barca-academy-columbus

The Force Effect - February 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:08:36 GMT

February 2026

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

USL Youth
A Note From Our Club Director
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Upcoming Columbus Force Events
Women's Tryouts For 2026 Season
Our Proud Sponsors

USL Youth

2025 Finals & 2026 ID Clinics

We are excited to continue our USL Youth program into Year 3 in the Summer of 2026!

USL Youth is a regional developmental league designed to provide high-level training and competitive match experiences for young soccer players. The program is structured to allow players flexibility in participation while maintaining a high standard of play and development. Starting in Summer 2026, USL-Youth will align with other major U.S. soccer organizations and follow the grade year model as organizations transition away from birth year.

Year 2 was a great success with our U13 & U15 Boys competing at the 2025 USL Youth Finals in Tampa, Florida. It was amazing to watch them compete on a national stage and proudly represent Columbus Force!

Our summer program will feature 6 weeks of team training over June and July with 3 sessions a week! In June and July, teams will be competing in league games that will be held at neutral site locations across the midwest from Portage, MI., Waukegan, IL., Sylvania, OH., and South Bend, IN. Teams will play in 6-8 games (TBC) over the course of the neutral site location weekends. Selected players will be placed into training pools to enhance each and every single player's overall growth and development during the course of the summer. Players will then be selected for game weekends based on player availability, team tactical approach, performance, and more.

Each team is competing for the opportunity to qualify for USL-Y Nationals in December down in Tampa, Florida! This past year we had 2 teams attend the national event for the first time and we are aiming to continue that growth this year!

If you want to have the opportunity to compete in a pre-professional environment during the summer months with the aim of qualifying for a national event, please fill out the registration form!

Link to Register!

A Notes From Our Club Director

By: Kirby Valle

Kirby Valle

Club Director

Club Director & Girls Director

Pressure...It Starts in Youth Soccer

When we talk about developing the next generation of soccer talent, a lot of people often focus on elite teams, college offers and in Columbus, MLS signings. But the truth is, the journey—and the pressure—begins much earlier. Long before our player steps into a ECNL Championship or College/MLS locker room, they’re already carrying expectations with them on youth fields.

The American soccer system is growing rapidly. It’s more organized, more competitive, and more visible than ever before. That growth is exciting—and necessary. But beneath the progress lies a quieter reality: our players are feeling the weight of it all.

Pressure Is Starting Younger

Today’s players face a relentless mix of expectations. Parents want to see potential realized. Coaches demand improvement and results. Peers compete for limited spots. And perhaps most powerfully, players internalize it all, holding themselves to impossible standards.

The fear of being cut.

The fear of falling behind.

The fear of one bad performance defining their future.

Burnout doesn’t suddenly appear at the college or professional level—it builds slowly over time. Anxiety, loss of confidence, and even walking away from the game often start during adolescence, when players are still learning who they are outside of soccer.

As US Men's National Team Player, Diego Luna stated:

“Most people talk about mental health for adults, and that’s important. But I’m proof that young people need help just as much.”

A player is never just a player. They’re navigating school, friendships, identity, family dynamics, and personal challenges—all while trying to perform. When everything feels tied to performance, even an average game can feel insurmountable.

Environment Matters More Than We Think

If pressure can erode a young athlete’s love for the game, community can protect it.

The solution isn’t lowering standards or avoiding competition. It’s building an ecosystem that sustains both excellence and well-being.

Coaches as Mentors

Coaches shape far more than tactics and technique. They model emotional regulation, resilience, and perspective. Listening matters as much as instructing. Validation can be just as powerful as correction.

Parents as Steady Anchors

When parents emphasize effort, growth, and enjoyment over comparison with others, wins and in some cases scholarships, they help keep the game in its proper place. Applaud the hustle. Celebrate the courage to try again. Protect the joy.

Teammates as Community

A team culture built on inclusion, empathy and openness can prevent isolation. When players feel, included they are safe to admit struggles & express pressure. Silence feeds loneliness. Connection dissolves it.

Protecting the Why

Soccer, at its core, is meant to be joyful. It’s pick-up games in the park. It’s friendships formed over shared over time spent. It’s a ball at your feet and the freedom to create.

Hardship will always be part of competitive sport. So will triumph. They are necessary for growth and evolution. But if the system strips away the love that drew players to the game in the first place, we’ve missed the point.

Our responsibility—as coaches, parents, teammates, and supporters—isn’t just to develop talent. It’s to develop people. When young athletes feel supported beyond their scoring potential, they carry healthier habits, stronger identities, and better memories long after the final whistle.

Let’s build a pathway that fuels passion instead of exhausting it.

Because protecting the next generation of talent starts with protecting their love for the game.

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Kelly Bryan

U16-U19 Girls Director

Girls U16-U19

Current Status

After a much needed break for rest and recovery during the holiday season, our teams have been hard at work with indoor training over the last month. The winter weather has made things interesting, so thank you to everyone for safely making it to training when possible!

All In One: all of our teams have had training at our new complex once per week. Coaches and players have done a good job of being creative with the space to get technical training and small sided games. These sessions will continue until the end of February.

TOCA:

All teams have had Sports Performance training with Coach Mario and he has been pleased with the effort! Strength training along with speed, agility and coordination training have all been improving each week.
Toca machines have been used weekly by most ECNL RL teams and one session each for the NPL teams.
Toca team training for our ECNL RL teams once per week.

Looking Back

ECNL RL

Outdoor training sessions at Columbus Academy’s Hondros Field and Columbus School for Girls’ (CSG) Kirk Campus allowed for game prep on the big space to acclimate for the December 5-7th showcases. Training sessions with Coach Mario Suarez for Sports Performance continued and had you all moving in the right direction with speed, agility, quickness, strength and recovery techniques.

At the ECNL RL Kansas City event in Kansas City, MO:

2009G ECNL RL

Very chilly and windy conditions all weekend made for interesting moments, but thankfully there was no precipitation. This 2009 team is the only one in the club to be offered more than one ECNL RL event (ECNL RL Virginia in November) and we’re proud of their efforts during the long weekend. A challenging weekend for this group with a depleted roster and four guest players. The stars didn’t align for a slew of injured players to be cleared in time to compete and the help was appreciated from two of our 2009G Blue players - Sophia Johnson & Catherine Rife. Two external guest players also assisted and connected with the team better as the weekend wore on. After a slow start to game 1, the last two games with 0-1 results were hard fought games that showed great growth.

2010G ECNL RL

Solid weekend at Kansas City RL for this team’s first ever ECNL RL event. Very chilly and windy conditions all weekend made for interesting moments, but thankfully there was no precipitation. After a frustrating second half of game 1 led to a 1-3 loss, the lessons learned in that really helped the team compete mentally and physically in the remaining games. Game 2 was a 0-1 result that did not reflect the opportunities created by us, but a solid competitive effort. Finishing on a high note with a 2-0 win in Game 3 was a good finish to the fall of 2025 season.

At the NCFC visitRaleigh.com College Showcase in Raleigh, NC:

2007/08G ECNL RL

Coach Dani had the honor of being part of the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championships in Virginia over the weekend, which meant guest coach and Club Director, Kirby Valle, was on the sideline to lead this crew in NC. The weather was brutal on Friday with sleet and snow, but got progressively better each day. A record of 1-1-1 for the weekend was a solid showing for the team with results of 4-1, 2-2 and 0-4.

NPL

Our NPL teams did not have any showcases or games during December, but kept training at All In One once per week as well as outdoor training at CSG- Kirk Campus once per week as well.

LOOKING AHEAD!

For the ECNL RL teams, league games begin on February 22nd & 29th, 2026 if the snow ever melts! Both will be home games at the Kilbourne Run Sports Park and we look forward to kicking off our first high school ECNL RL games in the club’s history. League games continue each weekend in March as well as the Jefferson Cup Showcase in Richmond, VA on March 20-22nd.

Our NPL teams have no league games until Feb 28th-March 1 at the GLA NPL College Showcase in Canton, OH. A few league games in March will accompany the KHA Elite Spring Thaw as well as the West Virginia Capital Cup for both teams.

The practice schedules for March 2026 have been uploaded into PlayMetrics for all of our teams. We will utilize a combination of indoor spaces (TOCA) along with the outdoor synthetic turf fields at Kilbourne Run Sports Park and CSG-Kirk Campus to provide opportunities for our players to train. Sports Performance training with Coach Mario Suarez will continue for all teams in the new year.

Coaches Corner

College Recruiting is in full swing! All teams have had recruiting resources added to their Team Resources Folders and updates will continue to come for our U16-U19 players. Our 3rd annual College Recruiting Symposium happened on Ohio Wesleyan’s campus on January 31st! We were fortunate to have four college coaches with tremendous experience and we appreciate their time and insight. Thank you to all who attended. We had two teams with strong attendance and congratulations to the 2010G ECNL RL and 2011G ECNL RL teams for winning the competition!

Let’s go Force!!

Kelly Bryan

#CHIRP

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

The growth in the boys’ high school space for Columbus Force over the past year has been nothing short of tremendous.

What started as a focused effort to provide high-level training, and competitive opportunities has quickly evolved into a thriving platform for player development and exposure. Participation numbers have surged, the level of play has continued to rise, and the culture around the program reflects a strong commitment to excellence. The buy-in from players and families alike speaks volumes about the momentum building within the Club, and it’s clear that Columbus Force SC is becoming a major presence in the Boys’ High School landscape in Columbus.

