Sven Gustafson warming up before taking the field for Brightmoor.The Detroit City Futbol League kicked off its second season yesterday with games at Belle Isle and Historic Fort Wayne. The league had a massive expansion in the off-season, doubling in size from 11 teams to 22 and there are now more than 500 players taking part.
The Futbol League isn’t just about exercise or the competitive spirit—it’s about building neighborhoods and strength in communities. Each team is named after a historic Detroit neighborhood and only 5 players on each team can live outside of the neighborhood.
The league plays 8-on-8 adult co-ed soccer. They play every Tuesday night through August 2nd.
Only the first two weeks feature games at Historic Fort Wayne. I highly suggest you check out the games there next Tuesday, May 31, 2011. The Fort is situated on the Detroit River and it was Detroit’s first fort build by Americans. It’s quite amazing to walk around the grounds and then watch a soccer game with the Detroit River, freighters, and Canada as a backdrop.
If you can’t make it next Tuesday, stop by Belle Isle over the summer. I suggest bringing some chairs and a picnic. It makes for a lovely evening out in Detroit.
I watched the impressive Downtown team beat Lafayette Park. The second game on that field was Brightmoor versus Roosevelt. I left shortly after the half but Brightmoor was holding its own even though they were playing two men down. Brightmoor ended up winning 5-3.
Even if you don’t like or understand soccer this is a good evening out. And either at Belle Isle or Historic Fort Wayne, you will find yourself in beautiful surroundings.
Historic Fort Wayne
Women representing on the pitch!
Man down for Lafayette Park.
Downtown FC not happy with the call.
Downtown vs. Lafayette Park.
That's the Detroit River in the background!
Brightmoor vs Roosevelt.
Phil Cooley, owner of Slows Bar BQ, walking towards the Corktown team.
Check the Detroit City Futbol League schedule and catch some footy this summer!