WE ARE A COMMUNITY

The Grand Rapids Champs League is a community soccer game for anyone and everyone. This league was created to bring the diverse communities within the City of Grand Rapids closer and create bonds between neighbors other city dwellers. In order to be eligible to play, each person must either live, work, or attend school within the City of Grand Rapids. Our focus is to bring neighborhoods together around the game of soccer, and then get some beers at a nearby bar. 

While there are rules the thing to keep in mind is that this league is centered around community. It’s not just a cheap soccer league. It’s a league with a purpose of supporting our parks, building strong neighborhoods, creating bonds with neighbors, and encouraging physical activity by playing soccer.

THE RULES

RULE #1: This is a recreational experience, so rule number one is

  • Players are expected to be courteous and respectful
  • No trash talking or taunting
  • Overly-physical play can result in a ban
  • No slide tackling
  • Feet must be on the ground when going for the ball
  • Players cannot challenge a goalie who has possession of the ball
  • You kick it, you get it.
  • Each team supplies a size 5 ball
  • Each team must contribute $100 min. to local charity/non-profit
  • Games are 7v7 (6 players, 1 goalkeeper).
    • Must have at least 3 members of each gender
    • Less than 7 players or only two minority gender = forfeit
    • Even in a forfeit, we are still here to have fun… so play the game without keeping score!
  • Goalkeepers can’t punt or drop-kick the ball
  • All free kicks are indirect
  • Unlimited substitutions at-will from midfield
  • No off-sides penalty, but cherry-picking is not allowed (see Rule 1)