When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
XL Soccer World Raleigh
Why XL Soccer World Raleigh is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
XL Soccer World Raleigh is a vibrant soccer complex located at 5600 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC, offering a comprehensive range of soccer programs for both adults and youth. This facility is an excellent spot for friends to meet up, enjoy recreational activities, and engage in the sport they love. Whether you are a seasoned soccer player or just starting out, XL Soccer World caters to all skill levels with its leagues, instructional sessions, and mini sports academies. The facility's offerings extend from youth soccer programs and soccer camps to adult leagues, creating a dynamic environment that fosters teamwork, fitness, and fun. The welcoming and supportive atmosphere makes it a great place for people to gather and socialize while staying active. With multiple well-maintained fields and convenient access, XL Soccer World Raleigh stands out as a community hub for soccer enthusiasts seeking enjoyment and camaraderie in an energetic setting.
Here's what people think of XL Soccer World Raleigh
As of recent, XL Soccer World Raleigh holds a 3.7-star rating based on 155 reviews.
User reviews of XL Soccer World Raleigh reflect a generally positive experience with a few reservations. Customers appreciate the fun and engaging soccer environment where they can improve skills and enjoy the sport. Positive feedback highlights the enjoyable atmosphere, friendly and approachable staff, and management's willingness to listen and solve concerns, contributing to a pleasant overall experience. The relaxed culture and active setting are noted as important aspects that people value. On the other hand, some negative points brought up by users involve limited opportunities for job advancement and modest pay and benefits, particularly from former employees. Despite these criticisms, most reviewers seem to recommend XL Soccer World for those interested in soccer activities. The reviews overall suggest that XL Soccer World Raleigh is a well-regarded place for soccer players, providing both recreation and social connection, albeit with some areas that could benefit from improvement, especially from an employment standpoint.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
E R
I recently visited XL Soccer World in Raleigh and was deeply disappointed by the facility’s deteriorating condition. Ceiling tiles are missing, exposing dangerous hanging wires, and insulation dangles precariously from above. When it rains, the bleachers become soaked, making spectating uncomfortable. Given these persistent issues, it’s reasonable to suspect that mold may be developing in such an environment. The bathrooms are in a deplorable state, reminiscent of scenes from horror movies, with one urinal wrapped in black bags for weeks. Despite management’s longstanding claims of impending renovations, these hazardous conditions have persisted for over a year without any noticeable improvement. It’s evident that the building requires urgent maintenance to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for its customers.
Ray J
As a dedicated parent who has been bringing my children to this facility for over two years, I have had a mix of experiences that I feel compelled to share. On one hand, I have found the coach and assistants to be very good and hardworking, especially Coach Ollie who always goes above and beyond to ensure our child receives top-notch training. The staff in the office have also been exceptional, being both helpful and flexible in their dealings with us over registrations, payments, and other related matters. However, I must also acknowledge that our friends at the front desk have been less than satisfactory in their role. From my observations, they hardly talk to anyone and seem more interested in playing with their phones and computers. I once witnessed someone spill water on the floor, and they refused to lend a helping hand to clean. It often feels like their job is to sit there and do nothing but sell a beer if necessary! Furthermore, the soccer court itself is nice and wide, and the kids love it. However, the small black plastic chips that come out from the field are a significant issue since they are challenging to clean up. These chips often get stuck to shoes, clothes, and even find their way into our homes. After much investigation, it became apparent that they are coming from the soccer court. This is something that needs to be addressed and fixed soon. Lastly, the state of the toilets is a significant source of concern for me. Given the amount of money collected from kids for weekly activities, summer camps, etc., I would expect that the bathrooms are kept in tip-top condition. Unfortunately, this is not the case. They are often so dirty and unkempt that I hesitate to let kiddos use them. In conclusion, while there are some positive aspects of this facility, I am not entirely satisfied with the overall experience. If I had access to another option, I would undoubtedly take my children somewhere else. Nonetheless, I am confident that if the issues addressed are rectified, this could be a great place for kids to train and play soccer. — Update as of three weeks ago, the state of the toilets have deteriorated and the front desk staff have become increasingly impolite compared to the previous condition. — On a related note, I neglected to mention that I brought my children here for summer camp last year and made occasional visits throughout the day. To my surprise, they were not participating in any soccer drills or even utilizing the soccer field - they were simply watching cartoon on TV together as a group. To be frank, I strongly advise staying away from this place, as I have chosen to do so myself.