Of course, that growth has not come without its challenges, particularly when it comes to scheduling. As every Midwest program knows, unpredictable weather can quickly disrupt even the most carefully crafted calendar. Field conditions, last-minute cancellations, and the constant need to reshuffle matchups require flexibility and resilience from clubs, coaches, players, and families. Yet through it all, the commitment to finding quality competition and meaningful playing opportunities has never wavered.

All of that momentum now points toward what promises to be an outstanding showcase experience at LouCity-Racing College Showcase . Competing in a setting tied to a professional club of LouCity’s stature provides an incredible stage for players to test themselves, gain exposure, and represent Columbus Force at the highest level. With the program’s continued growth and the excitement building around this event, the future looks exceptionally bright.

Best of Luck to all our U16-U19 teams:

2007/08B ECNL-RL
2007/08B Blue
2009B ECNL-RL
2009B Blue
2010B ECNL-RL
2010B Blue
2010B Blue 1

VAMOS FORCE!

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

Winter 2025 U13-U15

Winter training is in full effect as we head into the 2nd phase of our winter training programming, and the level of intensity across the club has continued to rise. The focus this winter has been clear: improve technical quality, increase speed of play, and demand better decision making in all moments of the game. The buy-in from the players has been excellent, and it’s been great to see sessions stay competitive and game-real even while being indoors.

We have had some really positive feedback regarding the new facilities that Columbus Force has secured this year and we couldn’t be happier with the facilities themselves. Having consistent access to quality turf and space allows us to train the way we want to train — with lots of touches, small-sided games, and realistic pressure. Along with TOCA Columbus we have expanded our footprint in Central Ohio and we continue to grow leaps and bounds. New facility additions in the U13–U15 space include; All In One, Columbus School For Girls, The Academy School, and that’s just the beginning. These spaces allow us to tailor sessions by age and stage, while still keeping our overall style of play and expectations consistent across the club.

Along with our normal team training sessions in the winter, we are also able to offer TOCA training and our Sports Performance program with Mario Suarez. This has been huge for player development. TOCA allows us to isolate technical repetition and finishing, while Sports Performance helps players get stronger, faster, and more resilient so they can apply those skills in games. After seeing what is offered in Columbus, I can honestly say our winter training is incomparable.

February Events

Can you believe we are getting ready for competitions in February? After a strong training block, it’s exciting to start shifting the mindset toward competition and match execution. Our 2012 RL and 2013 RL teams head to Louisville for the Racing Louisville Girls weekend at the end of February. This will be a great opportunity for these groups to test themselves, compete against quality opponents, and apply what we’ve been working on in real game moments.

Our 2011 Blue, 2012 Blue and 2012 East all kick off league play in February as well. Early league matches are important, not just for results, but for setting standards — intensity, work rate, discipline, and commitment to how we want to play. With the cold weather playing a factor we are still optimistic that games will be played, and we’re preparing our teams to be ready whenever the whistle blows.

Focus

We are starting to phase back into our tactical training sessions at this point with an eye toward getting outside. A lot of the winter work has focused on individual development — first touch, passing quality, receiving under pressure, 1v1 attacking and defending, and overall comfort on the ball. Now we begin to layer in more group and team concepts.

This phase will include building out of the back, defensive organization, pressing concepts, and improving our ability to recognize game moments. While player development remains our priority, we are now preparing players to compete, execute, and solve problems in game-like situations. This will involve fine-tuning key concepts from the fall and introducing new topics so teams continue to grow as we head into the spring.

Age Group Change

As you know, the age-group changes take effect during the fall season. We touched on this in the last newsletter, but we are getting closer to those changes taking place. From a soccer standpoint, this process is about putting players in the right environment to continue progressing — whether that means more challenge, more responsibility, or a better developmental fit.

We have spent a lot of time evaluating players, teams, and future needs, and we continue to work hard behind the scenes. Soon we will begin to have age group meetings and do our best to clearly communicate the plan, expectations, and opportunities moving forward.

College Symposium

We are extremely excited to host the Columbus Force College Symposium. This is now our 3rd year hosting, and this year is even bigger than the last. Helping players and families understand the college soccer process is a big part of what we do, and hearing directly from college coaches at multiple levels is invaluable.

Open to all 9th–12th graders, we are inviting our 2011 thru 2007/08 teams Saturday, January 31st, to the 3rd Annual College Recruiting Symposium. This event will cover recruiting timelines, expectations at different levels, and what college coaches are really looking for in players.

Girls Panelists:
• Division 1 – Gavin MacLeod (The Ohio State University)
• Division 2 – Tyler Wickham (Malone University)
• Division 3 – Sarah Brink (Denison University) & Dani Gunderson (formerly Muskingum University)

Boys Panelists:
• Division 1 – Brian Maisonneuve (The Ohio State University) & Jovin Grewal (Xavier University)
• Division 2 – Nick Roberts (Ashland University)
• Division 3 – Brandon Bianco (Denison University)
• NAIA – Htut Zar (Defiance College)

Our girls hard at work –

Ben Neer

U13-U15 Boys Director

U13-U15 Boys Director

Winter training has really ramped up, and it's been fantastic to see the teams fully commit to preparing for the spring season. There’s been a noticeable level of dedication and hard work from everyone involved, and it’s clear that each player is putting in the effort to improve.

Coaches and directors are consistently identifying players across all teams who are ready for a greater challenge. These players are being moved into higher-level team trainings, providing them with opportunities that match the hard work they’ve put in. This approach not only challenges them but also helps them continue to grow and develop at a faster pace.

Additionally, some teams have brought in new coaches to lead training sessions, introducing fresh perspectives and teaching styles. This has been a valuable experience for both the players and coaches, and it’s kept training dynamic and engaging. We plan to continue incorporating this approach throughout the winter training phase to ensure everyone keeps growing.

Winter Showcase
Our 2011B RL team participated in the Southeast College Showcase in Gatlinburg, TN, and came back as FINALISTS! Over the weekend, they conceded only two goals while scoring five in three games. A fantastic showing from the boys!

Player Spotlight
A special shout-out to the players selected by their teammates, coaches, and directors to serve as captains for U13-U15B. These players lead in their own unique ways and have earned the trust and respect of their teams:

2013B RL : Tanuz Acharya, Cole Pratt, Yuta Ishii
2013B Blue : Issac Salehi, Grady Snow
2013B White : Xander Grimes, Albert Zhu, Ameer Nowarah
2012B RL : Carter McMillan, Hudson Pratt
2012B Blue : Jack DeStefanis, Pranav Kadavil, Jithin
2012B White : Brayden Frandrich, Lucas Hollandsworth, Noah Wisner
2011B RL : Ethan Bogo, Brady Romain, Cody Richards
2011B Blue : Frank Flowers, Max White

Additionally, congratulations to the following players who participated in the ODP Interregional Event in Orlando, FL:

2013B RL : Yuta Ishii
2012B RL : Daxon Jenkins

Looking Ahead

Our 2013B and 2012B NPL teams will compete in their league crossover event at the end of February in Canton, OH. They will also head to the Turf Classic in early March while continuing league play.

Our 2011B RL and 2011B NPL will kick off league play in February and will also attend the LouCity Academy College Showcase. In March, league play will ramp up for both teams.

We’re excited to see continued growth and development throughout the winter and into the spring. The unwavering support and commitment from everyone involved is deeply appreciated. Columbus Force is grateful to all parties for contributing to our strong culture and for living out our core values: Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion (#CHIRP). As the season progresses, there’s great anticipation for what’s to come.

Yuta Ishii

2013B ECNL-RL

Daxon Jenkins

2012B ECNL-RL

Evan Wherley

U8-U12 Boys Director

Boys U8-U12

Welcome back and happy new year! We are thrilled to be in the early stages of our spring season preparations as teams begin to shift from technical focus training to more team principle training. During this time, it is important that players are committed to their team training sessions. This will ensure a smoother transition for when all of our teams begin competing outdoors in a few short months. As a staff, we have seen significant growth from players that are not only committed to attending their sessions but are also humble enough to listen as well as learn from their coach and teammates.

As a reminder, the Spring season is always a hectic one. With the unpredictable nature of Ohio weather a key contributor to the chaos. With that in mind, it is important to stay on top of your team's schedule for both training and games. Please make sure to update availability for ALL events! This helps staff plan training sessions, ensure enough players are at every game, all the while making sure we provide the best environment for every player to grow and develop.

 2014B Pre - ECNL to Attend Pre - ECNL Champions Cup in Provo, Utah in May!

We are very excited to share that due to the successful play and results in Pre-ECNL over the past two years, our 2014B Pre-ECNL were invited and ACCEPTED to the Pre-ECNL Champions Cup in Provo, Utah this May! This group of players and Coach Alejandro Valdivieso are very much excited to extend their great run from the fall, into the inaugural event for the Pre-ECNL platform!

Congratulations to Coach Elliot Wilson!

Let's also take a moment to congratulate Coach Elliott on passing his USSF D License over the winter break! Coach Elliott's dedication to wanting to challenge himself in order to better his team environment is a testament to the quality of coaches we have on staff. Congrats on all of the hard work Coach Elliott!

