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Is it too cold to play soccer in fall and winter? I often think so when the season comes around, but after five minutes of playing, I don’t notice the cold. Although, some conditions are too extreme for this sport.
Is Soccer a Winter Sport?
Soccer can be played in the fall and winter on the right surfaces with the correct cleats. Although, conditions need to be suitable for human comfort and safety.
Professional soccer fields are heated to extreme conditions. So they can work around most conditions.
The fall brings winds, rain, and snow. It’s not the same as playing soccer in the summer. Although, there are some advantages to playing in fall and winter.
The temperature in the height of the summer months can be too much, especially in the direct sun, which requires water breaks and even air-conditioned stadiums.
During the colder months, much will depend on your location. The conditions vary so much from the north to the south of the states.
When is the MLS Soccer Season?
The MLS season begins in March, the playoffs are in October, and the finale is in November. So here in the US, the professionals play soccer in the fall, with a break for the winter months.
In other sports like football, that is played until early January. The competition for TV viewings and the following that football has may be why soccer is not competing in the same months.
European Football Season
The English Premier League season begins in August, runs through winter, and finishes in May. They have some pretty harsh winters, but most higher league divisions have underground heating, so the turf does not get frozen.
Another popular league is La Liga in Spain – they do have a winter break. The reason is to rest their players for a few weeks during the middle of the season.
For the non-professional and youth leagues in the UK, during the winter, many games are called off. They’re rescheduled for the spring. There’s a demand now for all-weather pitches to continue playing.
Can I play on Icy Turf?
It’s not advisory for soccer to be played on icy turf. The ground is too hard for the game to be played safely.
Normally in soccer, there are times when a player hits the ground. The impact of a frozen pitch is tough and can cause many injuries.
Some players enjoy a sliding tackle, but this is a definite no-no with a frozen pitch.
The soccer players use cleats with studs designed to stick into the soil for grip. If the soil is too hard for the studs to sink into, it can be like going on an ice rink with sneakers.
Before a professional game in the winter, the referee will test the ground with a pitchfork. If the ground is too hard, the game is off.
Soccer Surface Options During Fall and Winter
Turf
If the ground is solid or frozen, then it’s too dangerous to play. In the fall and winter, rainfall is much higher, this can cause fields to be waterlogged.
Another reason to avoid turf during these seasons is that a ball does not travel well along a flood plain! Fields should be inspected before a game, with the players’ safety a prime concern.
Hard Court
A hard court indoors can be great to play on, but if it’s outdoors, it’s too slippery. If there’s heavy rainfall, you need the right footwear; even then, it can be slippy.
Any moisture that gets on the pitch can make it like an ice rink when it’s freezing outside. So to enjoy your game, an indoor hard court is a good option, although there’s a better option.
Artificial Grass – Astroturf
The best option for playing soccer in the winter months is artificial grass. There are three different options, 2G, 3G, and 4G.
For artificial turf, soccer cleats worn on grass fields are unsuitable- they can easily cause an ankle injury. Special artificial/astroturf boots are available.
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- 2G has a slight artificial grass height similar to that of a tennis ball. Because of the short strands, it does not take long for the grass to flatten. This type of field can also be very slippy in the winter.
- 3G has a substantially greater length depth than artificial grass, making it more like turf.
Across most of these pitches are rubber pellets, which keep the longevity of the grass and give if soft spongy feel to the feet. The 3G pitch is also suitable to play on during winter, even when it’s icy or snowing.
The best soccer surface to play on during fall and winter is a 4G field – indoors or outdoors. For safety, practicality, and an enjoyable game.
- 4G is similar to 3G but with longer artificial grass blades, which can be very similar to playing on real grass.
Is soccer a Fall and Winter Sport? Advantages
Soccer is a physical game, and there’s a lot of running. The coolness of the winter cools the players down quickly, so there’s no danger of overheating.
The chance of dehydration is minimal during these months, and less water is needed to drink.
There are fewer options for sports to be played in the fall and winter so soccer can be a great hobby for those with great interest during these quieter months.
Is soccer a Fall and Winter Sport? Disadvantages
If you play on the wrong surface, as we looked at, there can be a real danger of injuring yourself or an opponent.
If you don’t have the right cleats on or play on a dangerous surface, an injury can easily occur.
Players are more prone to injuries during the colder months, as people are less inclined to do a proper warm-up so that the muscles are stretched – which is the main reason for an injury.
Playing Soccer: Fall and Winter
If a field near you has a 3G or 4G pitch, it’s more than adequate to play soccer there in the fall and winter.
Ideally, if you have a sports center where you can play indoors, wear the right cleats for it.
Playing soccer outdoors can be free, so there can be more of a cost to playing in these seasons, but it’s worth it.
Related Questions
From September to November and from March till May.
Soccer for the professionals in the States is not played in the winter but it’s possible to play on the right surfaces with the correct cleats.
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
