Community Building Through Soccer in Detroit

As part of its promotion of community efforts, teams get extra points for participating in community-based efforts off the field.

"Sean Mann, a member of the Hubbard Farms team, created the league as a social venue to bring Detroiters together. The teams tend to be young urbanites -- people who moved to the city and decided to call the city home, with a range of soccer skills from don't-know-what-to-do-with-the-ball to header-then-flipkick-into-the-net.

Teams hoisted flags, played fight songs and cheered each other on. Paul Neiruk, 38, the previously undefeated Chinatown team captain, said the league has fostered friendships that go well beyond the pitch.

'We're all neighbors. We hang out regardless of soccer,' he said."