Braden Bell

U8-U12 Girls Director

U8 - U12 Girls

Welcome new additions to our 2014G age group!

Both our 2014G Pre - ECNL and Blue teams are very excited to welcome new players into their spaces over this winter season! Welcome Maddie Hoge and Tegan Malone to our teams and Columbus Force! We are excited to have you both and look forward to seeing you in action, this spring season!

Maddie Hoge

2014G Pre - ECNL

Tegan Malone

2014G Blue

2015G Pre - ECNL to Attend Pre - ECNL Champions Cup in Provo, Utah in May!

We are very excited to share that due to the successful play and results at the Fall, 2025 Midwest Pre - ECNL Cup, our 2015G Pre - ECNL (who came in second place, in PK's) were invited and ACCEPTED to the Pre - ECNL Champions Cup in Provo, Utah this May! This group of girls and Coach Evan Wherley are very much excited to extend their great run from the fall, into the inaugural event for the Pre - ECNL platform!

Braden Bell

U12 and Below Technical Director

Pre - Club to U12 Technical Director:

Coaching Education Workshop: Transitional Play and Coaching Interactions within Session Planning!

The staff and I were happy to welcome 2026 with another installment of our Coaching Workshop where we support one another and our coaching education to highlight the importance of winter training preparations as well as transitional themes, through our style of play curriculum at Columbus Force!

It was a great night of learning from one another as the staff worked together to create specific training activities, focusing on the importance of coaching interactions and player actions we want to see, to help drive the main themes and topics within our January and February phase of our winter periodization!

Nehemiah Tanga

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Program Manager

Boys & Girls U8-U9

U8-U9 Winter Updates!

Alongside the majority of the rest of the club within the U8-U12 age groups we have been hammering the focus on training, training, and more TRAINING ! As always, our goal is to develop the players who represent our club, but this moment in particular is important as we can begin preparations for the transition to the spring season! Across the U8-U9 age group our training theme is the same: play FAST & play FORWARD ! These methods will help instill a foundation of positive play which both aligns with our club philosophy as a whole and prepares the players for the increase of competition that comes with age!

I want to give a shout out to all the players, coaches, & parents that have been a part of our supplemental training this winter! From the weekly sessions supported by Coach Caleb Walters to the goalkeeping skills activities Coach Kirby Valle provided all players involved have received an opportunity to grow in more areas than one. I am truly excited to see how much this pays off when we return to competition in a couple of months!

Welcome to our new Force players!

As a club we are always looking to expand our fingerprint into the surrounding community to provide players with a space to grow within the game of soccer while developing key character skills they can apply to life as they grow older. As director of this age group I am proud to have you all join our teams and thankful for the quality you have brought forth with each of your individual skill sets!

Please join me in welcoming:

2018G Premier

Gracie Castorano
Juliette Lyon
Ava Novak

2018B Premier

Mason Bazemore

2018B Blue

Cameron Domino
Jack Walters
River Roubinek

2017G Premier

Maddie Swiatek

2017B Premier

Anuj Subedi
Varnik Pati

2017B Blue

Manan Prusty

2017B White

Owen Duncan
Noah Solovey

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our club and your investment in your player's journey, the best is yet to come!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

Jessica Shelton

Juniors Academy Director

We are officially three weeks into our Winter 2 Juniors classes, and it has been exciting to watch our youngest players continue to grow and develop each week.

Our focus remains on the core goals of the Juniors program: fun, confidence, and technical improvement.

What does that look like in action?

Players enjoying the game through engaging activities and games
Growing confidence with the ball at their feet
Developing technical skills such as dribbling with control, changing direction, and striking the ball with purpose
Learning to try, make mistakes, and try again in a positive environment

We are incredibly proud of the kids for their hard work, determination, and willingness to learn. Their effort and enthusiasm each session show a real commitment to the process of growth and development and that’s exactly what this stage is all about.

We are also super proud of our Elite classes, where we are able to provide an added level of challenge for our more advanced players. In these sessions, we are intentionally blending a strong technical foundation with the tactical side of the game to continue pushing player growth.

Our goal is not just to challenge players physically, but to help them develop a stronger soccer IQ. This includes:

Understanding where to move to create space
Proper body positioning to receive the ball
Playing with increased speed of play
Recognizing passing options and combining with teammates
Making quicker, smarter decisions on and off the ball

Watching these players think the game, problem-solve, and apply concepts in real time has been exciting. Their commitment to learning and improving continues to stand out.

Thank you for supporting the process and trusting us with your players’ development. We’re excited to keep building momentum through the rest of Winter 2!

Spring session registration will be coming out soon. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Visit out Juniors Academy webpage for more information and to register! Reach out to our Juniors Director, Jessica Shelton, jshelton@tocafootball.com with any questions!

Sports Performance

By: Mario Suarez

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

Nutrition and the Athlete

Nutrition plays a crucial role in an athlete’s performance, recovery, and overall health. Trying new things, developing habits and preferences, and understanding your own eating habits and preferences you should be able to optimize your nutritional intake when it comes to your own development throughout the stages of adolescence.

Sport nutrition supports five main areas: steady energy, muscle recovery, endurance, strength building, and healthy body composition. Together, these benefits help athletes handle training loads, avoid burnout, reduce injury risk, and maintain overall performance throughout a season or competitive year.

Optimal Energy Levels: The right balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) ensures athletes have enough energy for training and competition.
Enhanced Recovery: A well-planned athlete’s diet aids in muscle recovery, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall performance during subsequent workouts.
Improved Endurance and Stamina: The right fuel can help increase endurance, enabling athletes to push their limits and perform at their best for extended periods.
Strength and Muscle Growth: Adequate intake of sports nutrition proteins supports muscle growth, strength, and repair, essential for athletes looking to enhance their athletic capabilities.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: An effective diet for athletes helps maintain an optimal weight for their sport, promoting agility and speed.

For further information about nutrition, talk to your pediatrician or connect with a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Food is fuel, so make sure you are consuming food to maximize athletic potential and performance!!

Columbus Force SC Supplemental Training

Summer Training Information Coming Soon!

Thank You To

Our Sponsors!

Setback? Comeback. Orthopedic ONE has been part of Andre’s journey from growing up playing sports in central Ohio to competing at the Division I level.

If your athlete finds themselves sidelined, our Sports Medicine Hotline is here to help.

Staffed 7 days a week by certified athletic trainers, it’s a free resource for athletes and families looking for guidance after an injury. Leave us a message or send an email, and our team will help you navigate next steps, including scheduling an urgent appointment with an Orthopedic ONE physician.

(614) 827 8210

SportsMed@OrthopedicONE.com

Check out DICK’S House of Sport at Polaris Fashion Place! DICK’S House of Sport is your destination for sport . Find top gear to perform your best, practice your skills, connect with your community, and attend special events in the new interactive space.

Try out the experiences in-store including the rock-climbing wall, golf simulators, putting green, and HitTrax multi-sport cage where you can test your skills in baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse.

DICK’S House of Sport is here to support your goals year-round with events including youth sports camps and clinics, birthday parties, fitness classes, golf leagues, private rentals, and more!

Explore upcoming events and services:

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/s/scheduling/s/1666

Women in Sports Panel

Join us for an engaging evening of conversation, inspiration, and connection!

Date: Monday, March 2nd

Time: 6-8 PM

Location: Polaris DICK'S House of Sport

1510 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240

This event is intended for high school aged females. In partnership with WISHING and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, this Women in Sports experience features a dynamic panel, an interactive workshop, and light bites, all designed to empower women aspiring to build meaningful careers in the sports industry.

Click Here To RSVP

Columbus Force SC is proud to have Rheem as our official front-of-jersey sponsor, bringing their trusted brand to the heart of our kit. From the pitch to the stands, we’re united with Rheem as we compete harder, train smarter, and celebrate every win together!

With winter weather in full swing, you can trust Rheem with their high-performing and reliable products to keep your home warm all winter long! Find a Rheem Pro near you today! www.rheem.com/find-a-pro

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

@ColumbusForceSC

The Force Effect - December 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:54:36 GMT

December 2025

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

USL Youth
A Note From Our Club Director
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Upcoming Columbus Force Events
OVPL Women'S Tryouts For 2026 Season
Orthopedic ONE Sports Medicine Hotline

USL Youth

2025 Finals & 2026 ID Clinics

We are excited to continue our USL Youth program into Year 3 in the Summer of 2026!

Key Features of USL Youth:

Competitive Environment: Players compete against top teams from across the Midwest, gaining valuable match experience. Training sessions focus on skill refinement, tactical understanding, and overall player development.
Flexible Scheduling: Players can select which weekends they are available to be selected to participate, making it easier to balance with club and personal commitments.
High-Level Coaching: Each team is led by experienced coaches, with a structured training curriculum focused on technical, tactical, and positional development.
Travel & Game Locations: Matches may take place in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, (Subject to Change), providing exposure to different playing styles and competition levels during the month of July.

This program is an ideal supplement to club soccer, allowing players to gain additional high-quality competition and development opportunities while maintaining their primary club commitments.

If you want to have the opportunity to compete in a pre-professional environment during the summer months with the aim of qualifying for a national event, please see our upcoming tryout dates below! Link to Register !

