Soccer Clubs in Ohio

Blast FC Academy is a youth soccer organization based in Central Ohio, specifically in Columbus. It is recognized as the longest-running soccer club in the region, bringing a legacy of excellence to player development. The club serves a wide range of age groups, from U7 through U19, with programs for both boys and girls. Blast FC Academy employs a four-day training model that integrates European-style player development with the demands of U.S. youth soccer. The club offers unique opportunities such as international travel to countries like France, England, and Germany for its players. Their coaching staff includes UEFA Pro and USSF A Licensed coaches, led by former professional player Tony Labudovski. Blast FC Academy teams compete in elite leagues including the National Premier League (NPL), Midwest Development League (MDL), Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), and ECNL RL Boys. The club has a strong focus on college pathways, with over 500 boys advancing to NCAA Division I, II, III, and Ivy League programs. Blast FC Academy is dedicated to fostering passionate soccer players and providing professional-level training to support college and professional career aspirations. The club also features new facilities, a performance center, and hosts events like the Sevilla FC Training Camp.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys

Canton Akron United (CAU) Force Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization operating in Northeast Ohio, with its state-of-the-art outdoor training facility located in Canton, Ohio. While the current entity, Canton Akron United Force Soccer Club, was established in 2022, its roots extend further, with some players having been part of the "Force family" for up to 10 years. The club provides a comprehensive training pathway for players ranging from age 3 to pre-professional, including Juniors Academy for younger athletes and competitive teams from U9 through U19. CAU Force distinguishes itself as the area's only Premier Youth Training Pathway, emphasizing innovation in soccer development through integrated coach development, player development, and parent education. The club boasts a professional club structure with full-time soccer professionals and directors, alongside a proven coaching staff holding numerous US Soccer Federation National licenses and including NCAA collegiate coaches. CAU Force offers extensive collegiate and pre-professional pathways, preparing its members for high school, college, and professional levels of play. Their teams compete in top-tier leagues and programs, including the Elite Clubs National League - Regional Great Lakes Conference (ECNL-RL), National Premier League (NPL), Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), Pre Elite Clubs National League, and Central Alliance Soccer Association (CASA). Additionally, the club features an Ohio Valley Premier League (OVPL) U23 program for collegiate and aspiring professional players.

Leagues: ENCL RL Girls, ENCL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Boys

Cincinnati Elite FC (CEFC) is a youth soccer organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club emphasizes a professional staff and environment dedicated to developing young athletes both on and off the field. CEFC offers year-round training and various programs for players across multiple age groups, from U7 through U19. Their competitive programs include the Boys ECNL-RL (U13-U19) and Boys & Girls GLA (U13-U19) leagues. The club provides a player pathway that supports athletes from junior academy levels through high school and into college soccer. CEFC also offers specialized training such as the Junior Academy, Summer Street Soccer, and CEFC Skills Camps. The club focuses on comprehensive player development, aiming to help athletes reach their full potential.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Cincinnati United Soccer Club (CUSC) is a youth soccer organization operating across 28 locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Established in 2008, this non-profit club serves 2,700 players. CUSC is dedicated to inspiring a love for development, competition, and community, aiming to help every player achieve their maximum potential. The club offers programs for a wide range of age groups, from Juniors (3-7 years old) through U19. A unique selling point is their commitment to holistic player development, which includes investing in coach education and a partnership with Working with Parents in Sport. Their core values emphasize Character, Unity, Person First, Growth-minded, Ownership, Ambition, and Love. Cincinnati United Premier (CUP) teams compete in top competitive leagues such as MLS Next Tier 1 & 2 for U16-U19 age groups, the National Academy League (NAL), and the Girls Academy (GA). They also participate in prestigious tournaments like the Premier SuperCopa, Presidents Cup, and State Cup.

Leagues: MLS Next, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

Cleveland Force Soccer Club (CFSC) is a premier youth training pathway for soccer players in Northeast Ohio, serving athletes from age 3 to pre-professional. The club offers comprehensive programs for boys and girls, ranging from Minis Academy for ages 3-4 to competitive youth teams from U9 through U19. CFSC distinguishes itself with a professional club structure, including over 14 full-time soccer directors and coaches, and a highly accredited coaching staff holding numerous US Soccer Federation National licenses. The club provides a proven player pathway, with over 550 players achieving collegiate experience, more than 40 advancing to professional levels, and 8 earning National Team experience. Their core values, embodied in "C.H.I.R.P." (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion), guide player development. Cleveland Force teams compete in top-tier leagues such as the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), ECNL Regional League, United Soccer League (USL) League Two, USL W League, USL Academy, Super Y League, Great Lakes Alliance, and Central Alliance Soccer Association. The club also features a "Girls Only" initiative aimed at fostering female participation and development. CFSC utilizes multiple convenient outdoor and indoor training locations throughout Northeast Ohio.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Club Ohio Soccer is a premier youth soccer club operating across Central Ohio, with programs and training centers in Dayton, Dublin, Columbus, and other regional locations. The club is dedicated to cultivating an environment that promotes and enhances player development through high-level training and programming. Club Ohio serves a wide range of age groups, including the U7 age group and various youth academy programs. A key distinguishing feature is its values-based culture, which prioritizes the development of student-athletes and emphasizes core values of Passion, Integrity, and Progress. The club is committed to creating a nationally recognized pathway for female players, evidenced by its invitation to join the Girls Academy (GA) league. Club Ohio also became an official member of MLS NEXT, participating in regular season matches and national events. Their teams compete in top competitive leagues and events, including the National Academy League (NAL), USYS Midwest Regional, USYS President's Cup, Great Lakes Alliance - National Premier League (GLA-NPL), USYS Ohio State Cup, and US Club The Ohio State Cup.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

