Frequently Asked Questions

FINANCIAL

  • What is the cost to play for Columbus Force?

    Annual costs vary based on the program and age of a child, so we ask that you contact us directly to receive more specific details.  Pricing and program inclusions for the 2024-2025 season will be available in April.

  • Why are your fees higher than other clubs?

    We put all training, games, events and operational fees into one price. We do this to help families better budget year to year for the program and to avoid unnecessary confusion on charges.

  • How much are uniforms?

    Uniform packages are different for players within different programs with costs ranging from $150-$300 depending on level of play and kit needs. We purchase new uniform kits every 2 years through Nike.


  • Where do I order uniforms?

    Upon joining the club, our Admin team will add your child into our vendor platform with Soccer.com and you will receive an invite to order your uniform package. Email will come from Soccer.com.


Tryouts and Evaluations

  • How does my child tryout for the club?

    Register in Playmetrics. Once registered, we will schedule four tryout sessions to allow the player/family to get to know the club, and the coaching staff gets a chance to see the player. 

  • How many times a year will my child receive an evaluation?

    Player evaluations (Individual Development Plans [IDP]) are offered three times a year (beginning, middle, and end) upon request. 

  • Can a player evaluation be written out to show areas of progress and areas of needed improvement?

    Yes, upon request we provide "position specific" player evaluations. This is usually reserved for players U13 and older.

  • My child was rostered with team X last year, why is he being rostered with team Z this year?

    We want players to receive adequate playing time. If the club feels another roster will provide more opportunities for playing time, the Coaching staff will move players to a new roster. Player movement can happen during the year or at the end of the year. Our goal is to provide players with the best "classroom/roster" for their long-term development.

  • What criteria do you use for roster selection?

    We evaluate players based on our Core Values (CHIRP), desire, talent, and Key Qualities. [Game understanding - Technical Execution - Growth mindset/Winning Mentality, Learning ability, Responsibility/Initiative, Physical Execution].

  • Based on what criteria (technical/tactical) is a player selected to be in High Performance?

    Players are selected to high performance based on our Core Values (CHIRP), desire, talent, and Key Qualities. [Game understanding - Technical Execution - Growth mindset/Winning Mentality, Learning ability, Responsibility/Initiative, Physical Execution].

  • When will rosters be finalized for the Fall season?

    Rosters finalized for the fall season after August's pre-season camp. 

  • Can we come to see if we like it?

    Yes. Please connect with the appropriate program director to set it up!

CLUB FORMAT

  • How do I know what age group my child plays in?

    When determining the age group for a season, the year the season ends should be used for determining the birth year. Also note that the format “U followed by age” really means that age and younger. For example, U8 should be read as 8 and younger. 

    CLICK HERE for Birth Year and Season Matrix.

  • Where will my child practice?

    Practices will primarily be held outdoors at Liberty Park. For Winter, all training is held at TOCA Columbus. New locations are added on an as-needed basis..

  • Who will coach my child?

    Staff coaches are assigned to teams within the age pool and overseen by the Program Director. We desire to provide one coach to one team. 

  • What league will my child play in?

    Players will play in a league (OCL, COPL, MDL, GLA, ECNL-R (Boys), USL) the club believes best for the player's long-term development. 

  • What is the travel schedule for ENCL-RL teams?

    ECNL-R teams travel throughout the Ohio Valley (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana). ECNL-R events occur throughout the United States and will be communicated to families in advance to plan travel.

  • How long is the season?

    The Club season U9 - U14 is August through June. The Club season U15 through U19 is November through June. Teams U13 - U19 qualifying for playoffs will play into the end of June. 

  • What events will my child participate in?

    High Performance non-ECNL-R events are selected annually by Program Directors. Past events we have attended are Jefferson Cup, Crossroads, Bethesda, and Disney Showcase. 

  • Can my child take the winter off from soccer and resume in the spring?

    This depends case by case, unable to guarantee a roster spot.

  • Can my child play other sports and still be on one of your teams?

    Yes.

  • Can my child still play high school soccer?

    Yes.

  • How does my child communicate with college coaches?

    Email is the best way to start a conversation with college coaches. We also recommend attending ID camps of the school you would like to attend to get a feel for the school and introduce yourself to the staff. 

Supplemental training

  • Do you do Private Training?

    No, we offer small group training.

  • Are there specialty clinics (i.e. foot skills or shooting) that my child can register for?

    Yes, we offer a variety of skill based programs at our Force facilities. Information for these clinics can be found on our website. 

Have a question not listed? Let us know!

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