Tania Bergquist
I’m am appalled by our experience here for my son’s 2nd birthday. We verbally booked the party over the phone, agreed to the times 3:30 to 5:30pm - made the invitations to his party based on this agreed time, the same day. I called a week before his party to MAKE SURE about time and details regarding setup, and everything was checked. When we got there, the 2 people at the front desk were horrifically rude and did not care whatsoever to help out when I had questions. Everything was done with an attitude. I did setup within 20 min and our guests started arriving at 3:30, nearly all of them testifying to how unpleasant the staff was when they asked where the party was at. An hour into our party, the same 2 people start showing up on the field, telling us to get off and clean up because another party is starting AT 5. I’m extremely confused at this point, arguing with 2 teenagers who clearly don’t care about what’s going on. We haven’t even sung happy birthday to my son at this point. Not only am I upset about the situation, being accused by 2 teenagers and being chased out of an event and experience I paid for, but then embarrassing my family like that in front of all our guests who most drove 45+ min to attend. YOU ALL should be ashamed of how you “run” this business. Somehow this place put us down for 3-5pm without our knowledge, without so much of a confirmation email, courtesy call or even a damn text. WHY would I ever book a space and show up late, especially for a party? I will NEVER return here (which was also said by 15 other families that attended), not for a party, not for soccer, because God forbid we have to work with those 2 staff members.
Anwar Dekkouri
Oh my God, the heat inside is unbearable. People are suffocating. Where is the radiator? Where are the air conditioners? Please prepare for extreme heat inside. They don't care. All the facilities are broken and no one is doing anything. They are making huge amounts of money. A limit must be put in place.
Ryan H
Fun adult leagues. I play in the over 40 league. Teams play hard but also fair and fun. Have some beers afterward. Great place to play soccer for adults of all skill level.
How to reach XL Soccer World Raleigh
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Website: None
Why rally at XL Soccer World Raleigh with your friends?
Gathering with friends and family for a meetup calls for a place that’s lively, engaging, and able to accommodate a variety of interests—and XL Soccer World Raleigh fits the bill perfectly. Located right on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, this facility offers an exciting blend of sports, socializing, and space for group activities that make it ideal for any group outing. Whether your crew is passionate about soccer or just looking for a vibrant venue to be active and have fun together, XL Soccer World offers the right environment. The spacious indoor and outdoor soccer fields mean you can organize friendly matches regardless of the weather, fostering team spirit and friendly competition. Beyond just playing, it’s a social hub where everyone in your group can participate—whether they want to take part actively on the field or cheer on from the sidelines. With well-maintained facilities and flexible hours that accommodate busy schedules, this venue supports spontaneous meetups or planned events, ensuring your group always has something to enjoy. The combination of fun, sport, and social interaction here creates memorable experiences that draw friends closer and make family outings energetic and meaningful.
What activities can you enjoy at XL Soccer World Raleigh?
XL Soccer World Raleigh is primarily known for its outstanding soccer facilities, making it a hotspot for groups eager to play, learn, or just have fun kicking the ball around. The facility boasts multiple indoor and outdoor fields that allow for small-sided games, full matches, and practice sessions suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. It’s not just about playing soccer professionally; the environment encourages casual, recreational play perfect for friendly scrimmages within your group. Additionally, the venue offers well-organized soccer camps during school breaks and summer, with options for half-day or full-day participation. These camps include soccer drills, scrimmages, and even fun, non-soccer-related games such as Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, and Kickball, adding variety and excitement to group gatherings. For friends and families with mixed interests, these supplementary games provide a refreshing break from soccer routines and invite everyone to join in. These activities make XL Soccer World a perfect setting for birthday parties, team-building outings, and casual weekend meetups.
