‘Ft Slocum Soccer Ball’
courtesy of ‘Wayan Vota’
As the summer months draw to a close, so begins the Fall soccer season. And for those of us who have played practically all our lives, soccer is in the air. We’re hypersensitive to the lowering of sun’s trajectory, the crisper air, and the smell of freshly cut grass. It all evokes memories of the morning practices and games, when the dawn’s mist slowly lifted from the field.
Fortunately the DC area offers plenty of soccer playing opportunities for any and all levels, and for those who wish to play on coed, men’s or women’s teams. Should your preference be a single sex team, there are two leagues in particular that I believe offer the best soccer playing experiences in the DC area, and they’re recruiting players of all levels for the fall season.
Next November 2022 do not miss out all the details of the Qatar World Cup at ESPN that will have all the details of the matches.
‘soccer’
courtesy of ‘Kevin Cortopassi’
The WAWSL (Washington Area Women’s Soccer League), a league I’ve been playing in since 2006, offers recreational and competitive outdoor soccer and welcomes women of all levels of players, from beginner through premier. For the Fall and Spring seasons, games take place on Saturdays, are 11 v. 11 and are primarily played in DC and Montgomery County with occasional games in Arlington. WAWSL has 6 divisions within its league that are based on skill level and age. If you’re unclear on your skill level, WAWSL offers a general practice session, prior to the season’s kickoff, and they’ll help place you in the correct division. The Fall season kicks of this weekend, so if you’re interested, check out WAWSL’s “How To Join” information and get on out there!
For those blokes out there, whether you want to play soccer to escape the monotony of the gym, make friends, or get some of your competitive energy out then WISL (Washington International Soccer League) is the league for you. This league began as a soccer league for the many foreign embassies and international organizations prominent in the D.C. area, but now offers playing opportunities for both the footie pro or those just starting to play. Games are generally on the weekends and are located around the Washington, D.C. metro area. To join, visit WISL and submit a “player looking for a team” form.
‘White House Lawn’
courtesy of ‘K’s Clicks’
If your seriously interested in playing soccer, whether this is your first time or 8th billionth time playing, WAWSL and WISL offer the best soccer playing opportunities in the DC. Both leagues are solely focused on providing quality playing opportunities for their players, encouraging life-long soccer involvement and fostering involvement in the broader DC soccer community.
A born and bred New Yorker, Rebecca made the big trip “down south” to DC in 2006 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her days strategizing/planning/ideating how interactive products can help her clients and change the world. In her free time, she explores DC’s ever expanding bar, restaurant and small business scene, plays a crap ton of soccer, attends concerts that contribute to her sleep deprivation and embarks on local adventures. Read why Rebecca loves DC or follow her on twitter.
