Although soccer is not an extremely popular sport in the United States, it continues to be the number one sport worldwide. It is for that reason that soccer clubs spring up across the world. From amateur clubs to professional clubs competing on the highest levels of soccer in the United States, soccer clubs are a great way to support a local team and follow them as they play other local teams. For those interested in supporting soccer teams outside of our very own men’s and women’s UMass Boston soccer teams, Boston area soccer clubs might be a great option for you to follow and get to know. And who knows, you might end up playing for one.  
One of the most famous soccer clubs is the Boston Bolts (https://www.bostonbolts.com/). According to their website: “Founded in 1986, Boston Bolts is the oldest soccer club in Massachusetts. The Club boasts a top-level, professional coaching staff, recognized and respected nation-wide. Bolts players come from throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island” (1). The Boston Bolts primarily focus on youth soccer development and have several teams that compete in several tiers of American soccer. They currently have a team competing in the MLS NEXT league, as well as USL League Two, two of the largest soccer development leagues in the United States. The Boston Bolts are renowned for their young athlete development and their emphasis on career and long-term development from a young age. 
Another major soccer club in the Boston area is Boston City FC. Although it was only recently founded in 2015, Boston City FC has quickly established itself as one of the most famous soccer clubs in the Boston Metro area. Based out of Revere, Mass., Boston City FC competes in the Northeast Division of USL League Two. Boston City FC was created in Boston for a very specific reason. As they write on their website: “Valentim [the founder] decided to locate his team in the greater Boston area due to the city’s passion for athletics, high student population and immigration roots. By creating Boston City FC, Valentim hopes to help mainstream soccer in the Boston community” (2). Boston City FC competes at a high level and has players that have played for teams in the top levels in other countries, such as Brazil.
The last notable soccer club in the Boston area has to be the New England Revolution. Competing in Major League Soccer, the New England Revolution compete in the highest level of American soccer and attract talent from across North America and the rest of the world. In the most recent season, which ended in late 2021, the New England Revolution had one of the best seasons any team has had in MLS history. As NBC Sports reported, “The Revolution set a new Major League Soccer record for points in a season” (3). In the same season that they won the Supporter’s Shield for the first time by getting the most points in the league, the New England Revolution set a new league record for points. Although they were eventually beat in the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference by New York City FC, the New England Revolution had one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. Playing their home games in Gillette Stadium, supporting the New England Revolution is a great way to experience the atmosphere of Gillette Stadium at a reasonable price.
Soccer clubs are a great way to find community through shared interests and common hobbies. They foster a great sense of community and allow for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, jobs and ethnic backgrounds to come together and enjoy the beautiful game. I would highly recommend finding a local soccer team or club to support as they fight every game. Soccer is one of the most interesting sports to watch and once you understand the rules, it can be truly enjoyable to get into. 
1.     https://www.bostonbolts.com/who-are-bolts 
2.     https://www.bostoncityfc.com/about-us/ 
3.     https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/new-england-revolution/new-england-revolution-clinch-most-points-mls-history