Why is XL Soccer World Raleigh perfect for group meetups?
The venue’s design and services emphasize group activities and social interaction, making it exceptionally well-suited for meetups. The fields are spacious enough to comfortably host large groups, meaning you can bring your entire squad without worrying about overcrowding or lack of playing time. Ample seating and viewing areas are available for those who prefer to watch or socialize during the games. The flexible hours—from late morning until late evening on most days—allow groups to schedule their activities around everyone’s availability, whether for a daytime practice or an evening friendly match. Moreover, the staff at XL Soccer World Raleigh understand the dynamics of group bookings, providing support for event planning and ensuring smooth organization. Food options like on-site pizza during camps or the ability to bring your own snacks make the venue hospitable for longer stays where people want to eat, relax, and hang out after playing. Being centrally located on Hillsborough Street also makes it easy to access from various parts of Raleigh, which is a big plus for groups coming from different neighborhoods.
How does the facility accommodate players of various ages and skill levels?
XL Soccer World Raleigh serves a wide spectrum of players, from young children just learning the sport to adult enthusiasts and even seasoned players looking to keep up their skills. The soccer camps, which are designed for children ages 5 to 13, focus on skill-building in a supportive, fun environment that encourages teamwork and personal improvement without pressure. This makes it a perfect place for parents to bring their children for enrichment while also carving out time to engage in playing or socializing themselves. For older groups and adults, the facility's open play times and organized leagues cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a competitive player, the inclusive atmosphere invites you to join in and enjoy the game without feeling intimidated. The availability of various field sizes means that matches can be tailored to suit the size and skill range of your group, ensuring everyone is involved and the pace of play fits the participants' comfort levels.
What facilities and amenities enhance the group experience at XL Soccer World Raleigh?
Beyond just soccer fields, XL Soccer World Raleigh offers amenities that enhance comfort and convenience for groups. Clean, well-maintained locker rooms and restrooms ensure that players can freshen up and prepare comfortably before and after games. The venue provides ample parking, which eases the coordination of multiple vehicles during group visits. While the core focus is soccer, the space around the fields allows for informal gatherings, picnics, or casual hangouts, letting groups relax and socialize off the pitch without having to leave the site. Additionally, the professional staff is attentive and knowledgeable, helping groups arrange facilities and equipment rental, and sometimes organizing friendly tournaments or clinics upon request. Wi-Fi availability and shaded spectator areas add to the convenience, enabling those who come along to support to stay comfortable and connected. These thoughtful amenities contribute to making meetups at XL Soccer World Raleigh a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
What makes XL Soccer World Raleigh a community hub for soccer enthusiasts and social groups alike?
XL Soccer World Raleigh functions not only as a sports venue but as a community gathering spot where players and their families build lasting relationships. The consistent hosting of camps, leagues, and recreational playdays keeps the venue lively and encourages regular visits, forging a sense of community and familiarity among frequent attendees. Families appreciate the safe, structured environment for kids to develop skills while friends value the opportunity for active socializing through sport. The strong focus on making soccer accessible and fun to everyone helps the venue foster inclusivity, diversity, and camaraderie—critical elements for a thriving local hub. Special events, charity matches, and seasonal gatherings often occur here, adding to the venue’s atmosphere as a place where people connect beyond the game. For anyone looking to mix sport with social bonding, XL Soccer World Raleigh offers an active, welcoming environment that goes beyond the typical soccer facility experience.
In summary, XL Soccer World Raleigh offers a vibrant destination for groups seeking a lively, fun, and versatile venue to rally with friends or family. Through its broad array of soccer activities, thoughtfully designed facilities, flexible scheduling, and community-driven spirit, XL Soccer World is more than just a place to play—it’s a dynamic social hub that brings people together through the joy of soccer and shared experiences.