Monday December 29th at TOCA

6:00-7:00 PM

U11 Girls (players born 8/1/15 - 7/31/16)

U12 Girls (players born 8/1/14 - 7/31/15)

7:00-8:00 PM

U13 Girls (players born 8/1/13 - 7/31/14)

U14 Girls (players born 8/1/12 - 7/31/13)

Tuesday December 30th at TOCA

6:00-7:00 PM

U11 Boys (players born 8/1/15 - 7/31/16)

U12 Boys (players born 8/1/14 - 7/31/15)

7:00-8:00 PM

U13 Boys (players born 8/1/13 - 7/31/14)

U14 Boys (players born 8/1/12 - 7/31/13)

Saturday January 3rd at TOCA

1:00-2:00 PM

U11 Boys & Girls (born 8/1/15 - 7/31/16)

U12 Boys & Girls (born 8/1/14 - 7/31/15)

2:00-3:00 PM

U13 Boys & Girls (born 8/1/13 - 7/31/14)

U14 Boys & Girls (born 8/1/12 - 7/31/13)

A Notes From Our Club Director

By: Kirby Valle

Kirby Valle

Club Director

Club Director & Girls Director

All Columbus Force Leadership want to give a big THANK YOU to our amazing Columbus Force Family for a tremendous 2025! It’s that time of year for reflection, and as we look back on the past 12 months, we see incredible growth! Our success isn't just about wins; it's about the passion of our coaches, the amazing support of our families in the community, and the hard work of our players on the field.

We want to give a massive shout-out to all our parents and players for truly living our core values: Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion. Because everyone—players, coaches, and parents—is invested in these values, Columbus Force is thriving! Thank you for an incredible year! We are incredibly grateful for this community!

As the season progresses, my staff and I often speak with parents about how their players can keep developing their skills outside of competitive team practice and at home. We know you are essential partners in your player's journey!

To help you support your player with focused and intentional practice, we wanted to share 5 Essential Soccer Skills Every Youth Player Should Master . These tips are a great way to build confidence and have fun with the game at home.

Here are the skills your player can work on:

1. Ball Mastery: This is all about comfort and control. Encourage your player to use every part of their foot—sole, inside, outside, instep, heel, and toe—to move the ball. Building skill from every angle is incredibly valuable!
2. Tight Space Dribbling: A game-changer skill! This involves controlling the ball in crowded areas with quick, sharp touches.
3. Passing and First Touch: Passing is a fantastic way for young players to learn timing and teamwork. The focus here is on accurate passes and receiving the ball with a soft, controlled first touch.
4. Aerial Control: Dealing with high balls can be challenging, but mastering a soft first touch when the ball comes from the air is a crucial skill.
5. 1v1 Moves and Dribbling: Some of the most exciting skills to develop! Facing a defender allows players to practice different moves, change directions, and use bursts of speed to get past an opponent.

We hope this helps guide your at-home practice and reinforces the joy of the game!

As we wrap up the fantastic 2025 season here at Columbus Force Soccer Club and look toward the opportunities 2026 will bring, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our families. Your dedication, passion, and support have been the true highlights of this past year, both on and off the pitch.

Wishing each of you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. We look forward to seeing you all revitalized and ready for new challenges and growth in the New Year! Warmest wishes!

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Kelly Bryan

U16-U19 Girls Director

Girls U16-U19

Current Status

The season has begun for all of our U16-U19 girls teams and it’s been an exciting start already! Welcome back to our high school players and thank you for bringing your energy, passion and commitment to the training sessions and early games.

A quick welcome to a new coaching staff member:

Pat Ferguson - NPL GLA Staff

Coaching 2011G Blue NPL
5th year as Ohio Wesleyan University’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Additional 24 years of collegiate coaching with stops at Wright State University (16 years - Head Coach), Campbell University (5 seasons), Mount Union (1 season) & Malone (2 seasons).
Over 30 years as club coach and experience in youth soccer
US Soccer B License & United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma
2nd year with Columbus Force SC - Pat coached our U17 & U18 teams last year

Looking Back
Teams took part in Media Day with Coach Alejandro Valdivieso to celebrate the new uniform kits and provide fun pictures for the club’s social media. Here are a few favorites from the day!

ECNL RL

Outdoor training sessions at Columbus Academy’s Hondros Field and Columbus School for Girls’ (CSG) Kirk Campus allowed for game prep on the big space to acclimate for the Nov 14-16th showcases. Training sessions with Coach Mario Suarez for Sports Performance got underway and have you all moving in the right direction with speed, agility, quickness, strength and recovery techniques.

At the ECNL RL Virginia event in Richmond, VA:

2007/08G ECNL RL - No GK for game 1 and a brilliant performance by field player Lauren Ransom to help get the win! GK Anna Camphausen did double duty playing for the 09 team for all 3 games and the last 2 games for 07/08 at this event! Solid start for this group in the first ever ECNL RL competition in club history!

2009G ECNL RL - Undefeated for the weekend with only 13 players and 2 substitute coaches. Major thank you to Coach Braden Bell for guiding the team in games 1 and 2! Coach Kelly Bryan got to enjoy the team’s grit on Sunday. Maya Blaz with 4 goals on the weekend and 2 shutouts by the team! Very gutsy performances for this group and also a solid start in the first ever ECNL RL competition in club history!

At the Gateway Showcase in Cincinnati, OH:

2010G ECNL RL - Solid competition with a great challenge in preparation for Kansas City RL. Wins on day 1 and 3 with a solid comeback mentally and physically in game 3 after a wakeup call in game 2!

NPL

Like the ECNL RL teams, it was very helpful to have outdoor training sessions at Columbus School for Girls’ (CSG) Kirk Campus to acclimate for the Nov 14-16th Gateway Showcase. Indoor training sessions at All In One Sports Center and TOCA allowed for more touches before the weekend’s events as well.

At the Gateway Showcase in Cincinnati, OH:

2009G Blue NPL - 2-1 on the weekend for this group and a great mental and physical show of perseverance after a wakeup call in game 2! A big mixture of new and returning players that came from different squads last year, so exciting to think about the future as they continue to gel.

2010G Blue NPL - Three 1-goal games show that the team is in the mix as they get to know each other and still look to solidify the roster. Help from 2012 Force guest players made for a solid show of support and opportunity to be challenged. Lots of good to come for this squad!

GLA NPL League Games:

The NPL teams have begun league games already with the 2009G Blue team with a 0-0 draw against Ohio Galaxies. The game was spirited and physical and saw lots of opportunities for both teams, but defense won the day. Solid start!

The 2010G Blue team had a 1-4 result against Club X Soccer Academy. The game was a tale of two halves as the girls were not sharp in the first half and went down 0-2, but came back in the second half to score within the first ten minutes to make it 1-2. The pressing and and effort to get an equalizer unfortunately opened up the counter attack which led to the final score. Still a solid start to the season.

Looking Ahead
For the ECNL RL teams, showcases the weekend of December 5-7th will finish the 2025 season before league games begin in February 2026.

The 2009 & 2010G ECNL RL teams are heading to Kansas City, MO for the Kansas City ECNL RL event. Competing against teams from Michigan, Texas, Missouri, and Tennessee will make for a challenging and competitive weekend for growth. Both teams look to build on their experiences from the earlier showcases and make strides towards their team identities.

The 2007/08G ECNL RL team will be traveling to the renowned NCFC visitRaleigh College Showcase in Raleigh, NC. They will battle against teams from North Carolina, Virginia and Michigan to find their groove before league games in the new year.

The practice schedules for December 2025-January 2026 have been uploaded into PlayMetrics for all of our teams. We will utilize a combination of indoor spaces (TOCA and All In One Sports Center) along with several different outdoor synthetic turf fields (Columbus Academy, Columbus School for Girls) to provide opportunities for our players to train. Sports Performance training with Coach Mario Suarez will happen for all teams in the new year.

Coaches Corner

Stay tuned for more information about college recruiting seminars, resources, and information to help you with your college search. All U16-U19 players have been asked to fill out a recruiting profile in PlayMetrics to provide information to college coaches.

Let’s go Force!!

Kelly Bryan

#CHIRP

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

I’m excited to share some outstanding news from across our High School Boys Program. Over the past few weeks, our players have demonstrated exceptional commitment, character, and competitive spirit, both with their high school teams and within our club environment.

First, congratulations are in order for the several athletes who captured state titles in the pouring snow, sleet, and heavy wind with their respective high school programs, Dublin Jerome (Finn Peterson), and Worthington Christian (Nolan Schoonover, CJ Bah, Ian Rapp, Grayden Little, Cole Little). Their success is a testament not only to their individual work ethic, but to the development culture we continue to build together. We are incredibly proud to see our players leading from the front in their school environments, and Coach Alejandro and Coach Mauricio were happy to attend the Division 4 State Final for Worthington Christian, supporting the lads in their High School environment.

Equally inspiring, has been the start of our Club High School season , where our teams swept local competitor Elite FC at every age group . While the results were emphatic, the story behind them was the tenacity of every opponent. Not a single match came easy, and credit goes to each team we faced for refusing to allow us clean sheets across the board. These battles are exactly what help sharpen our players for the challenges ahead. Thank you, Elite FC.

On the regional stage, our U19s produced strong results at RL Virginia , showcasing maturity, consistency, but needing a clear identity in their play. Meanwhile, our U17s, despite being heavily impacted by injuries, showed remarkable grit and resilience . Their determination to compete for every moment spoke volumes about their character and the depth of our program.

