FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Footy

  • TFL is a coed soccer league. We are not a club or a team. We are also not an academy or a professional feeder system.

    We are a league designed to facilitate the recreational enjoyment of soccer. As a league, we organize divisions for which individuals, friends, groups (and clubs) can register as teams and compete against one another over the course of a season (typically 8 games plus playoffs).

  • Footy hosts leagues nationwide, including NYC, Miami, Tampa Bay, Dallas and more. We are always expanding into new markets and neighborhoods, so keep your eyes peeled.

  • You may spot a division system using the letter "P". The "P" stands for "Pigeon" and we use it to help break up skills as follows:

    P1 = Advanced: Played recently for a D1 college or previously as a semi-professional or professional soccer player.

    P2 = Intermediate/Advanced: Played very competitively in high school and likely at some level in college.

    P3 = Intermediate: Most likely played competitively in high school, but not beyond.

    P4 = Beginner/Intermediate: Played before, but not competitively. Or, returning to the sport for the first time in a long time.

    P5 = Beginner: Brand new to soccer.

  • Currently, we are an exclusively mixed gender league. We do have FLIP leagues, which are majority female leagues and our FLIP 50/50 leagues, where a minimum of 50% of field players are female.

  • Yes, through our partner, BetterPlayer (www.betterplayer.com), members can access training sessions with real coaches any day of the week.

  • In most markets we also offer pickup soccer opportunities.

    Once you become a member of NYC Footy, you will receive regular invitations to join a series of pickups across our markets.

Format

  • At Footy, a game slot is the full window of time set aside for each match. This includes both halves, halftime, and a short buffer for teams to rotate on and off the field.

    Game length is based on two key factors:

    1. Field permits – how many total minutes we’re allowed to use a field, which is often finalized just before the season begins and can occasionally change (including after the permit is finalized).

    2. Number of teams – We aim to reach the ideal number of teams for each league to ensure great competition and smooth scheduling. The exact number—and whether it's even or odd—can affect how game slots are structured.

    Because both of these factors can shift throughout the registration window, we publish an advertised game slot as our best estimate before the season. Once all permits are finalized and team registration closes, we assign the confirmed game slot, which is what teams can expect each week.

    There are a few types of game slots:

    • Standard: Most leagues have consistent weekly game times.

    • Sunset: Game lengths gradually increase (or decrease) during the season as daylight lasts longer (or shorter).

    • Variable: Some fields offer different amounts of time week to week. Game lengths may vary, but we aim to balance them so the average length across the season matches what was advertised.

    While we work hard to keep game slots consistent, they may occasionally change if permits are updated (e.g. facility or park requires one of our confirmed date due to a last minute event) or if more or fewer teams register than expected.

  • Our roster size limit is typically 2x the number of field players. For example, a 7v7 league has a roster limit of 14 players and each team will receive 14 jerseys.

    The exceptions are with our 9v9 leagues, where the roster limit is typically 16, our 11v11 leagues, where the roster limit is 18 or our corporate leagues, where we provide extra roster places for company employees.

    Typically, we will fill a full roster for free agent teams. Note, that doesn't mean 14 players will show up to play each week. In fact, that very rarely happens and a full roster helps protect against forfeits.

  • Players should expect to play 8 regular season games + playoffs.

    Exceptions to the number of games in a season can occur on an individual league basis. Teams and players will be notified in advance via email or as noted on the league registration page.

    If a game is canceled due to weather, field closure or other unexpected circumstances, it may or may not be rescheduled.

    If more than one game in a season is canceled and not rescheduled, players will receive compensation in the form of pro-rated league credits (minus the cost of jerseys) or extended game play for the remaining fixtures in the season.

  • It depends.

    Usually, if there is an odd number of teams or more than 8 teams in a division, there will be at least one (1) bye week.

    However, all players and teams should be prepared to play every week throughout a season, as schedules an be adjusted to accommodate facility changes, weather, rescheduling, etc.

  • Though the number of teams that make playoffs can vary depending on field space and weeks available for an individual permit, the default is as follows:

    -5-6 team divisions = Top 3

    -7-10 team divisions = Top 4

  • At Footy, community comes first — and that means creating an environment where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, both on and off the field.

    We believe recreational soccer should be welcoming and inclusive to people of all life experiences, genders, and beliefs — so long as they align with our Code of Conduct. No matter who you are, you’re welcome here.

