The first thing to do is to take time to think about what you are looking for, how much time you want to spend playing and/or practicing, and how many miles you're ready to drive for that. Whether you want to play competitive soccer, get back in shape or just have fun while meeting new people who share the same passion, you will find what you're looking for only if you know what you want.

After this preliminary step, search our table below. Do not forget that when it comes to competitive teams, there will probably be at least one practice session each week in addition to the indicated match day(s).

Once you found a league that seems to match your needs, visit their website and contact a team. Tell them about your level, experience, favorite position(s), and ask them where and when they play.

The next step is to try out. Do not sign up with a team before you have practiced at least 2 or 3 times with them (I even recommend 5 or 6 times). Before making a decision, you should check:

• The average level of competitiveness of the team corresponds to your level;
• There are not too many players in the team (unless you are ready to spend large parts of the games sitting on the bench you don't want your team to have more than 25 players for an 11v11 league);
• There are not too few players. For a 11v11 league, 16 players is the absolute minimum and 20 to 22 is ideal to make sure you won't start some games with only 9 players;
• On which surface the team usually plays. Real grass is usually the most enjoyable surface to play. However, real grass fields on which amateur teams play are often in poor shape, provoking unexpected and random bounds. You may prefer to play on a nice looking artificial grass field. Even though the new generation of artificial grass field makes them incredibly soft, it is never as soft as real grass and it may hurt if you have back problems;
• How long does the season last;
• How much are the registration fees and what they do and do not include;
• You feel you will get along with your new team mates. This is probably the most important part. You are not necessarily here to find your future best friends, but a good atmosphere and people you appreciate are indispensable to make your time on the field enjoyable!

If you do not like the first team you've been trying (or if they don't like you, it may happen too!), just say thank you and try another one!

Once you have decided to join a team, you need to give 1 or 2 identity pictures, fill out a registration form and pay your registration fees. Remember, once you've signed, you may not have the right to sign for another team in the same league before the current season ends.

You'll then need to buy your shin guards (optional for practice and friendly games, mandatory for league games) and a pair of boots corresponding to the surface your team is playing on. Jerseys and shorts are often included in the team's registration fees, Shoes and shin guards are never included.

You're now a member of your new soccer team...Leave a comment below or Let us know about your experience. We will publish it!