We were also thrilled to see our NPL U16s and NPL U17s competing in their first showcase together under their new coaches, Coach Jacob and Coach Scot, at Gateway College Showcase. The energy, excitement, and commitment displayed by both groups highlight a bright future and a growing identity within our NPL pathway. It was a fantastic first step in their journey as newly formed teams, and we look forward to their continued growth. We are proud to share that our own NPL players have already been called up several times this season to support the ECNL-RL space, showing our continued commitment to internal player development, and dynamic growth within the organization.

Thank you to all families and staff for your constant support, and congratulations to our players for representing our club with pride. The season is still young, but the foundation being laid right now is setting us up for something special.

Let’s keep pushing forward, together.

With pride,

-Coach Mauricio

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

Winter 2025 U13-U15

Winter training has begun at the Force, and while some of our teams are already heading indoors for their sessions, we’ve also got a couple of teams just getting rolling again after the High School season. This is always an interesting part of the year—some players are sharpening their technical base inside, while others are jumping straight from the high-school rhythm back into our club tempo.

We’re excited to welcome back our 2011 age groups from High School, and we wish them luck as they head into league play and showcases. It’s a big shift moving from the high-school style of play back into our club principles—building through the thirds, playing with purpose, and staying connected in possession—but they’ve taken it on with great energy.

Showcase – It was an exciting weekend for our 2011s as they headed down to Cincinnati for the Gateway Showcase, their first event of the year, as well as the first showcase for this age group. It was great seeing our teams compete for the first time this season. Both groups showed grit and determination throughout the showcase, and we saw a lot of moments where our possession principles, spacing, and speed of play really came through. For a first outing, there were plenty of encouraging signs that the work we’re doing is transferring into the game.

Winter Training – To support our continued growth as a club, we’ve added several new training locations to our winter offerings. This allows us to increase the frequency of training sessions and gives our teams more space to work in. More space means more room for functional training, positional play, and creating game-realistic environments. These are exciting times for the club as we continue to grow in all areas—especially as this age group continues to expand at an incredible rate.

As we head into the winter months, we’re not just dialing in on the technical side of the game — we’re also putting a big emphasis on the micro moments that eventually shape the macro moments. These little details are what allow players to grow into bigger, more complex situations on the field.

For example, our players need to be able to recognize and dominate a 2v1, not just in a drill but in the flow of a real game. It’s about seeing the overload early, understanding the cue, and having the confidence to exploit it. When they can consistently master a 2v1 — timing, angles, movement, and decision-making — then we can progress naturally into a 3v2, 4v3, and ultimately full-team moments where those same principles scale up.

These micro moments build trust, improve speed of play, and teach the girls how to create advantages instead of waiting for them. And the more they own these details, the more control they gain over the game as a whole.

Welcome Back – Pat Ferguson has joined Columbus Force again. Pat has taken over as our 2011 Blue head coach and will be a tremendous asset to the age group. Pat is currently the head coach at Ohio Wesleyan University and brings 29 years of college and club coaching experience. He previously coached our 2007 and 2008 women’s teams last year, and we are thrilled to have him back in the fold. His experience in the college game, particularly with team shape, movement off the ball, and preparing players for the next level, will be a huge benefit for our players.

Age Group Change – As you know, the age-group changes take effect during the fall season. I was part of the first round of changes when we adjusted from birth year to school year, and the transition can go very smoothly when everyone is prepared. We’ve already begun planning to make sure our players are ready. Along with staying in tune with where each player is developmentally, we’ll begin integrating players into their new age groups so the transition feels natural rather than abrupt.

Our goal is always to place players in the best environment for growth and development. This will include combining age groups for training sessions, evaluating chemistry on and off the ball, and keeping parents informed the best we can. This can be a challenging time for the girls as they move into a different group with new faces, new demands, and sometimes a different role on the field. But with preparation and clear communication, we feel confident we can make the transition as smooth as possible.

Ben Neer

U13-U15 Boys Director

U13-U15 Boys Director

As we conclude the fall season, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all our teams. This season has been both competitive and rewarding, and it has been a privilege to witness the growth and development of our players and coaches alike. The relationships and team chemistry that have been built are a true testament to the commitment and teamwork of everyone involved.

With the conclusion of the fall season for our teams, we are currently in our Winter 1 training phase. As the club continues to grow, we will be utilizing a variety of indoor and outdoor turf facilities to provide optimal training conditions for all players. Our goal this winter is simple: to equip every player with the technical, tactical, and mental tools they need to succeed when spring arrives. We’ll be focused, intentional, and driven, ensuring that every detail counts as we build toward the next phase of the season.

For any players looking to continue their development outside of team training sessions, Columbus Force offers a variety of supplemental training and camps. These programs can be found on our website at columbusforcesoccer.com under the “ Training Hub ,” “ Academy Training, ” and “ Youth Camps ” tabs. These opportunities are designed to complement team training and support continued player growth.

ECNL-RL Updates

2013B RL : Currently sitting in 2nd place in league play with a record of 7-2.
2012B RL : Currently with a record of 7-2 in league play. They recently played up in the 2011B division at the Gateway Showcase, winning all three matches.
2011B RL : Currently 1-0 in league play after defeating Elite FC 2-1. They also participated in the Gateway Showcase, competing in the top division and finishing in the top 2. Their next event will be the Southeast Boys Showcase in Gatlinburg, TN, in mid-January.

Recent Tournament Achievements

2013B NPL : Reached the final of the Season Finale tournament in Lodi, OH, finishing as finalists.
2012B RL : Crowned Champions at the Season Finale Showcase in Lodi, OH.

Player Shout-outs

Brycen Sera

Promoted from the 2012B NPL team to our ECNL-RL team. Brycen's dedication and performance on the field have earned him this well-deserved opportunity.

Gerald Asamoah

Selected by the Columbus Crew to join their U14 roster for the Pre-Formation Academy Program - Phase #2. This is an outstanding achievement, and we are excited to see Gerald continue his development in this next phase.

Player Identification & Development
Our coaching staff is in ongoing communication regarding players who are excelling and may benefit from being placed in a higher-level environment. Player evaluation is a continuous process, and we will promote players or provide additional opportunities when it is in their best interest for development.

We are excited for the progress we’ve seen so far and look forward to the growth that the winter training phase will bring. Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to get back to work with everyone in the coming weeks!

Evan Wherley

U10-U12 Boys Director

Boys U10-U12
The 2025 season has been remarkable for our U10-U12 Boys teams. It is truly astonishing how quickly the year has passed, a testament to the enjoyment and progress experienced by all. Throughout 2025, teams across the age group demonstrated continuous learning, development, and strong competition in every event. We celebrated numerous successes both on and off the field. Here are some of the notable achievements by our players and teams in 2025:

15 Teams

That reached the final of an event!

10 champions & 5 finalists including a State Cup Championship!

7 Players

Part of Crew Academy including:

Rafe Valle, Liam Mitchell, Luiz Zorce, James Cleland, Gavin Englert, Cole Wetcher, and Joandri Camarillo.

5 Players with ODP Selection

Selected to State Pool: Josh Morgan

4 selected to the State Team: Lincoln Kaderly, Luiz Zorce, James Cleland, Yuta Ishii

1 selected to the Midwest Team: Yuta Ishii

3 Teams

Finish ed as regular season Champions!

As we prepare to head into 2026, we are incredibly excited to see the continued growth of players as they continue to embark on their own, unique soccer journeys!

Braden Bell

U10-U12 Girls Director

U8 - U12 Girls

I am happy to announce the Fall 2025 Championship Teams from our U10 - U12 Girls Age group!

2016G Premier

In our local, OCL format, our 2016G Premier finished top of the division in the U10 Girls Stars North 2 Division with a record of 5 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie! They also were able to earn wins outside of their division vs. a team in the next division up (U10 Girls White), in a 2 - 0 win over Club Ohio North 2016G Pre - GA. Congratulations 2016G Premier and Coach Braden!

2015G Pre-ECNL

In our regional, Pre - ECNL format, our 2015G Pre - ECNL team finished 1st place in the Ohio Valley South 3rd division, with a PERFECT record! Not only did they win, receiving a perfect 10 - 0 record, they also registered 67 goals for and only 4 goals against! Congratulations 2015G Pre - ECNL and Coach Evan!

Braden Bell

U12 and Below Technical Director

Classics Eagles and Columbus Force Bridge Program

As partner clubs and organizations, Classics Eagles and Columbus Force have enhanced their partnerships in directors across both platforms have been working hard to put together the first ever CE and CF Bridge Program, that saw identified talented CE players (U10 - U12) to come out and work with the Columbus Force Age Group Directors, Staff as well as selected players that represent the Columbus Force Values!

The event on November 9th saw over 15 Classics Eagles players, their families and some CE staff get to work with the Columbus Force players, staff and directors in a collaboration to further those relationships across both platforms, to better support the development of all our youth soccer players!

We Value Education! I am happy to share that at Columbus Force, we value the importance of players', parents' and especially, coaches' education!

Braden Bell

U10 - U12 Girls DOC, 2016G Premier & 2014G Pre - ECNL

pursuing his National D License!

Elliott Wilson

2015 Boys White

Pursuing his National D License!

Nehemiah Tanga

U8/U9 Boys/Girls Prog. Manager & 2017B Premier

Pursuing his National C License!

Evan Wherley

U10-U12 Boys DOC, 2016B Pre-ECNL & 2015G Pre - ECNL Pursuing the National B License, after completion will be the highest licensed coach in Columbus Force!

Nehemiah Tanga

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Program Manager

Boys & Girls U8-U9

Fall Season Recap

What a fantastic fall season from all of our players, our teams demonstrated tremendous growth in understanding the game and ability to transfer training topics directly into our games! Throughout the season our teams demonstrated the grit and tenacity that are a true reflection of the values of the Columbus Force, amidst an incredibly competitive season! I am so proud of the work that we have begun and want to thank every player, family, and supporter that has driven us to the goals we attained and the future endeavors we will undertake for the spring! Below is a small recap of how the season went for each U8-U9 team:

Director's Corner

As you all know, this was my first season as a coach in the club as well as a leader in the organization! I wanted to take this time to sincerely thank everyone involved in the process to welcome me in:

To the players and families - Thank you for the trust in our club and the direction we are trying to go throughout the difficulty of the transition period I was brought in. You share in my passion of developing young men and women and I am humbled to have been accepted into the family and will continue working to serve you and your children as they grow with Columbus Force!

To the leadership staff - Thank you for the willingness to support me in the Force principles & pathways, patience in the process of my assimilation into the team, and willingness to provide me with feedback and challenge! You have played a MASSIVE role in my personal development and I am forever grateful!

To my coaches - I am so proud of the family we have built and continue to build, you all have shown incredible hard work and consistency in developing yourselves and your players. We are far from a finished project but I am encouraged by the hunger and desire for more in the group, the sky is the limit!

Looking forward to another year of growth together with Columbus Force!

2018 Girls - Premier

What a season for the 2018 girls and Coach Mario Suarez! With a coach that leads our performance program for the club it is no surprise that this team was fast, physical, and extremely competitive! Winning 2 tournaments and having a strong league season the girls set the bar HIGH for the age group and have been trailblazers for showing us how far attention to detail can go, well done ladies!

2018 Boys - Premier & Blue

Dealing with injuries, illnesses, and schedule complications really gave our 2018 boys teams a massive hill to climb, but boy did they excel regardless. Kudos to Coach Caleb Walters & Coach Val Montoya for your management of the environment to promote resiliency in the face of adversity, as well as community in helping each other out for the greater good of our club family. We truly have a special group growing here and have already shown we can bring hardware home so expecting more to come soon!

2017 Girls - Premier

The 2017 girls team has shown the greatest combination of personality and intensity, beautifully deriving a sense of identity in the combination of individuality and team. Their ability to out-work opponents while playing an attractive brand of soccer was truly a joy to witness all season. The expert leadership of our Club Director Kirby Valle and our HS Girls Director Kelly Bryan fostered self-confidence and belief in the girls and system we are trying to build as a club, I am so thankful for your investment in our younger girls!!

2017 Boys - Premier, Blue, & White

Coaching a boys U9 team myself I was directly involved in the operations of all things 2017 boys, alongside Coach Caleb Walters and Coach Jon Hsu. After the spring of this year we took on the challenge of ramping up the level of competition for our boys and it has paid off incredible dividends already! I enjoyed watching the boys learn positional principles and game cues, as the teams we saw really tested our ability to process efficiently! All in all the boys worked hard and grew together as a unit more and more as the season went on, I am proud of how seamlessly we all fit together as we supported each other!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

Jessica Shelton

Juniors Academy Director

Program Pathway

Mini Academy (Ages 3–4)
A fun and active introduction to soccer! Mini Academy focuses on body movement, balance, coordination, and simple ball activities that develop comfort and confidence. Players learn through engaging games that encourage teamwork, listening, and movement in a positive, energetic setting.

Juniors Academy (Ages 5–8)
The foundation stage of youth soccer development. Juniors Academy is perfect for players who are new to the sport or participating at a recreational level. Juniors Academy provides an excellent environment to build the essential skills needed for both enjoyment and long-term success in soccer. The program focuses on building technical skills and game understanding while developing a love for soccer.

Juniors Elite (Ages 6–8)
For advanced players ready for the next challenge. Juniors Elite is designed for players who demonstrate strong technical ability, understanding of the game, and a desire to compete at a higher level. This program emphasizes faster play, decision-making under pressure, and small-group tactical understanding in a fun and competitive environment. Players refine their technical skills and learn to apply them in realistic game situations.

Come enhance your ability to control your body and the ball in our Force Juniors Programs! Whether you’re joining Mini Academy, Juniors Academy or Juniors Elite , players will develop confidence and skill in a safe, engaging, and fun environment.

Visit out Juniors Academy webpage for more information and to register! Reach out to our Juniors Director, Jessica Shelton, jshelton@tocafootball.com with any questions!

Sports Performance

By: Mario Suarez

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

Our players have been hard at work throughout Winter 1 on the field and in the weight-room!

Our 2014-2016 Pre-Ecnl boys and girls teams have been improving their athleticism off the field with their 6-week program! Over the course they have been working on components of speed, agility, and strength such as:

Balance and stability: A state of bodily equilibrium in either static or dynamic planes.
Rhythm: The expression of timing.
Spatial awareness: The ability to know where you are in space and in relation to objects.
Kinesthetic differentiation: The degree of force required to produce a desired result.
Reactive ability: The ability to respond with movement to a particular stimulus, such as sight, sound, or touch.

Our HS ECNL-RL boys and girls teams have also been improving their athleticism through their Winter 1 6-week program managing and enhancing their movement patterns to be resilient, strong, and safe on the field. They have been working hard while going through:

Isometric block: Build efficiency, tissue stability, and ligaments and tendon durability and flexibility at specific joint angles that are experienced on the field.
Strength block: to enhance force production, absorption, redirection to be quicker and more explosive on the field and be prepared to handle the loads of the game or multiple games in a weekend.
Conditioning block: to enhance overall anaerobic and aerobic capacity to maintain preparation of game load and experience, so when playing fatigue does not hit as quick, nor does it stop our high level play.

Excited to continue working until the New Year and beyond!! Let’s go FORCE!!

Columbus Force SC Supplemental Training

Holiday Camps, U8-U9 Supplemental Training, Force7's & Goalkeeping Training!

OVPL 2026 Women's Tryouts

December 27th & January 3rd

Summer 2025 was our first year with an established program for our older female players. We had over 35 players involved in the program! This included former players that came through the club, players new to the club, as well as current internal Force players! This program provided a valuable opportunity for every player to challenge themselves against high-level competition during the summer months.

Year one provided such a great experience to all players and we are proud to recognize that one of our players, Aubrey Stiener (Ashland University), was voted into the Team of the Season!

This year we are excited to return the program as we look to build upon the strong foundation of year one, continuing to provide a much needed platform for our older, high-performing female players. OVPL is aimed at the U23 player to provide them a platform to train as well as play during the summer when it is the "off-season" for those players ahead of their collegiate seasons beginning in August.

Key Features of OVPL:

Competitive Environment: Players compete against top teams in the region gaining valuable match experience. Training sessions focus on skill refinement, tactical understanding, and overall player development.
High-Level Coaching: The team is led by experienced coaches, with a structured training curriculum focused on technical, tactical, and positional development.
Travel & Game Locations: Matches may take place in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, (Subject to Change), providing exposure to different playing styles and competition levels during the months of May-July.

If interested in learning more or trying out, please reach out to ewhelrey@tocafootball.com and check out the tryout dates below!

Saturday December 27th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at TOCA
Saturday January 3rd 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at TOCA

Proud Partner of Columbus Force Soccer Club

Stay Strong This Off-Season

Pushing hard in conditioning? Tweaked something during training?

That’s where the Orthopedic ONE Sports Medicine Hotline comes in. This free resource is staffed 7 days a week by certified Athletic Trainers to support athletes and their families. Simply leave us a message or send an email, and a member of our team will reach out to help you navigate next steps, whether that’s guidance for at-home care or scheduling an appointment with an Orthopedic ONE physician at a location near you. We’ll help assess your situation and create a personalized Game Plan to keep you moving safely and get you back on track.

(614) 827-8210

SportsMed@OrthopedicONE.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

@ColumbusForceSC

The Force Effect - October 2025

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:44:32 GMT

OCTOber 2025

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

Supplemental Tryouts
A Note From Our Club Director
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Upcoming Columbus Force Events
Force Yellow Pages Business Directory
Orthopedic ONE Sports Medicine Hotline

Supplemental Tryouts

October 26th & November 9th

We’re hosting Supplemental Tryouts for players ready to compete, grow, and represent Columbus Force SC at the next level! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Columbus Force Soccer Club!

Boys Tryouts

Sunday, October 26

9:00–10:00AM | 2007–2009 Boys
10:00–11:00AM | 2010 Boys

Sunday, November 9

9:00–10:00AM | 2007–2009 Boys
10:00–11:00AM | 2010 Boys

Location: Liberty Park South

Girls Tryouts

Please reach out to to our Directors to set up your tryout!

U16-U19 Girls: Kelly Bryan kbryan@tocafootball.com

U13-U15 Girls: Travis Marrow tmorrow@tocafootball.com

U8-U12 Girls: Braden Bell bbell@tocafootball.com

A Notes From Our Club Director

By: Kirby Valle

Kirby Valle

Club Director

Club Director & Girls Director

Happy Fall, Columbus Force Families!

