Pick up soccer looks simple. A few people show up. Someone drops a ball on the grass. The game starts. But what if it could be more than that? What if a weekly pick up game became the place where people feel known, welcomed, and cared for?

At Athletes in Action, we believe sport is a gift from God. Soccer speaks a language that crosses age, culture, and background. You do not need a platform or a microphone. You just need a ball, a field, and a willingness to care about the people who show up.

Here is the secret. You do not need a big program. You just need a plan, a few faithful friends, and a heart that wants to love people like Jesus.

Step 1: Start With 3 or 4 Friends and Pray

Do not do this alone. Find 3 or 4 friends who love Jesus and like soccer. They do not have to be great players. They just need to be willing to show up and care about people.

Meet up for 15 minutes and pray about it together. Ask God to bring the right people. Ask Him to help you be kind and brave. Ask Him to build real friendships through the game.

Keep praying each week, even if it is short. Prayer keeps this from becoming just another activity.

Step 2: Pick a Field That Makes It Easy to Say Yes

Choose a park or field that is easy to get to. Think about parking, bathrooms, and safety. A place near neighborhoods, schools, or a community center is often a good choice.

Try to pick a spot that feels welcoming, not hidden. When people can find it easily, they are more likely to come back.

Step 3: Choose a Day and Time You Can Keep

Consistency builds trust. Pick one day and time you can commit to for at least two months.

A simple goal is one hour, once a week. If people know it is always Tuesday at 6:30, they can plan around it. If the time keeps changing, people will stop trying.

If it rains, have a clear plan. Either cancel early or move to a backup spot. Clear communication helps people feel respected.

Step 4: Set a Simple Game Plan

Keep rules simple so new people can jump in.

• Play small-sided games like 5 on 5 or 7 on 7 if you can.

• Rotate teams often so no one feels left out.

• Focus on fun and safety over winning.

• Bring extra training bibs/pinnies (used for assigning teams) if you have them.

• Bring a second soccer ball, so you can run multiple games at once (or in case you lose one!)

You are not trying to run a league. You are creating a space where anyone can belong.

Step 5: Invite People in a Way That Feels Natural

Start with people you already know, then invite them to bring a friend.

Places to invite people:

• Your neighborhood

• Your church

• Your workplace

• Your child’s sports circle

• Local community groups

When you invite, keep it simple.

“We play pick up soccer every week. It’s friendly and open to anyone. Want to come?”

Do not worry about getting a huge group on day one. A small start is still a real start.

Step 6: Be the Welcomer Every Single Week

This part matters more than your passing skills.

When someone new shows up:

• Walk over and say hi.

• Ask their name and use it.

• Ask how they heard about the game.

• Tell them you are glad they came.

• Help them find a spot on a team.

If you do only one thing, do this. People come back when they feel noticed.

Step 7: Learn Names and Remember Details

Names turn a crowd into a community. Try to learn two new names each week. If it helps, repeat the name right after you hear it.

Also listen for small details. What do they do for work? Do they have kids? Are they new to the city? These details help you care in real ways later.

Step 8: Create Space for Life Talk After the Game

The best conversations often happen after the last goal.

Plan something simple:

• Grab tacos nearby

• Go for smoothies

• Bring snacks and water

• Sit around and cool down together

You can ask easy questions like:

• What brought you out today?

• How has your week been?

• What do you do when you are not playing soccer?

Be a good listener. You do not have to fix people. You just have to care.

Step 9: Care for People on Purpose

Over time, someone will show up stressed, hurt, or heavy. This is where ministry becomes real.

Ways to care:

• Check in during the week with a quick text

• Ask how an injury is doing

• Offer a ride if someone needs it

• Celebrate wins in their life, not just goals

• Show up when they say something matters to them

If someone shares something hard, you can ask a simple question.

“Would it be okay if I prayed for you?”

Keep it short and sincere. Many people have never had someone do that for them.

Step 10: Keep the Team Praying and Paying Attention

Your 3 or 4 friends should keep meeting and praying, even if it is just a quick huddle before the game.

Ask questions like:

• Who is new this week?

• Who needs encouragement?

• Who should we invite to food after?

• How can we serve this group better?

This keeps your hearts focused on people, not just the game.

Step 11: Invite People Into Deeper Friendship Over Time

As trust grows, you can invite people to something more personal.

Ideas:

• A watch party for a big match

• A cookout

• A family friendly hangout at the park

• A short story night where people share life moments

You do not need to rush. Real ministry often moves at the speed of relationships.

Why This Works

Pick up soccer is simple, but it is powerful. People come from all kinds of backgrounds. They come for a game, but many stay for friendship.

When you show up every week, welcome people well, and care about their lives, you are creating a place that feels safe and good. That is when the door opens for hope, prayer, and real conversations about Jesus.

One ball. One field. One weekly habit.

God can do a lot with that.