175th Street Soccer




 

    Street Soccer is a game enjoyed by everyone. On this early fall afternoon at J. Hood Wright Park this statement remains true. Kids and adults of all backgrounds share the same patch of concrete. This patch of concrete is not like any other though. It is bragging rights for who is the best on the day. Each day the the best must compete again or their bragging rights will be lost. 

    Teams are small, five a side plus a goalie. The games are quick, two goals or ten minutes; whichever comes first. This day there were several teams but the waiting time for a game is never too long. The fast paced and small nature of the playing pitch make it exciting for not only the player, but to the spectator, who get a closeup view at all times. 

    Soccer is a chance to communicate and get to know people, I would have walked past most of these faces on the street but here we stop and talk. I knew people from this park where I played when I was younger but I don't get to see much of them throughout the year, since this is mainly a summer thing. It was nostalgic in many ways to re-connect with players who I used to play everyday with in the park, and see where everyone was going to school or working. We play till it gets dark and plan on meeting again later that week. 


Location: Washington Heights, New York, NY, USA

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