There’s nothing better than organizing a fun game of soccer with your friends. From grass to turf to gravel fields, Vancouver offers a variety of outdoor pitches for soccer enthusiasts to enjoy a match or two. Whether you’re playing for fun or as part of a competitive team, why not go discover some new places to play this weekend? [Photo credit: iStock.com/DragonImages]
Footie fans who want to play a game at one of the most prime downtown locations should visit Andy Livingstone Park. Located just a stone’s throw away from Rogers Arena, BC Place, and False Creek near Science World, this popular field offers visitors the chance to play on one of two popular lighted artificial turfs while also enjoying some scenic views within the park itself. Plus there are plenty of restaurants nearby for post-match beers and bites.
Jericho Beach Park offers soccer enthusiasts the chance to play their favourite game right by the water. For players who want to take a break, this park offers visitors some shade from the sun in its picnic areas and also has a concession stand in case you forget to pack yourself a snack. Since the park is right by the sandy beaches, it’s also a perfect place to spend the afternoon playing soccer before enjoying a dip in the water.
If you’re a fan of picturesque views, why not take your next soccer game to West Point Grey Park? West Point Grey’s two soccer fields are located high above English Bay and offers spectacular views of the water and the North Shore. For those who want to take a break from playing soccer, the park also offers basketball courts, bowling greens, tennis courts and a wading pool to cool off during the summer months.
Located right by False Creek in Yaletown, David Lam Park offers just the perfect amount of green space to organize a fun soccer game among a group of friends. Although this park only offers one official soccer field, the views and location make waiting for a spot worth the wait – and who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend or two by joining a game in progress! After your game, take a stroll eastward along the seawall for a nice cool-down and stop in for some award-winning gelato at Bella Gelateria!
As the name suggests, Memorial South Park was built to commemorate those who fought in World War I. This large park in the Riley Park/Sunset neighbourhood is a popular spot for local sports teams and amateur athletes as it offers ample space to play. In addition to four soccer fields, the park also includes a lit synthetic turf field perfect for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. Fun fact: Memorial South Park is also the home to Vancouver’s first Cenotaph, which was relocated to the park from South Vancouver Municipal Hall in 1939.
Many people may recognize Empire Fields as the home of the BC Lions’ temporary football stadium. The Lions relocated to BC Place in 2012, which allowed the City of Vancouver to dismantle the stadium on East Hastings to make space for a community sports field. Empire Fields was also used as the training venue for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The park’s two synthetic turf fields, warm up area, track, spectator seating and other professional amenities that make this a good space for organized teams.
Located right beside Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Conservatory, Hillcrest Park offers visitors three lush soccer fields to play on. This 7.5-hectare park is home to Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, a playground, four baseball diamonds and a jogging trail, and also offers scenic views of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains in the distance, making it a great place to play a casual game of soccer for kids and adults alike.