If you’ve driven down North Street in Saco, Maine, you’ve seen the massive building. It’s hard to miss. For years, everybody knew it as XL Sports World Saco. But if you show up today expecting the same old sign, you might be a little confused.
The big news? It’s officially Sofive Saco now.
Don't worry. It's not like they tore the place down and built a bank. It’s still the same massive, climate-controlled haven for athletes who are tired of Maine’s unpredictable weather. Honestly, the rebranding has actually pumped some new life into the facility, especially with the addition of the Lil' Kickers program and some much-needed upgrades to the turf and lighting.
Whether you're a parent trying to tire out a toddler on a rainy Tuesday or an adult looking to recapture your high school glory days in a 9:00 PM soccer league, this place is basically the heartbeat of the local sports scene.
The Facility: It’s Bigger Than It Looks
You walk through the doors and the first thing that hits you is the scale. It's 2026, and while a lot of local gyms feel cramped, this place feels like it has its own zip code.
They have two massive 3G boarded turf fields (each about 135x80). These aren’t that thin, scratchy carpet stuff from the 90s. It’s the high-quality turf that actually feels like grass, which is a lifesaver for your knees.
Then there are the three full-size basketball courts. These get a ton of use for more than just hoops—you’ll see volleyball, pickleball, and even the occasional community event happening there.
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What’s actually inside:
- Climate Control: This is the big one. It’s fully heated and air-conditioned. If it’s -10°F outside in February, you’re playing in shorts inside.
- 24/7 Fitness Center: A lot of people forget this part exists, but there's a gym attached for the non-team-sport crowd.
- The Bounce Zone: If you have kids under 10, this is the Promised Land.
- XL Sideline Sports Bar: Located on the second floor. It overlooks the fields and courts, so you can grab a beer and watch the games without getting hit by a stray ball.
The Lil' Kickers Craze and Youth Sports
One of the biggest shifts since the Sofive takeover is the heavy focus on Lil' Kickers.
This isn't just "go kick the ball." It’s a specialized curriculum for kids as young as 18 months. They focus on sensory-motor skills and basic social interaction. By the time the kids hit age 5 or 6, they’re actually doing organized drills that don’t just look like a "beehive" of children chasing a ball.
It’s popular. Like, "book-months-in-advance" popular.
Beyond the tiny kids, the youth leagues for soccer, basketball, and NFL Flag Football are the main draw. Most seasons run in 7-week blocks. They try to keep the "crazy sports parent" vibe to a minimum by focusing on technical training during the week and pressure-free games on the weekends.
Adult Leagues: The Late-Night Warriors
If you’re over 18, the adult leagues are where things get interesting.
The Adult Coed Soccer League is a staple. Usually, games are 50 minutes long and can run late into the evening. You’ve got everything from the "A League" (people who probably played in college and still have a lot of hustle) to the "B League" (intermediate players who are mostly there for the cardio and the beer at the Sideline Bar afterwards).
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They also host adult hockey and basketball leagues, though soccer remains the king of the turf here.
What About Birthday Parties?
Planning a kid’s birthday in Maine during the winter is a nightmare. You can only do the bowling alley or the cinema so many times before you lose your mind.
XL Sports World Saco (or Sofive, if we’re being technical) has a pretty solid system for this. Their most popular package usually includes one hour of field time and 45 minutes in a private party room.
A few things to keep in mind if you’re booking:
- Staffing: They provide a coordinator to run games (kickball, dodgeball, or soccer).
- Food: They usually provide pizza and drinks. You generally aren't allowed to bring outside food other than the cake.
- Lead Time: Weekends fill up about two months in advance. If you’re trying to book a party for January, you better be calling in October.
The XL Sideline: Not Just for Parents
The sports bar on the second floor is kind of a hidden gem. It’s not just a place to wait for your kid. They’ve actually hosted corporate retreats, after-wedding parties, and team-building events.
It’s one of the few places in Saco where you can watch live local sports with a beer in your hand and a decent view. They have a full menu—standard pub fare, mostly—and it’s surprisingly affordable for a captive audience.
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Is It Worth the Drive?
If you’re coming from Portland or Biddeford, the answer is usually yes.
The main reason? Consistency. You know the field won’t be muddy. You know it won’t be windy. You know there’s plenty of parking because they recently repaved the lot and expanded the spaces.
Some people complain about the league fees—they aren't the cheapest in the state—but when you factor in the LED lighting, the climate control, and the quality of the officials, most local athletes find it’s a "get what you pay for" situation.
Actionable Tips for Newcomers
If you're planning your first visit to 400 North St, here is how to handle it like a pro:
- Check the "DASH" App: Most of the scheduling and payments have moved over to the Sofive platform. Don't just show up and hope for an open field; check the app for "Open Play" times.
- Dress in Layers: Even though it’s climate-controlled, the fields can feel a bit breezy when the AC is cranking in the summer or when the heat is first kicking on in the morning.
- Arrive 15 Minutes Early: The parking lot is big, but during the transition between youth games and adult leagues (usually around 5:30 PM), it can be a bit of a madhouse.
- Sign the Waiver Online: Save yourself the headache at the front desk. Do it on your phone before you leave the house.
XL Sports World Saco—now Sofive Saco—remains the premier spot for indoor recreation in York County. It’s a place where 2-year-olds learn to balance and 40-year-olds try not to pull a hamstring. As long as the Maine winters stay long and snowy, this place will stay packed.
To get started, check their official website for the current season's registration deadlines, as leagues tend to fill up several weeks before the first whistle blows. If you're looking for a one-off visit, keep an eye on their social media for "Drop-In" nights which are a great, low-commitment way to test out the turf.