Soccer thrives in every corner of the city that never sleeps. You’ll find it on rooftop fields in Manhattan, under the bridges of Brooklyn, across the wide lawns of Randall’s Island and echoing through stadiums packed with fans.
This guide gives readers a full picture of that ecosystem. It looks at the professional clubs that headline New York’s soccer landscape, the iconic stadiums where fans gather and some of the grassroots leagues that keep the sport alive year-round. Along the way, we’ll also mention where newcomers and longtime fans alike can experience the city’s soccer culture firsthand.
The Professional Landscape
New York’s professional soccer scene is as diverse and energetic as the city itself. From MLS matchdays filled with drums and chanting supporters to Brooklyn FC’s growing presence on the women’s side, the pro game gives New Yorkers a front-row seat to elite competition.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
- New York City FC (NYCFC): NYCFC launched in 2015 and quickly became a major force in MLS, earning passionate support across all five boroughs. While the club currently plays home matches at Yankee Stadium, its dedicated fan base brings a unique, electric atmosphere to every game.
- New York Red Bulls: Just across the Hudson, the Red Bulls play at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey – widely considered one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in the country. Known for their fast, high-pressing style, the Red Bulls have cultivated strong supporter traditions and a loyal fan culture.
Women’s Soccer
- Brooklyn Football Club (USL Super League / USL W): Brooklyn FC is one of NYC’s newest professional soccer clubs and a rising force in American soccer. Based at Maimonides Park in Coney Island, the club brings top-level competition to the borough and champions the growth of women’s soccer at every level. Brooklyn FC represents a new chapter for the city’s soccer identity and a home for fans eager to support the women’s game (a men’s team is on its way!).
Other Professional and Semi-Professional Teams
Across the region, leagues like the USL Championship, NWSL (with ongoing expansion discussions), UPSL and NPSL contribute to the soccer pyramid. These teams broaden access to competitive play and offer additional pathways for athletes pursuing careers in the sport.
The Stadiums That Shape the Experience
New York’s soccer stadiums each offer a distinct atmosphere — from baseball-to-soccer conversions to waterfront arenas with ocean air drifting through the stands. Together, they tell the story of a city that embraces the sport in its own eclectic way.
Yankee Stadium (NYCFC)
Home to NYCFC since 2015, Yankee Stadium delivers a uniquely New York matchday: iconic backdrop, energetic crowds and the unmistakable hum of the Bronx. Though originally built for baseball, the environment on soccer nights is undeniably electric. Fans can pair the experience with local favorites, such as a pregame slice on River Avenue or a post-match stroll through the neighborhood.
Red Bull Arena (NY Red Bulls)
Known for its excellent sightlines and steep seating bowl, Red Bull Arena is often praised as one of the country’s best soccer-specific stadiums. Located in Harrison, NJ, it’s easily accessible via PATH trains and draws devoted supporters who fill the arena with songs, flags and a playoff-like feel during big matches.
Maimonides Park (Brooklyn FC)
Maimonides Park brings something entirely different to New York soccer: ocean views, boardwalk energy and a matchday soundtrack that blends the roar of supporters with the sound of waves. Situated in the heart of Coney Island, the stadium offers an atmosphere you can’t replicate anywhere else, with food stands, rides, beaches and neighborhood character just steps away.
Where Soccer Lives Every Day: Parks, Leagues & Pickup
Beyond the pros, soccer runs through the city’s day-to-day routines – e.g., in weeknight leagues, weekend tournaments, and spontaneous pickup matches that form the backbone of NYC’s soccer identity.
Neighborhood Pickup Hotspots
Pickup culture flourishes in parks and open fields across the boroughs. Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park draws small-sided games with stunning skyline views. Randall’s Island hosts everything from casual runs to highly competitive games on its many turf fields. Bushwick Inlet Park, Roosevelt Island and De Witt Clinton Park each have their own rhythms, player communities and field conditions. Anyone can show up and find a game that fits their level.
NYC’s Recreational & Amateur Leagues
Adult leagues keep the city playing year-round. NYC Footy emphasizes community and balanced competition. Gotham Soccer League and ZogSports offer structured divisions for different skill levels, from weekday co-ed matches to more serious weekend play. Local Saturday and Sunday leagues in Flushing, Brooklyn and Manhattan have deep histories and bring together neighborhoods, families, and multi-generational teams.
Youth Soccer & Development Pathways
For younger players, the city is full of opportunity. Youth academies, local clubs and school programs help kids develop skills while connecting them to the sport’s community roots. Families can explore recreational programs, travel teams, summer camps and clinics — including those offered by professional clubs — to find the right developmental path.
How to Get Involved in NYC’s Soccer Scene
Whether someone is brand-new to the sport or looking to deepen their connection to New York’s soccer community, the city offers countless entry points:
- Join a recreational league like NYC Footy, ZogSports or Gotham Soccer League to meet new players and stay active year-round.
- Check out beginner-friendly clinics or skills sessions offered by clubs, parks departments or local training groups.
- Drop into pickup matches at fields like Pier 5, Randall’s Island, Bushwick Inlet Park or Roosevelt Island.
- Volunteer with youth programs and community organizations that use soccer to support education, wellness and neighborhood engagement.
- Explore open tryouts, adult academy programs or competitive leagues for more advanced players looking to level up.
- Attend local tournaments, derby matches and community soccer festivals to experience NYC’s vibrant fan culture.
- Follow local club calendars — including Brooklyn FC — to stay plugged into events, meetups and fan gatherings across the boroughs.
Catch a Match at Maimonides Park
There’s no better way to experience New York’s soccer heartbeat than seeing it live on the Coney Island boardwalk. A Brooklyn FC match at Maimonides Park offers a one-of-a-kind setting where fans can grab food on the boardwalk, enjoy the rides or stroll the beach before kickoff — then settle in to cheer on Brooklyn’s home club just steps from the water. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or discovering the team for the first time, Coney Island is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s growing soccer culture.
FAQs
1. What is Brooklyn Football Club, and what league do they play in?
Brooklyn FC is a professional women’s soccer club competing in the USL system. The club plays its home matches at Maimonides Park in Coney Island.
2. Where does Brooklyn FC play, and what is the matchday experience like?
Brooklyn FC plays at Maimonides Park, a waterfront stadium on the Coney Island boardwalk. Fans can expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with incredible views and easy access to beaches, rides, and local restaurants. Get tickets here.
3. What are the biggest soccer teams in New York?
New York City is home to several major clubs, including NYCFC (MLS), New York Red Bulls (MLS), and Brooklyn FC (USL). The city also hosts competitive semi-pro teams and thriving amateur leagues.
4. How can I join a soccer league or find pickup games in NYC?
Pickup games happen in parks across the city, and leagues such as NYC Footy, ZogSports and Gotham Soccer League welcome players of all levels. Many of these leagues offer year-round play and easy online registration.
