Sports clubs in San Francisco.
10 clubs, and when they meet. Most meet on weekends, around Golden Gate Park, Western Addition, Cole Valley. Most are free to join. Subscribe to this calendar →
What to expect.
Pickup and drop-in sport in San Francisco: volleyball, basketball, soccer, ultimate, badminton, tennis, pickleball and more. Pickup means you turn up and play; there is no season, no roster and usually no fee beyond a share of the court.
The listing gives the day and time. The group's own page gives the venue for the week and whether numbers are capped, which is worth a glance before you travel.
All 10 sports clubs in San Francisco.
A to Z, in each club's own words. Every one links to the club, and every day and time is the one the club publishes.
Thursday evening pickup roundnet at Raymond Kimbell Playground on Geary; nets and balls are provided, just turn up. A small Bay Area group that also runs a Saturday game in Campbell.
Thursdays, time varies · Western Addition · Free · meetup.com →Saturday morning beach volleyball at Ocean Beach stairwell 17, across from the Beach Chalet. Starts with no-net VBX drills, then open play on the nets from mid-morning; beginners through experienced welcome.
Saturdays, 9am · Outer Sunset · Free · meetup.com →Doubles-only social tennis at Rossi Playground on Arguello, Saturday and Sunday mornings in two sessions each day, courts arranged by level. Balls provided; $5 suggested donation.
Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30am · Richmond · $5 · meetup.com →Beach volleyball group running Saturday doubles at 10am and intermediate-advanced 4v4 at 11am, plus Sunday clinics and occasional tournaments. Donations cover nets and balls.
Saturdays, 10am · Free · meetup.com →Friendly Saturday morning co-ed scrimmage on the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park (occasionally Big Rec at 7th and Lincoln), all levels 18+. No slide tackles; a donation to the group is optional.
Saturdays, 8:45am · Golden Gate Park · Free · meetup.com →Saturday morning 7-a-side on the Kimbell Playground turf at Geary and Steiner, run by a crew that has played together for 20-plus years. Men and women welcome; some high-school or college experience expected.
Saturdays, 9am · Western Addition · Free · meetup.com →Recreational squash on the free public courts at Mission Recreation Center on Harrison Street, Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, often followed by burritos. All levels.
Tuesdays and Saturdays, time varies · Mission · Free · meetup.com →Learn-and-practice unicycle sessions at Circus Center on Frederick Street, Sunday evenings roughly twice a month, all ages. Unicycles are available to borrow; the practice is free with a suggested donation to Circus Center.
Sundays, time varies · Cole Valley · Free · meetup.com →Intermediate 2v2 volleyball organised on Heylo, with the main games at Golden Gate Park on Saturday and Sunday and smaller weeknight sessions around the city. You need to be able to pass, set and hit consistently.
Saturdays and Sundays, time varies · Golden Gate Park · Free · heylo.com →A small, long-running casual kickabout on Marina Green every Sunday late morning, usually 5-10 players aged roughly 18-55. Game-day details are coordinated in a WhatsApp group.
Sundays, 11am · Marina · Free · meetup.com →
Questions people actually ask.
Do I need to be good?
Most pickup groups post a level, and most say all levels. Where a game is competitive, its listing says so. If in doubt, go once and watch the first game.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Sometimes. Indoor courts have a cap, and groups that book one often ask you to RSVP on their page. Outdoor pickup almost never does.
What does it cost?
Usually a few dollars towards the court or the field permit, collected on the day. Outdoor games in a public park are typically free.
Every listing links straight to the club. Know a sports club in San Francisco we don’t? Add it.