to stay in/improve shape? Are you looking for a league title and the glory that comes with? Are you just looking to kick the ball around with some strangers in the park? Or are you looking for a cost conscious/local experience?
The good thing is, no matter what you are looking for when playing soccer in Austin, a great option is never far. And we at MatchDay are going to do the heavy lifting for you and break down all the options for you in this week’s State of Play.
Best options for a competitive experience:
We at MatchDay firmly believe the best way to maximize a competitive playing experience is to play in a team setting with the same players., regularly if possible. This playing experience allows you to build chemistry with the same group of players – all of whom are working toward a consistent team goal. Team-play increases accountability and is usually played over a series of matches, whether that be in a tournament setting or a league setting.
✓ AWSL – Austin Women’s Soccer League has two divisions – over 18 (plays on Sunday), and Over 40 (plays on Tuesday). They play their matches at Build Soccer Park.
✓ AMSA – Austin Men’s Soccer Association: AMSA is the top venue for non-professional soccer being played in the city of Austin. Classic Sunday league soccer! The Open Premier division often has their champion make extended runs in the US Open Cup. AMSA has a league for every player. AMSA boasts 14 leagues – ranging from Open Premier (top league without age restriction) to Over 50A (for the senior players not looking to play O50 Prem). Matches are played at Onion Creek Soccer Complex, and occasionally at NEMP or EMP.
✓ Bat City 7s – Looking for the team vibes and competition but don’t want to sacrifice your weekend? You’re in luck. BC7s you can find a league Monday through Thursday (Friday for Over 40). Matches are played on top quality turf fields with refs.
✓ MatchDay Tournaments – Want all the perks of highly competitive team ball but don’t want the burden of a season long commitment, enter MatchDay tournaments. MatchDay hosts competitive tournaments every 2-3 months for the soccer players of Austin looking to come together for one weekend (or one day) to test their metal against the other top teams in town. Winners get a free membership for the month following their tournament win, some MatchDay swag reserved solely for Cup Winners, and all the vendor swag they can dream of – not to mention the highly coveted MatchDay trophy and pendants.
✓ ACSA – Austin Community Soccer Association is exactly as the name suggests, a classic community league. ACSA is the preeminent mixed league in Austin, limiting male players to 5 of the 10 field players and no player can score more than 3 goals in a single match. The emphasis is on everyone feeling and knowing they are welcome complimented by a convivial and fun atmosphere.
✓ SoccerZone – If you’re looking for fast-paced, indoor adult soccer, SoccerZone delivers. With quality turf field, organized leagues, and matches happening rain or shine, it’s a great option for players who want to stay sharp in a climate-controlled, high-energy environment.
Best options for pickup soccer in Ausit:
The pickup soccer scene in Austin is a vibrant and varied as the town itself. Here we breakdown the best options for pickup soccer in Austin.
✓ MatchDay – with multiple locations and times, the most varied and convenient option for pickup soccer in Austin is the MatchDay app (search Play Matchday in Apple or Google Stores). With an onsite manager to split up teams, distribute bibs, and shepherd the match – you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience on a top level pitch. No matter your experience level, MatchDay is a great option for any player looking for a match in Austin. Match size and typer vary depending on the venue but most matches are played 8v8 on professionally maintained turf fields.
✓ Zilker Park – if you’re looking for a more classic pickup experience at one of the staples of the city, look no further than Zilker Park. Particularly on Tuesday and Thursday nights, Zilker Park is packed with numerous pickup games and groups. Somewhat seasonally limited – the park is naturally lit as well as out of commission for weeks prior/during/and after ACL and Trail of Lights – Zilker provides an easy option for people looking for a casual pickup atmosphere.
✓ Vanta – For anyone downtown looking for a quick and fun way to play the game, Vanta offers a great rooftop small goal small ball option in downtown Austin. Matches are played 4v4 or 5v5 with a goal a bit smaller than a hockey goal.
✓ Street FC – for the hard top lovers, Street FC has several matches per day available to the futsol inclined.
Best tournament options:
As in any city, there are plenty of soccer tournaments played in Austin throughout the year. Here are a few of the tournaments and providers.
✓ Icarus Cup – the bell cow of the bunch. Icarus is played every May once the Spring AMSA season concludes and the party just gets bigger every year. Over 60 7v7 teams will compete this year. Sign ups roll for three months prior to the event. Guaranteed good time.
✓ Just Keep Playing – Voted best tournament vibes by all attendees. The ACSA crew run this one and it is set up to socialize and be merry. Also 7v7, but you sign up individually and are paired with other like minded folks who love the game and building community around it.
✓ MatchDay Tournaments – MatchDay hosts competitive 8v8 and 7v7 tournaments quarterly with a free membership to all the players of the winning team along with other solid prizes. A growing product alongside their nightly ‘mini-tournaments’ they host to inject some competitive edge to their normal pickup soccer slate.
✓ Soccer Resorts tournaments – Soccer Resort’s Austin Classico is one of the longest-running adult tournaments in the city, held every January. Featuring 7v7 play and drawing top teams from across Texas and beyond, it’s a marquee event on Austin’s soccer calendar.
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