Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Dayton, Ohio

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 | NPL

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 | Pre-ECNL | Girls Academy | MLS Next 2 | USYS-NL

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 | Pre-ECNL | NPL | USYS-NL

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 | Pre-ECNL | NPL

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 | Pre-ECNL

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 | Pre-ECNL | NPL

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

Lakota Futbol Club is a youth soccer organization based in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Greater Cincinnati region. Established as a select club soccer program, it focuses on total player development through structured training and competition. The club operates for boys and girls aged 5 to 18, covering U6 through U18 age groups. It emphasizes skill growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a positive, challenging environment led by experienced coaches. Lakota Futbol Club distinguishes itself through its partnership with the Lakota Sports Organization, providing seamless opportunities from recreational to elite levels. Players participate in unique initiatives like the Juggling Club to enhance ball control and overall technique. The club fields competitive teams in top Ohio leagues, including Buckeye Premier Youth Soccer League (BPYSL), Ohio State Soccer League (OSSL), and Cardinal Premier. Additional developmental programs compete in the Eastern Premier League (EPL) and Great Cincinnati Development League (GCDL). Lakota Futbol Club supports player progression with tryouts, installment payment plans, and a focus on college commitments for advanced athletes.

Leagues: NPL

Tempest FC is a youth soccer club based in Hamilton, Ohio, serving the greater Cincinnati and surrounding regions. The club emphasizes comprehensive player development that extends beyond technical soccer skills to foster positive character traits, self-confidence, personal responsibility, and sportsmanship. Players are encouraged to excel academically and contribute to community activities through club-sponsored programs. Tempest FC operates multiple teams for boys and girls across various age groups, including birth years from 2001 to 2009, corresponding to U16 through U24 levels in competitive play. The club's training environment prioritizes maturation and excellence both on and off the field, distinguishing it through a holistic approach to youth athletics. Tempest FC teams participate in prominent competitive programs such as the Ohio Soccer State Cup, Ohio Soccer Presidents Cup, US Youth Soccer Midwest Regionals, US Club State Cup, and Indiana Presidents Cup. Achievements include multiple championships and finalist positions in these events, with successes spanning from 2014 to 2025. The club maintains a strong record of competitive performance, including semi-finalists and champions at state and regional levels, supporting pathways for players to advance in elite youth soccer.

Leagues: NPL

Cincinnati West Soccer Club (CWSC) is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in the Cincinnati area. The club focuses on being team and family-friendly while maintaining a strong emphasis on player development. CWSC provides a range of programs for various age groups, including an Academy Juniors Program, summer training camps, and specialized goalkeeper training. A unique feature of the club is its "Color Blast" 5v5 tournament, a one-day event that combines soccer with a fun, celebratory color powder throw. The club also hosts the Cincinnati West Gorilla Cup and the Cincinnati Unity Cup tournaments. CWSC has a track record of developing players who advance to play at the collegiate level, with numerous alumni signing with universities. The club provides resources for college-bound players, including a dedicated College Night. CWSC is a non-profit organization and offers opportunities for donations to support its programs.

Leagues: USYS-NL

Fairfield Optimist Soccer Club (FOSC) is a youth soccer organization located in Fairfield, Ohio, drawing players from all areas of Greater Cincinnati. Established in 1978, FOSC provides youth players with positive experiences and growth opportunities. The club serves players from ages 5 to 18. FOSC offers both competitive and recreational soccer programs. A notable feature of the club is the Mid-American Soccer Classic (MASC) tournament, which is held annually in April and is highly regarded in the mid-west region. The club's home games are primarily played on sixteen grass fields at the Optimist Fields in Fairfield. FOSC provides a platform for players to develop their skills, confidence, and personalities for soccer and beyond. The club's programs are designed to cater to a range of skill levels, from academy to competitive teams.

Leagues: USYS-NL