Best youth soccer clubs in Ohio

When it comes to the best soccer clubs in Ohio you can bet there is a lot of talent. I remember flying into Cleveland years ago to visit a friend of mine who at the time ran one of the top 3 biggest futsal leagues in the country… Two things stuck out to me… Good ... Read More about Best youth soccer clubs in Ohio The post Best youth soccer clubs in Ohio appeared first on Global Futbol Training.

Dec 23, 2022 - 04:26

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When it comes to the best soccer clubs in Ohio you can bet there is a lot of talent. I remember flying into Cleveland years ago to visit a friend of mine who at the time ran one of the top 3 biggest futsal leagues in the country… Two things stuck out to me… Good soccer and cold weather:) Cincinnati is another city I’ve been to. It’s one of the top youth soccer cities in America in terms of the amount of kids enrolled in soccer. Then you have Columbus who has an MLS pro team… Ohio is a big soccer state.

soccer clubs in Ohio

Research on soccer clubs in Ohio

Based on the research I did on the following websites… Soccer Wire, Soccer America, Top Drawer and ECNL you’ll get a recent and accurate rating.

Besides seeing which clubs are ranked in America and the Midwest and which teams help produce national and college players, I also asked a friend [Chris] who’s coached in the Cleveland area for over 12+ years.

This article took several hours to put together because besides researching from the league sites, I also went to the club sites.

Of the club sites, some are easier to gather info than others. I want you to be able to see their location, as well as success and history. Hope it helps you!

Leagues by age and gender

There are MANY leagues in US youth soccer…

Age 10-11 is when things become more competitive. Age 12-13 is when you want to have already been prepared technically.

On the girls side, ECNL is the highest level for U-13 – U19 teams.

On the boys side the highest level is MLS Academy, ECNL is 2nd tier. There are great players and teams who don’t compete in either of these leagues, so don’t think this is the “best” option for you. Players who play in “lower tier leagues” still get college soccer opportunities.

GIRLS

1) Internationals

Established in 1983

2007 & 2008: The girls program was recognized as one of the top 25 programs in the nation.

2012 excepted into the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]

The girls teams have won more State, Regional and National Titles than any other NE Ohio club.

The International Girls Soccer Club has developed National Team players, professional players, and has sent hundreds of players on to the collegiate ranks.

Main location: Medina, OH [32 miles south from downtown Cleveland]

2) Cincinnati United

Cincinnati United brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized Clubs, Cincinnati United Premier (CUP), Lakota United Soccer Club, Sycamore Soccer Club (Arsenal), SCSA and combines them into one exceptional program.

Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U-8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive.

Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams, plus GA teams.

Main location: Greater Cincinnati

3) Ohio Premier

Established in 1993

Premier co-ed soccer club offering programming for youths 5-19 years of age, located in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

Ohio Premier has teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]

The club has girls who recently committed to Stanford University, University of Tennessee, Bowling Green, University of Cincinnati and more. They have 20-30 signees each year.

Main location: Dublin, OH [17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus]

4) Cleveland Force

U-5 to U-19 for youth teams. The Cleveland Force also has teams all the way up to USL League 2 and W League, which is a pre-professional pathway.

U-13 – U-19 Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]

6 grads with national team playing experience

40+ grads with professional playing experience

450+ grads with collegiate playing experience

Main location: East, West and South Cleveland

5) Ohio Elite

Established in 2002

The Ohio Elite Soccer Academy will offer teams U9-U18 age groups for both boys and girls. The Academy will offer a U8 program for boys and girls that will be structured as a non-result based, fun, learning environment.

Ohio Elite is a member of the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL].

They graduate 20-40 girls and boys each year to college soccer programs [200+ total]

2 professional players, 5 high school players of the year, 14 youth all-americans

Main location: West Chester, OH [20 miles north of Cincinnati]

BOYS

1) Cincinnati United

Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U-8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive.

Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams. MLS Next U-11 to U-14.

Main location: Greater Cincinnati

2) Team Challenger FC

Established in 2007

They are a top developmental club in all of Ohio and our teams compete in State, Regional and National level competitions on a regular basis.

Based in the Cleveland/Akron, Ohio area. Team Challenger provides a unique opportunity for serious, skilled and dedicated soccer players. The club consists of both boys and girls ranging from the ages of 6–18 years old.

20+ college signees

Main location: Cleveland & Akron, OH

3) Club Ohio

Club Ohio offers soccer for ages 5 – 19.

Their juniors program is for ages 5-6 and is an excellent supplement to your player’s recreation team training.

Main location: Dayton and Dublin, OH

4) Ohio Premier

Established in 1993

Ohio Premier is a co-ed soccer club offering programming for youths 5-19 years of age, located in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

OP has teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]

The club has girls who recently committed to Stanford University, University of Tennessee, Bowling Green, University of Cincinnati and more. They have 20-30 signees each year.

Main location: Dublin, OH [17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus]