Soccer Clubs near Zanesville, Ohio

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

Central Ohio Elite is a premier youth soccer club operating in the Central Ohio region, serving families across Columbus and surrounding communities. Established in the early 2000s, the club has built a strong reputation for fostering talent through structured training and competitive play. They cater to boys and girls across a wide range of age groups, from under-8 to under-19, emphasizing skill development at every level. Central Ohio Elite distinguishes itself with a focus on team accomplishments in high-profile tournaments, including multiple finalist and champion finishes in events like the Epic Cup and Nike Cup. The club prioritizes a supportive environment that balances intense competition with player well-being, promoting long-term athletic growth. Their youth programs feature seasonal tryouts to assemble competitive teams that travel regionally for matches and showcases. Central Ohio Elite provides pathways for advanced players through participation in state and regional leagues, preparing them for higher levels of competition. The organization celebrates successes such as 2014 Girls High School Gold finalists at the Epic Cup and 2015 Boys Blue champions, highlighting their competitive edge. Overall, Central Ohio Elite equips young athletes with the tools to pursue soccer excellence, from recreational foundations to elite tournament exposure.

Leagues: NPL

Elite Football Club, operating as Union County Elite FC, is a premier youth soccer club based in the Northwest Columbus, Ohio area. The club serves communities such as Dublin, Delaware, Plain City, Powell, and Marysville, with its primary training facilities located in Ostrander. Its mission is to develop players' skills and passion for soccer while maintaining low player fees to ensure accessibility. The club provides an elite soccer experience with professional, licensed coaches guiding the teams. Elite FC offers year-round training opportunities, including futsal and indoor training, to foster continuous player development. A key feature is its partnership with Memorial Sports Med, which provides a free injury clinic for all its players. The club caters to a range of age groups, from its U8 Academy up through its high school programs. Top teams at Elite FC compete in several high-level leagues, including the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and the National Premier League (NPL). Additional competitive pathways include the Central Ohio Premier League (COPL) and the Ohio Champions League (OCL).

Leagues: NPL

Glory SC is a youth soccer club operating in the Columbus metro area of Ohio. The club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on player development over short-term results. Glory SC is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where young athletes can develop as both players and individuals. The club emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement. For younger, middle school-aged teams, the club competes in local leagues such as the OCL/COPL, with travel primarily within the Columbus metro area. Their higher-level high school teams participate in leagues that require travel to Indiana and Western Pennsylvania, including the GLA/NPL. These older teams also compete in college showcases and the Ohio State Cup. The club's mission extends beyond athletic achievement, aiming to build lasting friendships and positive memories for their players.

Leagues: NPL

Kings Hammer Youth Soccer Club operates primarily in the New Albany region of Ohio, serving as a key hub for youth soccer development in the greater Columbus area. Established as part of the broader Kings Hammer network, the club has been fostering soccer talent since its integration into the organization's expansion efforts in the early 2010s. It caters to youth players across a wide range of age groups, from introductory levels through competitive teams up to U-19. The club emphasizes a player-centered approach, focusing on holistic development that includes technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal growth. Unique features include its commitment to core values such as integrity, excellence, and community, which guide all programs and interactions. Kings Hammer New Albany distinguishes itself through strong pathways to higher-level play, including integration with the club's pre-professional USL League Two team. This setup provides elite youth players with exposure to professional environments and coaching. The club prioritizes creating a supportive yet challenging atmosphere to inspire lifelong passion for soccer. Through regional and national competitions, it builds teams that compete at high standards, preparing players for collegiate and professional opportunities.

Leagues: NPL

Legend Soccer Club operates in east central Ohio, primarily serving Licking County and the surrounding areas. The club's mission is to provide expert development of youth soccer skills to prepare players for high school and potentially collegiate-level play. They offer programs for boys and girls from U8 through U19, as well as a \"Little Legends\" program for younger children. A key feature of the club is its focus on identifying and nurturing untapped soccer talent within its region. Their teams compete in leagues such as the National Premier League (NPL) Great Lakes, Buckeye Premier Youth Soccer League, and the Ohio Champions League. Legend SC aims to be a premier club that inspires top-tier training, coaching, and performance. The club emphasizes player development to enable them to excel at the varsity level in high school. They have a partnership with the Columbus Crew, providing a pathway for aspiring players.

Leagues: NPL

Newark Area Soccer Association's Xtabi Select Soccer operates in the Newark, Ohio region, serving youth players in Licking County and surrounding communities. The club has built a strong presence through year-round programs that foster skill development and passion for the game. Xtabi targets dedicated players seeking advanced training beyond recreational levels, emphasizing long-term personal and athletic growth. It serves boys and girls across various youth age groups, from introductory skills programs to competitive teams. Unique features include professional coaching staff with international qualifications, a focus on affordable access to high-quality training, and a philosophy centered on holistic player development. The club distinguishes itself with private non-profit operations that prioritize player welfare over profit. Xtabi offers select soccer programs designed for competitive play, including participation in regional leagues like Tri-Valley Soccer. Additional offerings encompass indoor Futsal leagues for winter skill enhancement and hosting major tournaments such as the Buckeye Cup and Hopewell Cup. These programs create pathways for players to advance through structured training and matches, building toward higher levels of competition. Xtabi integrates recreational elements with select opportunities to ensure inclusive progression for all participants.

Leagues: NPL