The Columbus Crew Academy is the youth development arm of the professional Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Columbus Crew, operating in Central Ohio. The Academy focuses on developing elite youth soccer players through a comprehensive program. It serves various age groups, including U18, U16, U15, and Pre-Formation (U11-U14) teams. A unique aspect of the Academy is its integration with the professional club, providing a clear pathway for talented youth players to advance to Crew 2 (the MLS NEXT Pro team) and ultimately to the Columbus Crew First Team. The Academy competes in MLS NEXT, which is the highest level of youth soccer in North America. They also offer specialized programs like the Crew School and a Homestay Program to support player development and well-being. The Academy utilizes top-tier facilities, including Lower.com Field, OhioHealth Performance Center, and Historic Crew Stadium. The club has a history of signing Academy products to Homegrown Player contracts with the First Team, demonstrating its success in player development.

Leagues: MLS Next

Columbus Force Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization operating in Central Ohio. The club was established in Fall 2024, with registrations for the 2024-25 season. Columbus Force provides player pathways for boys and girls across local, regional, and national levels, serving age groups from U-3 through U-19. The club distinguishes itself through its commitment to player development, integrating coach development, player development, and parent education. Columbus Force employs accredited and experienced coaching staff holding US Soccer Federation National A, B, and C licenses, along with full-time directors. Their philosophy focuses on developing and challenging players by innovating soccer education. The club offers competitive programs, including participation in the GLA ECNL RL. Columbus Force aims to empower hardworking, responsible, and humble athletes to achieve their goals on and off the field.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls

Columbus United Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization operating in Central Ohio, with an address in Lewis Center, Ohio. The club is dedicated to fostering a competitive and positive soccer environment for youth and adult players. Their philosophy focuses on developing technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills through expert training and high-level competition. Core values such as discipline, determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship guide the club in shaping skilled players and well-rounded individuals. Columbus United offers programs for youth players, though specific age groups are not detailed on the main page. The club features competitive programs including CU Girls Academy and CU NAL. They aim to be a premier amateur club for adults, competing at high levels locally and beyond.

Leagues: Girls Academy

Croatia Juniors Soccer Club is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Cleveland, Ohio, serving the wider Northeast Ohio region, including Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga County. The club has a long-standing history, with its roots tracing back to the Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club established in 1957, making it a cultural pillar in the local soccer community. Croatia Juniors offers a comprehensive developmental pathway for players, starting with programs like "Kicks for Kids" for younger age groups (2017-2021 Birth Year) and progressing through U9 to U14 for both boys and girls. The club's Juniors Academy serves as a developmental program for their men's and women's Under-23 teams, with top boys players having the opportunity to advance to the first-team "Majors" program. Croatia Juniors distinguishes itself by developing premier soccer players based on fundamental European soccer concepts and principles. The club boasts an elite coaching staff and a strong emphasis on skill development, providing a safe environment for players to learn, grow, and thrive. It is recognized as one of the top programs in Cleveland and among the best in Ohio. Croatia Juniors teams compete in competitive leagues such as CASA, GLA, and offers ECNL for boys.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys

FC Cincinnati Academy is a youth soccer organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving the Greater Cincinnati and Tri-State area. The academy formally launched on August 1, 2019, with teams beginning play in the 2019-2020 season. It operates as the official academy of Major League Soccer (MLS) club FC Cincinnati, providing a direct pathway to professional soccer. The academy serves various age groups, including U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-18. A notable feature is that the club covers all expenses related to soccer competition for its players, eliminating annual fees. FC Cincinnati Academy is headquartered in state-of-the-art facilities at the Mercy Health Training Center. The academy offers a "Discovery Program" and a "Residency Program" to foster player development. Its teams compete in top-tier competitive programs, including MLS NEXT and the Generation adidas Cup.