As October arrives and the Fall season winds down, it’s a great time to talk about something we can control on game day — our sideline behavior .

Sideline behavior is a hot topic in youth sports at all levels. Here at Columbus Force , we want to empower our parents and spectators to be role models through our core values of CHIRP :
Commitment l Humility l Integrity l Respect l Passion

Why Sideline Behavior Matters

Our parents are the difference-makers in shaping the game-day experience for our players and referees. Your support is critical to creating a safe, fun, and positive environment for learning and growth.

As a fellow soccer parent, I get it — it’s exciting to watch your child play! We feel every kick, pass, and goal. That passion is awesome — it’s one of our values! But sometimes, we need to take a quick sideline timeout and ask:

Does what I’m doing help my child or distract them?
Am I respecting the refs, coaches, and other spectators?

Let's Break It Down: 3 Types of Sideline Behavior

Supportive Behavior (Encouraged!)

Cheering after good plays (not during)
Clapping, celebrating effort, and modeling sportsmanship
Checking in with your child about what support they want

Tip: Ask your child — “Do you like when I cheer? Or would you rather I stay quiet while you play?”
Every kid is different. Let's meet them where they are.

Distracting Behavior (Not Helpful)

Shouting instructions like “Shoot!” “Pass!” or “Boot it!”
Talking to players while they’re playing

Why it matters: It adds pressure, causes confusion, and limits decision-making on the field — which is where the real learning happens.

Hostile Behavior (Zero Tolerance)

Yelling at referees, coaches, players, or other parents
Disrespectful or aggressive language or actions

Columbus Force has a zero-tolerance policy for hostile sideline behavior.
It doesn’t reflect who we are as a club — and it will be addressed immediately.

Let’s Be the Best Sideline in the League

We love the passion you bring. By channeling it in a way that supports your child, their teammates, and our referees, you’re helping Columbus Force lead the way in what a great soccer culture looks like.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for investing in your child’s soccer journey — on and off the field.

Let’s finish the Fall season strong — together.

Go Force!

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Kelly Bryan

U16-U19 Girls Director

Girls U16-U19

Current Status

We are getting closer to the start of the 2025-26 season for our high school age groups in November. Our players are moving into the last part of their high school seasons and preparing for post season tournaments. Good luck to all as you battle for league titles and state tournament glory!

Our coaching staff is busy preparing for the start of the high school club season in November and look forward to your return! As a reminder, here is your experienced and talented group of coaches leading our girls high school teams this year:

Kelly Bryan - U15-U19 Girls High School Director/Director of College Recruitment

26+ years as a Division III collegiate coach (Kenyon College & North Carolina Wesleyan University)
2nd year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2010G ECNL RL team & the 2017G Premier (fall)

Travis Morrow - U13-U15 Girls Director

26+ years of coaching experience with local club and high school programs
3rd year with Columbus Force SC (previously Barca Academy Columbus)
Coaching 2011 ECNL RL & 2013 ECNL RL

Dani Gunderson

Head Women’s Soccer Coach/Senior Woman Administrator at Muskingum University - entering her 5th year, 10+ years of collegiate coaching
1st year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2007/08 ECNL RL

Sarah Brink

Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Denison University - entering 3rd year, 7+years of collegiate coaching
1st year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2009 ECNL RL

NPL GLA Staff

Danica Hanschu

4th year with Columbus Force SC (previously Barca Academy Columbus)
2.5 years as Goalkeeper Director for Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2009 Blue NPL & 2013 Blue NPL

Macy Torres

3rd year with Columbus Force SC (previously Barca Academy Columbus)
2 years as Thomas Worthington JV Coach
Coaching 2010 Blue NPL & 2012 Blue NPL

Jacob Eddy

1st year as Muskingum University Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach & 5 years of collegiate and youth coaching experience
1st year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2011 Blue NPL

Looking Ahead
All of our teams in the Girls High School space will attend 5 showcases mixed between Nov/Dec of 2025 and the spring of 2026. Regional play for the NPL teams will find them competing in Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. The ECNL RL teams will have regional play as well along with stops in Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, and New Jersey (depending on the team). It will be a busy and exciting season for our teams and we look forward to the challenge!

The practice schedules for November-December 2025 will be uploaded into PlayMetrics very soon. We will utilize a combination of indoor spaces (TOCA and All In One Sports Center) along with several different outdoor synthetic turf fields (Columbus Academy, Columbus School for Girls and others) to provide opportunities for our players to train. We hope that the early winter weather will cooperate with us to keep our teams outside when possible as they prepare for showcases. Please keep an eye out for the schedule updates.

Coaches Corner

Stay tuned for more information about college recruiting seminars, resources, and information to help you with your college search. All U16-U19 players will be asked to fill out a recruiting profile in PlayMetrics to provide information to college coaches. It’s very important that all players fill this out promptly!

Media Day!

Lastly, please RSVP on PM for the U15-U19 Girls ECNL-RL & Blue Teams Media Day!

Saturday, November 1 – Girls ECNL-RL & Blue Teams

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 2011 Girls ECNL-RL

10:05 AM – 11:05 AM | 2011 Girls Blue

11:10 AM – 12:10 PM | 2010 Girls ECNL-RL

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | 2009 Girls Blue

1:20 PM – 2:20 PM | 2009 Girls ECNL-RL

2:25 PM – 3:25 PM | 2010 Girls Blue

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 2008/07 Girls ECNL-RL

Makeup Media Day

Date: Wednesday, November 12

Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: TOCA Columbus

Please note: Makeup sessions are limited to headshots, full-frame photos, and one pose only.

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

The Boys’ High School ECNL-RL Program has begun to wrap up an incredible High School season filled with hard work, growth, and outstanding achievements! The Columbus Force coaching staff has enjoyed coming to support all the different High School programs in the Fall, and we are excited for the State Tournament to start.

Throughout the year, our players have demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication, earning recognition on both the regional and national stages.

Their success has led to invitations to two major ECNL-RL and full ECNL showcase events : one in Virginia and another in Indiana , where our athletes will represent Columbus Force against top programs from across the country, and where they will receive extraordinary college recruitment exposure.

In addition, we are proud to announce that our program has been recognized as one of the Top 20 ECNL-RL programs in the nation , earning an exclusive invitation to the Leaders Cup , one of the most prestigious events in the ECNL and ECNL-RL ecosystem.

This honor is a testament to the commitment of our players, the guidance of our coaches, and the support of our parents, and community. Congratulations to the entire Boys’ RL Program for an outstanding High School season, and for continuing to set the standard for excellence in the central OH region!

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

Fall Season – 2012s & 2013s! Rapid Growth!

We’re now right in the middle of the fall season, and it’s been awesome to see the growth in this space—not just with individual player development, but with how our teams are coming together as well. The players are putting in the work at training, and it’s showing up on the field. We’ve had a strong start in both tournaments and league play, and the goal now is to keep building on that momentum for what should be a fantastic season across the board.

A few highlights so far:

2012 East Girls

Finalists at the Grand Park Cup

2013 NPL

Finalists at the Cincinnati Champions Cup

2012 ECNL-RL

Finalists at the Ohio Premier Invitational

2012 NPL

Champions at the United Futbol Cup

Big congratulations to all of these teams for their success early in the season! We’re excited to see even more talent rise to the surface and can’t wait to watch what these groups will accomplish as the season goes on.

Coaching Education

Each week our coaches get together to talk about how we can keep growing and giving our players the best experience possible, both on our teams and across the club. We’ve touched on everything from using the same soccer vocabulary with our players, to how we give feedback, to what it means to truly be part of the Force.

These meetings are a chance for us to learn from each other, share ideas, and look at the game from different angles—just like players do when they’re training together. The goal is simple: keep improving as coaches throughout the season, so we can help our players improve too. At the end of the day, if we’re getting better every week, our teams and our club will keep getting stronger.

Giving Back

We’re excited to kick off a new season of giving back! Over the next few months, our teams will be launching a series of community projects aimed at supporting our local neighborhoods and lending a hand to those who need it most.

These service projects are a big part of who we are. They give our players the chance to step outside the field and make a real difference—whether it's through volunteering, organizing drives, or partnering with local organizations. Not only do these efforts strengthen our community, but they also help our players build empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of civic responsibility.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our parents and staff, whose time, energy, and encouragement help make these projects possible. Thanks for being part of something meaningful—we can't wait to see the impact we’ll make together!

Ben Neer

U13-U15 Boys Director

U13-U15 Boys Director

Fall Season Update

This fall season has been incredibly rewarding. The players and staff have been competing at a high level, and the connections being built both on and off the field are clearly translating into strong performances. Team chemistry is thriving, results have been positive, and most importantly, the boys are enjoying the game while continuing to grow and develop. The progress has been exciting to watch, and there’s still more to come.

ECNL RL
Our ECNL RL 2013 and 2012 boys teams recently competed in their first ECNL event in New Jersey. Both teams performed well and finished with a combined 3-3 record, proving they are more than capable of playing at a high level on a bigger stage.

Our 2013B RL team, coached by Ben Neer, opened league play with a 3-0 record, scoring 15 goals and conceding none.

Our 2012B RL team, led by John Lawrence, also started the season 3-0, with 13 goals scored and only 2 allowed.

