Soccer is a popular sport in New Hampshire, with many opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to get involved. Whether you’re looking to join a youth league, play at the high school level, or compete at the college level, there are plenty of options available.
For those just starting out, there are a variety of youth leagues and camps to choose from, offering instruction and opportunities to develop skills and make new friends. High school soccer is also a popular option, with many schools fielding competitive teams and offering opportunities for players to showcase their talents.
For more experienced players, there are a number of college and semi-professional teams in the area, providing opportunities to play at a higher level and potentially even earn scholarships or pursue a career in the sport. With so many options available, it’s no wonder that soccer is such a beloved pastime in New Hampshire.
History of Soccer in New Hampshire
Soccer has been played in New Hampshire for over a century, with a rich history of both men’s and women’s teams. The sport has grown in popularity over the years, with many high schools and colleges fielding competitive teams. This section will explore the early years of soccer in New Hampshire, as well as the modern era.
Early Years
The earliest recorded soccer games in New Hampshire date back to the late 1800s, with the first intercollegiate game played between Dartmouth College and Harvard University in 1905. The sport continued to grow in popularity throughout the early 1900s, with the formation of several amateur and semi-professional teams.
One of the most successful early teams was the Manchester West Side Rangers, who won the National Amateur Cup in 1925 and 1926. The team also won several state and regional championships throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Modern Era
The modern era of soccer in New Hampshire began in the 1960s, with the formation of several youth leagues and the establishment of the New Hampshire Soccer Association. The association oversees both youth and adult soccer leagues throughout the state.
College soccer has also grown in popularity, with several universities fielding competitive teams. The University of New Hampshire’s men’s and women’s soccer teams have both enjoyed success in recent years, with the men’s team winning the America East Conference championship in 2019.
Additionally, the state has been home to several professional soccer teams, including the New Hampshire Phantoms and the Seacoast United Phantoms. These teams have competed in various leagues, including the Premier Development League and the National Premier Soccer League.
Soccer Teams in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a variety of soccer teams, ranging from professional to amateur. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or looking to join a team, there are plenty of options available in the state.
Professional Teams
Currently, there are no professional soccer teams in New Hampshire. However, nearby states such as Massachusetts and New York have several professional teams that are easily accessible for New Hampshire residents.
Amateur Teams
There are numerous amateur soccer teams in New Hampshire that offer opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to participate in the sport.
The New Hampshire Soccer Association offers adult leagues for both men and women, as well as a co-ed division. The league is made up of teams from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, providing a diverse range of competition.
For youth players, the New Hampshire Soccer Association also offers a variety of programs and leagues. These programs focus on teaching kids the fundamentals of soccer while also promoting good sportsmanship and a love of the game.
Other amateur teams in New Hampshire include the Bow Soccer Club, which competes in the New Hampshire Soccer League and is primarily comprised of coaches with proper licensing and training for kids of diverse age levels. Additionally, the Nashua World Cup Soccer Club offers opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to participate in soccer tournaments and leagues.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the soccer community in New Hampshire.
Soccer Leagues in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a variety of soccer leagues for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a competitive league or a more recreational one, there’s something for everyone.
Youth Leagues
The New Hampshire Soccer Association (NHSA) offers a youth soccer program that provides great competition at all levels while teaching kids great sportsmanship and love of the game. Any US Soccer affiliated club in good standing with NHSA and US Soccer may participate in the league. NHSA also offers an Olympic Development Program (ODP) for youth players who want to improve their skills and potentially play at a higher level.
For indoor soccer, FieldHouse Sports offers year-round indoor soccer leagues for all players: youth to adult, male, female, and coed. Divisions are offered for all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced and recreational to competitive.
Additionally, many towns and cities throughout New Hampshire have their own youth soccer leagues, such as the Amherst Soccer Club and the Nashua Youth Soccer Association.
Adult Leagues
New Hampshire also has a variety of adult soccer leagues for players of all skill levels. NHSA offers an adult program that helps promote health and good sportsmanship in a safe competitive environment. The program offers both indoor and outdoor leagues for men and women.
For indoor soccer, FieldHouse Sports offers year-round indoor soccer leagues for all players: youth to adult, male, female, and coed. Divisions are offered for all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced and recreational to competitive.
Many towns and cities throughout New Hampshire also have their own adult soccer leagues, such as the Manchester Soccer League and the Concord Soccer League.
Soccer Tournaments in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers a variety of soccer tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels. These tournaments provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, compete against other teams, and have fun. Here are some of the top soccer tournaments in New Hampshire:
Granite State Games
The Granite State Games is a multi-sport event that takes place annually in New Hampshire. The soccer tournament is open to players of all ages and abilities, and features both boys’ and girls’ divisions. The tournament is held in late June and early July, and attracts teams from all over the state. The tournament is organized by the New Hampshire Amateur Athletic Association (NHAAA).
Seacoast United Outdoor Tournament Series
The Seacoast United Outdoor Tournament Series is a series of tournaments that take place throughout the year. The tournaments are open to both boys’ and girls’ teams, and feature different age divisions. The tournaments are held at various locations throughout New Hampshire, and attract teams from all over New England. The tournament series is organized by Seacoast United, a soccer club based in Hampton, New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Soccer Association Tournaments
The New Hampshire Soccer Association (NHSA) organizes several tournaments throughout the year. These tournaments are open to both boys’ and girls’ teams, and feature different age divisions. The NHSA tournaments are held at various locations throughout the state, and attract teams from all over New Hampshire. The NHSA also organizes the New Hampshire State Cup, which is a statewide tournament for premier-level teams.
Overall, New Hampshire offers a variety of soccer tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels. These tournaments provide an opportunity for players to compete, have fun, and improve their skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is a soccer tournament in New Hampshire that is right for you.
Soccer Fields in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a variety of soccer fields, both indoor and outdoor, that offer a range of playing surfaces and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a place to practice or a location for a competitive game, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One of the most popular soccer fields in the state is the Hampshire Dome, located in Milford. This indoor facility features a full-size soccer field with artificial turf, as well as a variety of other sports facilities. The dome is open year-round and offers leagues and tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels.
Another great option for indoor play is the Seacoast United Sports Complex in Hampton. This facility boasts three indoor fields with turf surfaces, as well as a variety of amenities such as a fitness center, snack bar, and pro shop. Seacoast United also offers leagues and tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels.
For those who prefer outdoor play, New Hampshire has plenty of options as well. The Derryfield School in Manchester offers a beautiful outdoor soccer field with natural grass, as well as a variety of other sports facilities. The school also hosts a number of soccer tournaments throughout the year.
Other popular outdoor soccer fields in New Hampshire include the Nashua Sports Academy, which features both indoor and outdoor fields, and the Seacoast United Outdoor Complex in Epping, which boasts six outdoor fields with turf surfaces.
Overall, New Hampshire offers a wide range of soccer fields for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor play, natural grass or artificial turf, there’s a field in the state that’s perfect for you.
Conclusion
Overall, soccer in New Hampshire is a thriving sport with many opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. From youth leagues to high school and college teams, there are plenty of options for those looking to get involved in the sport.
Seacoast United is a prominent club in the state, offering opportunities for both boys and girls at various levels of play. The New Hampshire Soccer Association also provides resources and support for players, coaches, and referees.
It’s important to note that while soccer is a popular sport in New Hampshire, it’s not the only one. There are many other sports and activities available for those looking to stay active and engaged in their communities.
However, for those passionate about soccer, New Hampshire provides a supportive and competitive environment to play and grow in the sport. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s a place for you in the soccer community in New Hampshire.
