Our own fields
A permanent home where players gather, compete and enjoy the game.
Welcome to UFC
A club. A community.
A legacy.
Adult soccer near Ithaca, New York, with open pickup games, traveling teams and a permanent home at LIFA Field in Groton.
More than a place to play
Welcome to Universal FC
UFC, formerly LIFA, is a nonprofit adult soccer community serving Ithaca, Groton and Tompkins County, New York, with two fields and the Roger Vargas Clubhouse. You don't need a team to join us.
Open pickup
Friendly outdoor games every Wednesday and Sunday, May through October.
Teams & tournaments
Traveling teams and future tournaments for our soccer community.
Clubhouse
The Roger Vargas Clubhouse is the social heart of our club.
RV
Our history
From LIFA to UFC
In 2013, Steve Ruoff purchased the land and, together with Roger Vargas, began building a place for soccer and community. They developed the fields and clubhouse that became our permanent home.
The clubhouse was later named the Roger Vargas Clubhouse in honor of Roger's passion and dedication. Though Roger has passed away, his dream lives on as we continue to grow the club and serve our community.
Club leadership
Board of Directors
Alejandro Parra
President
Marianna Grigorov
Vice President
Chris Muka
Treasurer
Steve Ruoff
Board Member
Sue Ruoff
Board Member
Fernando Alfaro
Board Member
Zoltan Demeter
Board Member
Play with us
Games, leagues & membership
Adult Pickup Soccer
Wednesday6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM
Outdoor pickup season: May through October. Open pickup soccer at LIFA Field near Ithaca, NY. All adult players are welcome—no team required. No outdoor pickup during winter.
Over-40 & Over-50 Soccer Leagues
Early June–September 2027
Outdoor soccer for players over 40 and over 50. Women and men are welcome, with open registration for teams and individual players.
We plan to play 7 vs. 7 outdoors. If there are not enough registered players, we will use a 5 vs. 5 outdoor format. Games will have two 25-minute halves.
The format is being finalized. Registration dates, fees and the game schedule will be announced.
Membership
$200 per year
- Field and clubhouse access
- Pickup games
- Be part of our community
Payment options
Check payable to UFC
Venmo: @UFC-Soccer-Club
Host your next event at Universal FC
Clubhouse & Field Rentals
Bring your group together in Groton, near Ithaca, New York. Renting our facilities helps support our nonprofit club and our soccer community.
Clubhouse + Turf Field
Plan a birthday party, social gathering or other group activity with the Roger Vargas Clubhouse and our small turf field. Combine a space to gather with outdoor fun and soccer.
Contact us to discuss your event, rental rates and available dates.
Ask about an event rentalLiberty Field: Tournaments & Leagues
Universal FC has two soccer fields: LIFA Field and Liberty Field. We offer Liberty Field for groups looking for a place to organize a soccer tournament or run a league.
Tell us about your group, preferred dates and tournament or league plans so we can discuss availability and rental arrangements.
Ask about Liberty FieldFor rental rates, availability and arrangements, email soccer@universalfootballclub.org. Please include your event type, preferred dates and estimated number of participants. Reservations are subject to confirmation by the club.
Members, neighbors & friends
Help Our Club Grow
Universal FC is a nonprofit soccer club with limited financial resources. We need help from our members and the wider community to purchase equipment and improve our facilities. Every contribution, large or small, can make a difference.
Equipment We Need
- A field line-marking machine to paint the lines on our soccer fields.
- Small four-row aluminum bleachers to provide seating for players, families and spectators.
Do you have equipment to donate, or know someone who could help? New or used equipment in good working condition is welcome. Please contact us first to coordinate suitability and delivery.
Offer equipmentMake a Donation
Your financial support can help us purchase needed equipment and care for our club's facilities.
Venmo: @UFC-Soccer-Club
Checks: Payable to UFC
Please note “Donation” with your contribution. For check delivery arrangements or questions about supporting the club, email soccer@universalfootballclub.org.
Contact us about donatingThank you for helping us build a welcoming place for soccer and community. You can also help by sharing this request with friends, local businesses and other groups.
Club memories
Photo Gallery
Discover our fields and life at Universal FC.
Resources
Documents & Forms
Download club resources below. Documents marked as drafts are for review and are not yet approved for use.
Team Registration & Waiver — Online Form
Team captains can open the online form for tournament and league team registration and waiver information.
Open Team Registration & WaiverTeam Tournament & League Waiver
Draft for review — not yet approved for use.
For adult teams age 18 and older. Includes event details and individual signatures for up to 18 players. Each player must sign personally.
Legal and insurer review is required before use.
Download Draft Waiver (Word)Universal FC Field Rental Agreement
Universal FC Field Rental Agreement. Download the document to review field rental terms and conditions.
Download documentOther Club Forms
Download coming soon.
Stay connected
Join our TeamReach group
Connect with our soccer community for game updates, schedules and club messages.
Group: LIFA
Code: LIFA
- Download TeamReach on your phone.
- Open the app and enter group code LIFA to join.
Already have TeamReach? Open the app and use code LIFA.
Our home near Ithaca
LIFA Field in Groton, Tompkins County
320 Peruville Road
Groton, NY 13073
Universal FC is located near Ithaca, New York. Off-street parking is available.
Get directionsUFC
Get in touch
Questions? Send us a message.
Ask about pickup games, teams, membership, the new leagues, clubhouse and turf field rentals, Liberty Field rentals for tournaments and leagues, or donations to support the club.
Email us at
soccer@universalfootballclub.org