Roots in the Sunday Schedule
What began as an informal kick‑about for parents waiting for their children at the Newton Chinese Language School has grown into a fixture of the neighborhood. Every week, the same patch of grass at Cold Spring Park transforms into a makeshift pitch where the only rule is to show up and play.
Frank Wang, who has been organizing the matches since the early 2000s, uses the WeChat messaging platform to coordinate the gatherings. The app now houses a group of nearly three hundred members, though only fifteen to thirty take the field each Sunday.
Among the regulars is Bin Feng, a veteran who has been involved for almost two decades and also competes in the New England Over‑The‑Hill Soccer League. For Feng, the game is more than exercise; it is a chance to stay sharp, enjoy friendly rivalry and keep the social bond alive.
Yi Tian, a 66‑year‑old resident who has called Newton home for three decades, is another constant presence. He admits to playing soccer at least three times a week, a routine he says keeps him both happy and healthy.
More Than a Game
On a recent Sunday, twenty‑six players split into two teams and played without referees, letting the spirit of the game guide the flow. The matches blend light‑hearted competition with the simple pleasure of moving the ball across the field.
Beyond the physical activity, the pickup soccer session serves as a community hub. Newcomers meet neighbors, longtime friends reconnect, and the shared experience reinforces a sense of belonging that extends beyond the park.