By: Elizabeth Rakow
Published On: 5/30/2026
WE TRIED IT:
Soccer
Have you heard? Soccer is the sport of the summer.
Not only is the biggest tournament in the world hosting games across the US for the first time since 1994, but FP Movement’s very own city of Philadelphia will be holding a few games throughout June and July. We thought there was no better time to take to the field and give the world’s game a try for ourselves.
WHERE WE WENT
Ballers Philadelphia welcomed us to their indoor turf field, perfectly sized for a game of 5v5. Having opened their doors in November of 2025, the massive, high-end sports and social club is located at The Battery in Fishtown and features indoor sports facilities for pickleball, squash, soccer, golf, and more. The multi-use field is flanked by graffitied walls, lots of natural light, and sky-high ceilings that make the space feel like the wide open soccer fields of our youth.
WHAT WE DID
When we arrived at Ballers on a sunny Tuesday morning, we were greeted by our instructor for the day, Coach Chris. A lifetime soccer player and fan of the game, Chris coaches 3 different teams at varying levels and still gets out on the field to compete in leagues across the city. Like he would with any group of beginners, Chris had us start out with the basics. While a few of us had some high school soccer experience, this was largely a beginners’ go.
Dribbling
To start off, Chris taught us how we can use different surfaces of the foot to control the ball. We began with the Laces (the top of the foot) and were taught to point our toes down, lock the ankle, and push the ball with one foot as we jogged across the field, allowing the other foot to point in the direction we wanted the ball to go. This was the best way to start learning ball control (even though it took many a stray kick in the wrong direction to get it right).
Next we tried Inside/Outside, which is best for changing direction and creating “cuts” to move around obstacles or defenders. “For best control, try taking one touch with every step,” Chris told us, “When running with the ball, keep your toes straight forward and slightly pointed down while lifting your knee.” This positioning helps the ball move in sync with your stride so you don’t feel the need to look down as much, giving you the chance to spot open space, shots to take, or teammates to pass to. Speaking of passing…
Next we tried Inside/Outside, which is best for changing direction and creating “cuts” to move around obstacles or defenders. “For best control, try taking one touch with every step,” Chris told us, “When running with the ball, keep your toes straight forward and slightly pointed down while lifting your knee.” This positioning helps the ball move in sync with your stride so you don’t feel the need to look down as much, giving you the chance to spot open space, shots to take, or teammates to pass to. Speaking of passing…
Passing
Next Chris had us split into pairs to practice passing back and forth. To achieve an easy pass: step toward your partner and plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, with your toes pointing toward them. Turn your kicking foot outward at a 90-degree angle, lock your ankle, and kick through the center of the ball.
Is it always this simple for beginners? Of course not – we had soccer balls flying in every direction. However, these very direct instructions gave everyone a great baseline to start from.
Is it always this simple for beginners? Of course not – we had soccer balls flying in every direction. However, these very direct instructions gave everyone a great baseline to start from.
The Match
After some passing, a few dribbling relay races (Team Highlighter took the victory), and some incredibly necessary water breaks, it was time for the big match: Team Highlighter vs. Team Midnight. We know what you’re thinking…did this match have the same energy as a bunch of toddlers flocking to the ball in a peewee soccer game? Not quite!!! Thanks to the experience of a few key players and Coach Chris to help guide us through the ins and outs of gameplay, we pulled off some great plays, passes, and a few shots on goal.
Team Highlighter took the victory yet again, with a 7-5 win that left everyone sweaty, sore, and a little out of breath.
PS: A little advice for beginners from Coach Chris:
Team Highlighter took the victory yet again, with a 7-5 win that left everyone sweaty, sore, and a little out of breath.
PS: A little advice for beginners from Coach Chris:
“Accuracy is more important than speed. Make sure you nail the technique before trying to move quickly on the field.”
WHAT WE WORE
Soccer seemed like the perfect opportunity to break out one of our favorite nylon shorts, The Now Or Never Run Shorts. Equipped with built-in briefs, sweat-wicking fabric, and a relaxed, easy fit, these shorts made for a great sweat-ready staple (and the perfect palette for building our team colors). We topped off everyone’s look with a choice between the ultra-supportive Don’t Let Go Sports Bra and the Epic Mini Bra and a few comfortable tees like the Inspire Tee and the Ruched UV Protection Tee. While everyone may not have felt love for the game…they definitely felt the love for their outfits.
“I LOVE the Don't Let Go Bra! I felt very supported as I was running and bending down to lunge for/block the ball, there was zero spilling out.” - Liz
“I loved playing in the Now or Never Short - they were so comfortable and low maintenance, the length is great and the material is so light and breathable -- it started getting hot on the pitch!” - Molly
“I wore the Inspire Tank, and it was incredibly breathable and comfortable throughout the entire session. It kept me cool while moving around and was super stylish too!” - Kaley
“Lovedddd the Don’t Let Go bra!! I felt like it was making my posture better!” - Claire
“I LOVE the Don't Let Go Bra! I felt very supported as I was running and bending down to lunge for/block the ball, there was zero spilling out.” - Liz
“I loved playing in the Now or Never Short - they were so comfortable and low maintenance, the length is great and the material is so light and breathable -- it started getting hot on the pitch!” - Molly
“I wore the Inspire Tank, and it was incredibly breathable and comfortable throughout the entire session. It kept me cool while moving around and was super stylish too!” - Kaley
“Lovedddd the Don’t Let Go bra!! I felt like it was making my posture better!” - Claire
WHAT WE THOUGHT
"I played soccer when I was younger but it has been YEARS since I played! I expected to be a little rusty, which I was, but what I didn't expect was how sore I was the next day! Definitely worth it but will for sure have to stretch more next time I play!" - Sophia
“It was so nice playing again, like riding a bike…a bike that’s rusty, because I was a little rusty! I bought cleats and a ball the day after LOL!” - Claire
“The biggest challenge for me was definitely the ball-handling drills, but it made the experience even more rewarding. I’d absolutely love to play again with friends sometime soon.” - Kaley
“I had so much fun going over the skills & playing a scrimmage game! I love watching soccer, so playing in such a great space was super exciting!” - Molly
“It was really fun to try but surprisingly challenging, I am not as coordinated with my feet as I thought I was but our coach gave us some really helpful pointers on what part of your foot to use for different moves! ” - Liz
“It was so nice playing again, like riding a bike…a bike that’s rusty, because I was a little rusty! I bought cleats and a ball the day after LOL!” - Claire
“The biggest challenge for me was definitely the ball-handling drills, but it made the experience even more rewarding. I’d absolutely love to play again with friends sometime soon.” - Kaley
“I had so much fun going over the skills & playing a scrimmage game! I love watching soccer, so playing in such a great space was super exciting!” - Molly
“It was really fun to try but surprisingly challenging, I am not as coordinated with my feet as I thought I was but our coach gave us some really helpful pointers on what part of your foot to use for different moves! ” - Liz
We came, we kicked, we tried it!
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