    Over the years, Footy has grown into the largest recreational soccer league in the country. We’ve done that by holding fast to a core principle: all our leagues, tournaments, and programs are mixed gender — by design, not by convenience.

    Why being “exclusively mixed” matters — and why it’s challenging.

    It’s important to be transparent about the challenges this commitment presents. Every season, our single largest operational burden is ensuring our free agent teams meet the required number of female-identifying players. This isn't just a minor hurdle — it’s a constant, labor-intensive effort.

    The truth is, we could fill our leagues much more easily if we offered male-only programming. The demand from male players is significantly higher than from female players — a reflection of larger, long-standing disparities in sports participation. But that’s exactly why our mixed mandate matters.

    We believe recreational sports should reflect the diversity of our city. And if we start compromising on inclusion for the sake of ease or speed, we risk losing the very thing that makes Footy special. Upholding mixed-gender leagues is more than a policy — it’s a reflection of our core value: community over convenience.

    What our gender policy is — and why.

    To help address historic imbalances in sports, we require every team to meet a minimum number of female-identifying players per game. This ensures that female athletes aren’t sidelined or excluded in what often becomes a male-dominated environment. It also helps shape the inclusive, balanced culture we believe in.

    At the same time, we know this approach isn’t perfect — especially for non-binary members of our community.

    Let us be clear:

    • Non-binary players are always welcome and valued.

    • For the purposes of our gender policy, “female” refers specifically to players who identify as women.

    • Due to current software limitations, non-binary players are counted in the “non-female” category, which includes male-identifying players.

    We understand this can feel frustrating or limiting — and we want to emphasize: this is not a reflection of how we see or value non-binary identities. Rather, it’s a temporary constraint as we work within the tools available to us.

    As our systems improve, we’re committed to updating our policies to better reflect the full spectrum of gender diversity — with more nuance, flexibility, and care.

    If you have questions, suggestions, or ideas for how we can better live up to our values, we’re always open to the conversation. You can email us anytime.

Pre-Registration

  • The best (and usually cheaper) option is to register as a "team captain". This means you decide who is on your entire team and can make roster changes as you'd like.

    An alternative way to register a team is to register as a "small group". However, in this scenario, Footy sets the roster size and if the roster isn't complete, we will complete it by adding additional individual players. You can find more details about small group registration in these FAQs.

  • You may register as an individual and Footy will place you on a "free agent (FA)" team (usually a collection of individuals). If we are not able to accommodate you, you will receive a full refund or be offered an opportunity to transfer to a different league with availability.

  • Yes. The easiest way to ensure you play with your friends is to click “small group” after clicking the “register” button for your desired league. You will be registered as an individual within a “small group” and you can now ask your friends to register and select the name of your small group.

    A less reliable option is to include the names of friends in the “notes” section when you register as a free agent.

    Please note, if you do not take these steps and email us requests after teams are assigned, we may not be able to make adjustments.

    Also, free agent teams are grouped together based on the time and date they register. If a roster fills in this manner before a member of your small group registers, that player is not guaranteed to be on your roster.

  • Unfortunately, no.  If you want to register with a formal team, please coordinate directly with the team captain; team players may join through a direct invitation link sent by their team captain. Players who register as individuals (or free agents) will be placed on free agent teams made up of other individuals.


    Please note that individual registration discounts cannot be applied toward team registrations, nor can individual registration fees be transferred to or deducted from a formal team’s overall balance.


    For more information, we encourage you to visit our Discount Programs page.

  • Unfortunately, not. Teams are confirmed in advance of a season starting and it's important for the league, teams and players to minimize disruptions caused by players leaving rosters or joining other rosters late.

    You will have an opportunity to adjust your location or skill division when you register for the next season.

  • When we refer to “Rollover,” we are talking about a specific registration window that opens before the general public and may include an added financial incentive to encourage teams to register in the same league season in and season out.

    In other words, if you play Sundays at Bush Terminal Park in the spring, you’ll have an exclusive chance, likely with an added discount, to register for the same Sunday league at Bush Terminal Park in summer.

    If we do not offer the same league, you will receive a rollover opportunity for a similar option.

  • Footy plays on natural grass and artificial turf at our outdoor locations. We play on hardcourt or artificial turf at our indoor locations.

    It is important to note that the conditions of the playing surface can vary widely and we categorize the playing surface into these three categories:

    1. Brand New: This means the playing surface has been recently renovated.

    2. New: This means the field is in excellent condition (usually less than 3 years of use).

    3. Normal: This means the field is in generally good condition but has been used actively for years (usually more than 3 years but less than 10 years).