Leagues: MLS Next

FC Dayton is a comprehensive youth soccer club based in Centerville, Ohio, serving the greater Centerville, Washington Township, and neighboring communities. The club has been established for over 45 years, demonstrating a long-standing presence in youth soccer development. FC Dayton offers a wide range of programs for various age groups, including a Pre-Academy for ages 2-5, an Academy for 6 and 7-year-olds, a Youth Competitive Program, and a High School Program. They also provide a WPSL program for college-aged female players. The club is recognized for its commitment to player development, emphasizing skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. FC Dayton's programs include a dynamic Futsal Program to maintain player activity and skill development during the off-season. Their competitive teams participate in top-tier leagues such as National League P.R.O and NPL.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Greater Toledo FC (GTFC Impact) is a youth soccer organization primarily operating in the Toledo area of Northwest Ohio, with its main campus located in Rossford, Ohio. The club was formed in 1996, with Mike Aubry instrumental in its establishment and serving as Executive Director since 1997, demonstrating a long-standing presence in the region. GTFC Impact emphasizes each player's personal and professional growth, focusing on building the total person through the correlation of life and soccer. They serve a wide range of age groups, with programs for players from U7 through U19, as indicated by their tryout age groups. A unique aspect of GTFC is its club development approach, where athletes are members of the club first and a specific team second, fostering player growth and a positive club culture. The club offers competitive soccer programs through its Toledo campus, with teams competing in prominent leagues such as ECNL Girls, ECNL Regional League Boys & Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys & Girls, and Great Lakes Alliance (GLA_NPL). They also participate in the Northwest Ohio Youth Soccer League (NWOYSL) and various showcases and tournaments across the United States. GTFC Impact also features a WPSL (Women's Premier Soccer League) team, providing a platform for players to advance their careers.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Internationals Soccer Club (ISC) is a highly respected youth soccer organization primarily operating in Northern Ohio, drawing players from across the state. The club's youth program was launched in 1985, building on the foundation of a club established in 1976. ISC offers comprehensive programs for various age groups, including Youth Academy (U6-U9), Youth Premier (U8-U12), and ECNL & Regional teams (U13-U19), alongside a Fall Team for High School Players (U15-U18). The club is renowned for its playing, coaching, and organizational excellence, with coaches holding the highest licenses. Internationals SC has achieved numerous State, Regional, and National Titles, distinguishing it as a top competitor in the region. A significant unique selling point is the club's success in player development, with a strong record of national exposure for its athletes at both US Youth National Team and collegiate levels. Over 95% of Internationals' graduates advance to play soccer at universities, and several alumni have progressed to professional and national ranks. The club's top competitive program includes participation in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL RL Girls, Pre-ECNL Girls

Manta United Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization primarily operating out of Strongsville, Ohio, where it maintains a multi-field outdoor complex and its own Manta Fieldhouse for year-round indoor training. While the exact establishment date is not specified, the club has an active presence with teams competing in the 2025 season and a history of participation in events since at least 2023. The club's core focus is on the development of young players within a fun atmosphere, aiming to provide an environment that fosters both competitive excitement and personal improvement. Manta United SC empowers its athletes with tools like SportsRecruits to aid in the college recruiting process. Their teams compete in prominent competitive soccer leagues and programs, including ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL), National Premier Leagues (NPL), Pre-ECNL, and CASA. The club has achieved notable success, with the Manta Boys 2007 Pink team being U.S. Club Soccer National Cup Finalists. Manta United SC also regularly participates in high-profile tournaments and showcases across the United States, such as the Dallas Cup, Jefferson Cup, and various college showcases.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls

Mercury Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, primarily serving the west side of the city. The club was founded by three Cincinnati natives with over 50 years of combined experience in youth soccer coaching and training. Mercury Soccer is distinguished by its commitment to high-quality player development within a professional and enjoyable environment. The club's coaching staff is highly qualified, featuring USSF A and B licensed coaches, and coaches holding Premier and Advanced National diplomas from United Soccer Coaches. A core objective is to ensure all players receive training from A or B licensed coaches throughout the season. Mercury Soccer Club participates in competitive programs, including the USYS Midwest Regional Championships and the Ohio South State Cup. The club also indicates involvement with the ECNL Regional League.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

North FC is a premier youth soccer club operating in Northeast Ohio, with club locations in Avon and Hudson, serving multiple surrounding counties including Lorain, Cuyahoga, and Summit. The club has been established for over 10 years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to youth soccer development. North FC distinguishes itself by providing a professional atmosphere focused on high-quality training, strategic gameplay insights, and opportunities for personal growth both on and off the field. The club emphasizes teaching effective technical soccer skills and fostering a tactical understanding of the game within a fun yet highly competitive environment. North FC prepares players for competition at both the high school and collegiate levels. Their competitive teams participate in the USYS National League South Atlantic Conference and/or the EDP league, and they guarantee participation in 2 to 3 tournaments per season, including college showcases for older teams.

