Stroll by Linda Beach playfield Sunday morning at 9:00 am and you will spot a group of women playing a spirited pickup soccer game. These women have been playing together for years—for the enjoyment, for the exercise, for the camaraderie. They call themselves “Soccer on Sunday.” The origins of Soccer on Sunday began about 30 years ago with a group of soccer moms.
As Sonia Spindt (who recently retired from playing goalie after many years) recounts, one Saturday morning at their kids’ game, a few mothers started talking about how much fun their players were having and, while that was great, it would be wonderful for the moms to have the same kind of fun. With that, Soccer on Sunday began.
From the start, the rules were simple: regardless of your soccer skills, just show up Sunday mornings at 9:00, be prepared to have fun and even be silly at times, don’t worry about the “score” or how well each person is playing and enjoy a pleasurable hour away from family responsibilities.
From that humble beginning, Soccer on Sunday has flourished, accommodating more than just soccer moms.
Women range in age from 20-something to 60-something. They vary in ability from complete soccer newbies to former college players. What they have in common and what keeps them coming back is a love of the beautiful game and an appreciation of the women who play it. As Sonia says, “Playing soccer every Sunday morning with some very amazing women was always a very special part of my week.”
So if you pass by Linda Beach playfield on Sunday mornings, say hello and cheer them on.
Or — better yet, lace up your cleats, come down onto the field, and kick the ball around, make new friends, and be a part of something special.