What Is Small Goal Soccer?

Small Goal Soccer began in Phoenix, Arizona in 2008 with a simple idea: create fast-paced, organized adult soccer without the time commitment of full-field leagues.

After years of running informal 6v6 pick-up games, weekly turnout grew to more than 50 players. The passion was there — the competition, the goals, the community — but the structure was missing. That moment marked the beginning of Small Goal Soccer.

What started as local 6v6 games quickly evolved into a fully organized adult soccer league. With referees, clear rules, and consistent scheduling, Small Goal Soccer became a reliable home for players looking for competitive matches in a shorter, more accessible format.

From the beginning, players from all over the world — American, Irish, Ghanaian, Japanese, and many others — formed the foundation of the league. That diversity shaped the culture of Small Goal Soccer and remains core to who we are today.

Our Mission

Small Goal Soccer is built on a simple philosophy:

To provide affordable, organized, fast-paced soccer for adult players of all skill levels while building a strong and inclusive soccer community.

We believe everyone should have access to competitive soccer without long games, large rosters, or excessive time commitments.

Small Goal Soccer Today

Today, Small Goal Soccer operates adult soccer leagues across six states with more than 100,000 annual participants, making it the largest adult soccer organization in the United States.

Our leagues currently run in:
Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Denver.

Each league follows the same core principles:

• Small-sided formats (6v6 and select 7v7 leagues)

• Consistent scheduling

• Certified referees

• Competitive and recreational divisions

• Welcoming environments for all players

Join the Small Goal Soccer Community

Small Goal Soccer is more than a league — it’s a community built around the game we all love.

Everyone is welcome. Join the movement.

Adam Thelwell
Founder & National Director, Small Goal Soccer

If you have any questions or would like to view the league rules, please visit our FAQ page.