Leagues: ECNL RL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls

Ohio Elite Soccer Academy (OESA) is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a dedicated training center in West Chester, Ohio. Established in 2002, the club was founded by a group of business and soccer professionals aiming to create an elite training and competition environment. OESA focuses on developing the complete player both on and off the field, providing a life-enriching experience. The academy competes in top-tier leagues, including the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for both boys and girls. Ohio Elite has a history of success, including national championships in 2002 and 2007, and has seen players selected for U.S. U-17 WNT rosters and US ID Centers. The club provides college recruiting support through partnerships like Instat and offers player development tools such as Techne Futbol. OESA also provides college profiles for all players through Total Global Sports.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Ohio Galaxies FC is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in the Beavercreek, Xenia, Springboro, and northern Miami Valley regions of Ohio. The club is a division of the Beavercreek Soccer Association, indicating a well-established presence in the local soccer community. Ohio Galaxies FC focuses on developing both male and female players for competitive high school soccer and potential collegiate or professional careers. The club provides an athletic educational environment that fosters skill development, leadership, and sportsmanship. They boast an impressive record of individual and team accomplishments at state, regional, and national levels. Ohio Galaxies FC competes in top-tier leagues, including the USYS Elite 64 national league and US Club Soccer boys and girls ECNL-RL leagues, along with other state and regional USYS and US Club Soccer affiliations. The club utilizes world-class training facilities, such as the Athletes in Action Sports Complex, which features NCAA-regulation sized synthetic turf fields. They also host various club tournaments, including the Turf Fest and Thanksgiving/Spring Showcases.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Ohio Premier Soccer Club (OP Soccer) is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Central Ohio, with its main offices and training facility located in Plain City, OH. The club has been established for over 30 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to youth soccer development. Ohio Premier is distinguished by its comprehensive Player Development Pathway, which is tailored to meet the specific age, skills, and abilities of each player. A unique selling point is their Player Placement Process, which replaces traditional tryouts with multiple evaluation opportunities to ensure optimal player placement. The club offers a range of competitive programs, including participation in top-tier leagues such as ECNL, ECNL RL, NPL, and the Ohio Valley Premier League. Ohio Premier Soccer Club is dedicated to fostering both on-field skills and off-field character, aiming to help young athletes realize their full potential and become well-rounded individuals.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Pacesetter Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization primarily based in Sylvania, Ohio, with a partner club, Pacesetter Soccer Club South, located in Findlay, Ohio. The main club was established in 1980, while Pacesetter Soccer Club South began its mission in 2018. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Pacesetter Soccer Club focuses on developing quality players and providing lifelong lessons through expert training and high levels of competition. The club emphasizes the physical, psychological, technical, and tactical components of the game, aiming to empower young athletes to be confident, courageous, and creative. Pacesetter Soccer Club has achieved success at local, state, regional, and national levels, with alumni progressing to play at collegiate and international levels. A notable feature is Pacesetter South's official partnership with Aston Villa Football Club of English Football. The club competes in top-tier leagues, including the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) and its Regional League platform, which are U.S. Club-sanctioned leagues designed for high-level youth soccer competition.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Sporting Columbus is a premier youth soccer club operating in Central Ohio, serving the greater Columbus area, including Columbus East, Gahanna, Bexley, Canal Winchester, and New Albany. The club was established in 2018. Sporting Columbus is dedicated to developing high-level players and fostering personal growth, emphasizing a player-first philosophy. The club distinguishes itself by offering guidance to players in finding suitable programs even if their own offerings do not align with specific needs. A core group of experienced coaches with a proven track record in player development leads the club's programs. Sporting Columbus offers competitive programs for both boys and girls ranging from U5 to U23. Their teams compete in prominent leagues such as the GLA ECNL Regional League (GLA ECNL RL) and the National Premier Leagues (NPL), as well as the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) for boys. The club aims to develop well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys, Pre-ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Boys

Total Futbol Academy (TFA) Cincinnati is a youth soccer club primarily operating on the west side of Cincinnati, Ohio, with locations including Cincinnati West, Harrison, and Cleves. The club was established in 2009 through the merger of Cincinnati Futbol Academy and Westside Soccer Club. TFA Cincinnati is dedicated to total player development, emphasizing creativity, confidence, and long-term growth. It distinguishes itself as the first club in Cincinnati to offer year-round training, inspired by the Dutch "Total Football" philosophy for comprehensive player development across technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects. The club's mission extends beyond soccer, focusing on building better players, teammates, and individuals. TFA Cincinnati offers programs for Juniors, Recreational, and Select soccer, catering to boys and girls from U7 through U19. Their competitive teams participate in prominent leagues such as the USYS National League, OSSL, Buckeye Premier League, Cardinal, and CDL.

Leagues: Pre-ECNL Girls