    4. Aged: This is our lowest category and means the field is in poor condition but remains open and available for active use.

    It’s important to note that field conditions inform our pricing policy.

  • "Anticipated" means we plan to host a league at the promoted location and time, but the permit details are not yet final.

    Permit approval relies on facility staff and is often issued close to kickoff. To prepare for the season, we open registration before final permits.

    While we expect things to go as planned, details may change, or, in rare cases, permits may fall through. Registered players in a league marked as “anticipated” should be aware of this possibility.

    If the league is canceled, players will receive a full refund or given a limited amount of time to transfer to an available league. If a league is not canceled but the details change significantly (e.g., a different day of the week), registered players will have a limited amount of time to request a full refund or a transfer to an available alternative league. After this time, players’ registration is locked into the league reflecting the confirmed details.

    Minor changes (e.g. start and end times, field change at the same facility, etc.) are not eligible for refund or transfer.

Post-Registration

  • Unfortunately, not. Only players that have signed the waiver (thus, Footy registered players) may be used as a substitute.

  • We typically group individuals into teams once registration has been filled or 2-5 days prior to week 1 of a season. Whichever comes first.

    If you request to play with one or more players, we begin by making sure you are all together.

    From there, we split up teams to be as equal as possible based on self-selected skill levels.

  • Unfortunately, no. You must be assigned to a team before you are eligible to play.

    We will do our best to get you assigned as quickly as possible, but registering last minute runs the risk that you will have to wait til the following week to take the field.

  • So long as you request a refund with enough advanced notice prior to a season starting, you will receive a full refund. However, once teams are organized and the schedule is up, we no longer provide refunds. This is for a variety of reasons, but namely the administrative work required to adjust rosters and coordinate logistics when a player drops.

    You can find our full refund and credit policy by visiting our refund and credit policy

  • Free Agents are expected to attend the majority of scheduled games, which shows respect to the team and community by ensuring your team has enough players and can build chemistry.

    Frequent absences without notifying your team will result in suspension from league programs. Please update Footy if your availability changes.

  • In leagues with a 2+ female requirement, a team without the requisite number of female players is given the choice to replace a female spot with a non-female player in exchange for 3 goals to the opponent.

    We encourage captains to use our forums and chats to recruit female players for the season or for individual games (please keep spare jerseys just in case).

  • If a free agent team assembled by Footy does not have the requisite number of female players on their roster, they will be labeled FAx ("x' signifies exception). For the first two (2) weeks of the season, to protect the free agent experience and give them 3 weeks to recruit more female players, referees will reduce the female minimum. Starting Week 3, the ‘x’ is removed and the team is subject to the official format.

    FAx Teams with a female minimum reduced to one (1) for their game(s) are not eligible for the exchange of 3-goals for a female replacement.

    We encourage free agent team captains to use our forums and chats to recruit female players for the season or for individual games (please keep spare jerseys just in case).

    TFL will often provide a generous discount code to the free agent team to help find additional female players

  • If you are assigned captain, then you become the primary point of contact on behalf of your team. You will also be the primary party responsible for speaking to referees of concerns you may have, and of communicating with other captains in our captains chat.

    Most captains will organize their weekly attendance via WhatsApp chat.

    Free agent captains are prohibited from inviting players to their roster without first contacting Footy staff, as all roster players on free agent teams are assigned by Footy staff.

  • Free Agent Teams are formed based on small group preference, gender, and self-assessed skill levels.

    While we do our best to balance teams, playing styles, team chemistry and competitiveness will vary.

Scheduling

  • The official kickoff of a particular league is informed by a number of factors. At times we need to wait for permit details to be finalized, but more often a start date is informed by reaching the requisite number of teams to kick the league off.

    If we need more time to reach a league minimum, the start date will be pushed out from the "tentative" date listed on the registration page.

    It's important to note that pushing out a start date is not considered a "significant" change and is not a qualifying event for a refund or transfer.

    Furthermore, all leagues will be played within the window between the tentative start date and the end date. If a start date is pushed out, it should not change the number of games a team will play by the advertised end date. If for any reason pushing a start date results in less games or an end date significantly past the advertised end date, players will be compensated accordingly.

    Please note, for winter leagues that do not have the requisite number of teams by December 15th will have their start date moved to January due to the holiday break that typically begins around December 20th.

