MLS Next Clubs in Ohio

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

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

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