So what if you need to bundle up a bit to play the beautiful game? Playing outdoors is exciting year round, but when you do it in the winter, the praise you get for pushing back against the elements cannot be matched. You'll feel closer to your teammates, and since you'll be spending most of winter indoors, breathing in fresh air outside may as well be while you're playing the game you love. Without further delay, here’s our top picks for the best outdoor leagues if you’re looking to…

Crush Monday Morning: Sundays P3 & P4 at DeWitt Clinton

Evening games under the lights at DeWitt Clinton Park on Manhattan's West Side epitomizes NYC's one of a kind soccer culture. You'll end your weekend on a high note after releasing all those endorphins and wake up feeling ready for whatever Monday is trying to throw your way (which you will be prepped for because your body is still on alert for throw ins)  Plus, street parking is always easier on Sundays and since DeWitt Clinton is near the West Side Highway you can make a quick escape home if you're traveling by car.

Shake Up Your Weekly Routine: Wednesdays P3 & P4/P5 at Astoria Park

Night games with a bridge as your backdrop in a neighborhood that loves to stay out late? Yeah, this is something you can absolutely look forward to as a midweek treat for yourself.

Kill Time Between Brunch and Dinner: Saturdays P2, P3, and P4 50/50 at McCarren Park

We’ve got the sweet spot as far as what to do between dining times at McCarren Park this winter. Start the day with brunch on the early side in either Greenpoint or Williamsburg before breaking for a game. By the time you’re done, some of our top spots nearby like Bernie’s and Rule of Thirds will be ready to open their doors for dinner.

Get Out of the House on Sunday and Stay Out: Sundays P2 & P3 at Peter's Field

Our leagues at Peter's Field in Gramercy are in that sweet Sunday spot from 1 pm to 3 pm which means you can wake up late, play a game before the sun goes down, and then head out with your team to one of the many low key pubs on 3rd avenue or pick up an ice cream at Caffe Panna to continue training your body on embracing the cold.

Start or Rekindle Your Love Affair with Soccer: Sundays at Reinaldo Salgado

If you self-identify as a beginner player, then our P5 league in Bed-Stuy at Reinaldo Salgado Playground is our pick to begin your coed soccer escapades. We love the neighborhood charm this pitch provides and the time slot on Sundays means you’ll be playing in daylight hours, with plenty of time before and after to stretch out those well worked muscles. If you’re looking to switch up the traditional coed format, one of our winter female majority Flip leagues is located here for those who wish to play at the P3 skill level.

Prove You're a Top Baller: Sundays P1/P2 at Baruch Playground

Our top skills division in one of our most popular locations, competing in Sunday afternoon P1/P2 games at Baruch Playground means you have lots of self confidence in your abilities and relish the chance to compete. The fact that it's within walking distance to one of the city's best barbershops and salons - Mildred and Love Dunette - means you can get a fresh field look before chopping up the competition.

Want to be the first player to learn about our top choices for indoor pitches? We'll be revealing our Best Indoor Leagues If You’re Looking To… list of indoor turf and hardcourt spots in this week’s Sunday newsletter (plus occasional free ticket offers and partner discounts on things like that good good mezcal), so if you aren’t on our newsletter grind, subscribe here.