  • Generally, no. Often, we will push out the start of a league if teams are still being finalized or facility or field disruptions require that we push the league out. If this happens, the league will still be played in full, with all regular season games scheduled.

  • Yes, we prioritize keeping games on as long as the field conditions are safe. We will not start or continue games if there is active dangerous weather (lightning, thunder, etc.) at kickoff or during the game. If weather turns during a game, we begin with a "delay then play" policy. The referees will wait and if 20 minutes passes without dangerous weather, games will continue, otherwise it will be called complete (if past halftime) or abandoned.

    Abandoned games may not get rescheduled (depends on available permit time).

    For more information, visit our weather protocol.

  • Yes, we run outdoor leagues all year round and plan on playing unless the weather is dangerous (unseasonal temperature extremes, lightning, hail, unhealthy air quality, etc.). When you register, expect to play during inclement weather typical to the season (e.g. snow in winter).

    Please note, that due to limits on the number of available weeks on a permit, we cannot guarantee all canceled games will be rescheduled. We will, however, do our very best to make sure we can reschedule games.

    Players should be prepared for the possibility of playing rescheduled games at different fields or times in order to successfully make up the canceled games.

    For more information, visit our weather protocol.

  • Rescheduling games is not guaranteed and is not as straightforward as simply moving the games to another day at the same time and place. We are constrained by permit availability and this informs our policy.

    Rescheduling takes the following priority:

    1. Extend the season by adding a rescheduled week (if permit time allows).

    2. Add the game to an existing week with double-headers (if permit time allows).

    3. Schedule the game at one of our dedicated "make-up" fields on a different day (usually Saturday or Sunday). Teams are expected to attend and will be subject to our forfeit policy.

    4. No reschedule and the game is canceled entirely. This is an extremely rare scenario.*

    *Leagues with game cancelations and/or reschedules are not eligible for partial or complete refunds or credits. For more info, please review our refund policy.

  • Through the year, there are only 4 holiday periods where we do not hold games.

    -New Year’s

    -Memorial Day

    -Labor Day

    -Christmas

    *Due to permit restrictions, we are often not able to take off other holidays. If the schedule permits, however, we will take off on Juneteenth and July 4th and/or the Juneteenth & July 4th weekend. But this is not guaranteed and is on a league-by-league basis.

    Please plan on playing during all other holidays (e.g. Easter, Veteran's Day, Mother's Day, etc.).

    TFL may take an ad-hoc day off, should the schedule allow, for certain key holidays or events (e.g. SuperBowl, World Cup Finals, etc.)

Equipment

  • Yes, your registration comes with a jersey, which you will receive during Week 1 of the season.

    Footwear, socks, and athletic shorts/pants are not included with your registration.

    Shin guards are not provided but are required for all Footy leagues, no exceptions.

  • All teams and players must pick up their jerseys on Week 1 of the season, even if your team is on a bye week.

    Failure to for a team pick up jerseys during Week 1 will lead to a 1 point deduction.

    Free agent individuals that cannot attend week 1 must coordinate with their teammates or another person to retrieve their jersey.

    Lost or missing jerseys must be replaced by purchasing new jerseys by emailing info[at]thefootyleague.com.

  • Yes. Although we do not allow external kits to be used in our leagues, we can accommodate customizations. That means choosing your desired color, picking your jersey size and number, placing names on the back and, of course, placing a custom logo on the chest.

    If you are interested in this, please email info[at]thefootyleague.com.

  • No, cleats are not required. In fact, NYC Footy recommends turf shoes over cleats for all synthetic fields (artificial ground, multi ground, or turf cleats).

    Cleats with metal studs are not allowed in any Footy league.

    In addition, certain locations do have restrictions. For instance, the Parks Department may require only soccer boots designed for synthetic turf.

    To learn about suggested footwear at your specific league, please refer to the league welcome email.

  • No, there are a handful of facilities that do not permit cleats. For instance, cleats are not allowed at Soccer Center in Queens (indoor or outdoor) Chelsea Piers Field House in Brooklyn (indoor) or Riverbank State Park (outdoor).

    Please be sure to refer to your league “Welcome Email” with details about equipment policies at the facility you’ll be playing at.

  • Yes, just like your youth teams growing up or your college team and pro teams, we operate an organized, professional experience despite being a local, recreational league.

    One (1) goal is given to the opponent for any player that takes the field without their assigned Footy jersey.

  • Yes, always. No exceptions.