GLA NPL
Our 2013B and 2012B Blue teams, both coached by John Lawrence, are off to a strong start this fall. They’ve combined for a 7-3-3 record, with 43 goals scored and just 18 conceded. Their growth and strong team play continue to be key factors in their success. Both teams also reached the finals in their first tournament of the season at the Dublin Charity Cup, finishing as tournament finalists.

2012 ECNL-RL

3-0 in ECNL-RL GLA

2012 NPL

3-0 in ECNL-RL GLA

OCL
Our 2013B White team, coached by Jake Nowarah, and our 2012B White team, coached by Nolan Brooks, continue to make impressive strides each week. They’ve combined for a 7-4 record in league play with 30 goals scored and 18 conceded, consistently showing improvement and a strong competitive spirit.

Special congratulations to Coach Jake Nowarah’s 2012B White team, who were crowned champions at the Grove City Fall Classic in their first tournament of the season. They are also currently sitting at the top of their league bracket.

2013B White

2011B Fall Team
Coached by James Adu, our 2011B Fall team is having an outstanding season. With a current record of 3-0-2, they sit at the top of their division and recently captured their first tournament title at the Columbus Fall Classic.

The buy-in from players, coaches, and families has been outstanding. Everyone is showing up, putting in the work, and supporting one another in meaningful ways. That level of commitment is what creates such a positive and competitive environment.

2011B Fall Team

A special thank you goes out to our parents. Your continued support, whether it is getting the boys to training on time, cheering from the sidelines, or helping behind the scenes, plays a major role in the team’s growth. The energy and encouragement you bring help shape the culture we are building.

You can feel the momentum. The teams are connecting, training habits are improving, and there is a clear sense of pride and purpose across all groups. We are not just developing players, we are building something bigger together.

With plenty of season still ahead, we are excited to keep raising the level and seeing what this group can accomplish.

Evan Wherley

U8-U12 Boys Director

Boys U8-U12

Our teams have been working incredibly hard this Fall season, and we are thrilled to see such significant growth and development in such a short time. So far, seven of our teams have reached a final in an event, which is an amazing achievement! This demonstrates that the work being done on the training pitch is translating effectively to the game environment. Reaching a final is a great accomplishment, as is the continuous growth and development of teams through their respective league play. For this growth to continue, we ask that families on the sideline remain supportive of their players, the team, and the coaches. Please refer to Coach Kirby's message for additional information.

Have a look at everything that has been going on so far this season below!

2015B Pre-ECNL

Columbus Fall Classic - CHAMPIONS

2016B Blue

Columbus Fall Classic - FINALIST

2015B White

Grove City Fall Classic - CHAMPIONS

2016B Pre-ECNL

Columbus Fall Classic - FINALIST

2014B Blue

Dublin Charity Cup - CHAMPIONS

2015B Bl ue

Dublin Charity Cup - CHAMPIONS

2014B Pre-ECNL

Columbus Fall Classic - FINALIST

Braden Bell

U8-U12 Girls Director

U8 - U12 Girls

Congratulations to our Champions and Finalists from the Columbus Fall Classic

Our U10 - U12 Girls age group at Columbus Force had 4 of our 5 teams compete in the Columbus Fall Classic over the weekend of 9/20 - 9/21. Out of those 4 teams, our 2015G Blue were Finalists and our 2016G Premier and 2015G Pre - ECNL teams were crowned Champions of their respective divisions! Congratulations Coach Lisa and 2015G Blue for making the final! Congratulations to Coach Braden Bell and the 2016G Premier and Coach Evan Wherley and the 2015G Pre - ECNL teams for winning the championship!

It was a great showing at the event and our 2014G Blue was also victorious in getting their first win of the season at this event, which sparked some huge momentum in seeing them continue this run the next weekend with a tie and a win in their OCL division! Well done and keep up the great work, Coach Erin Hawkins!

2015G Pre - ECNL Midwest Cup Finalist at First Ever Pre - ECNL Midwest Cup in Lebanon, OH!

The momentum kept going from the previous weekend with our 2015G Pre - ECNL taking second place in the first ever Midwest Cup for the Pre - ECNL Sanctioned event at Warren County! The girls ended up finishing with a record of 3 - 0 in preliminary games and lost in the final in PKs, 5 - 4, but after they were down 4 - 1 at the half and brought it back to 4 - 4 to take it into penalty shootouts! Such a great few weeks for this amazing group of players and their coach, Evan Wherley!

2015G Blue

Finalists - Columbus Fall Classic

2015G Pre - ECNL

Champions - Columbus Fall Classic

2015G Pre - ECNL

Champions - Columbus Fall Classic

2014G Blue

1st win on the season!

2015G Pre - ECNL

Pre - ECNL Midwest Cup

Nehemiah Tanga

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Program Manager

Boys & Girls U8-U9

Mid season Recap

We are half way through the season and we have seen a major increase in confidence on and off the ball in application of our seasonal plans for the fall season! The major goals for our age group this season are to grow in our understanding of structure and competitiveness in the defensive zone and I am thrilled in how our coaches have meticulously crafted training sessions to implement this every week! As we continue into the season we will look at further coordination to provide players with different training environments and ensure competition stays at a high level!

Coach Spotlight

This month's Coach Spotlight will be highlighting the amazing coaching duo Kelly Bryan and Kirby Valle! We are very fortunate to have such vast experience and knowledge provided for our 2017G Premier team, both coaches do a tremendous job of teaching our girls the game as well as showing them the blueprint for success for women in the sport every time they touch the field. Congratulations on your first of many championships with your victory at the Grove City Fall Classic , we as an age group are very proud of your success!

Building Forward

As we finish out the remainder of the fall season we will continue to push the players to embrace personal development as we also motivate each other as a coaching core to maintain a standard of excellence. We are the foundation of the club and there is a long-term pathway in place for all players to grow within their understanding of the game while also discovering more about themselves. More challenges lay ahead, but we welcome them as we know they are necessary to build a true FORCE in this region!

Excited to see what the future holds!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

Jessica Shelton

Juniors Academy Director

Wrapping Up the Fall Season!

As we close out the fall season, it’s been exciting to watch our players grow technically and tactically and begin applying their skills in the game environment . The progress, confidence, and enthusiasm shown by our athletes have been incredible each week!

We’re now looking forward to the Winter 1 Session as we transition indoors to TOCA .

Our Force Juniors programs are designed to meet players where they are in their soccer journey — building confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for the game.

Program Pathway

Visit out Juniors Academy webpage for more information and to register! Reach out to our Juniors Director, Jessica Shelton, jshelton@tocafootball.com with any questions!

 We look forward to seeing your young athletes on the field!

Sports Performance

By: Mario Suarez

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

Tips to prepare for practices, games, and tournaments

It’s important to remember that the real preparation before a soccer game happens in the weeks before it. You can’t cram for a soccer game. You can, however, do some things the day before or morning of your game to feel prepared and confident.

Get a good night’s sleep , not just the night before but in the days leading up to the game, and in general as well. 8-9 hours is ideal.

Eat and hydrate well. It’s important to fuel your body properly and not just on the day of the game. During the day before and day of, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat well. A common mistake soccer players make is not consuming enough food or liquids prior to playing. If you have an early game, this may mean waking up earlier to get in a good meal.

Pack your bag. Showing up prepared for the game also means you have with you everything necessary for success. In your soccer bag, always have plenty of water, some snacks, your various jerseys, footwear options, warm enough clothing.

Leave plenty of time to get to your game. We’ve all been stuck in traffic or running late, and on game day, that just adds unnecessary stress. Check the traffic in advance, or ask your parent/caregiver to do so. Leave plenty of time just in case, so you can show up nice and early and approach your game in a relaxed way.

Visualize . The night before and morning of a game are great times to visualize your performance . If you’re not driving, the car ride to the game is also a great time for this. The key is to picture yourself in as much detail as possible and see yourself succeeding and feeling great about your performance!

Know your competitive energy . Every soccer player is different. Some get very nervous before games, and others seem to naturally be more relaxed. Some players need to get pumped up and dance around while listening to loud music, while others need to stay cool and calm. Learn what’s best for YOU.

Regardless of your level of play, you will likely have–or have already played–hundreds of games. Understanding that you can prepare yourself in a number of ways for those competitions is very empowering, and a vital part of your soccer experience as well.

Columbus Force SC Supplemental Training

Academy Training, Force7's, Goalkeeping Training, Sports Performance and More!

Yellow Pages Business Directory

Support Fellow Force Families and Boost Your Business

Dear Force Families,

Columbus Force SC is excited to announce an opportunity to support fellow families of our soccer club while also boosting your own business!

The club is creating a comprehensive business directory featuring our member families. This free directory will be accessible to all club members and displayed on our club website, which has a minimum of 2,000 visitors per month.

By participating, you'll gain valuable exposure to a dedicated community of parents, players, and coaches who are eager to support local businesses. It's a wonderful way to connect with other soccer families while building your customer base.

We believe in the power of supporting one another and fostering the community within our club. If you're interested in having your business included in the directory, please fill out the form through the link below!

Columbus Force Business Directory Input Form

We look forward to showcasing your business and strengthening our club community!

Proud Partner of Columbus Force Soccer Club

We Understand ATHLETES

Both Division I college soccer players, Andre Roberts and Ashton Bilow know how important it is to partner with a sports medicine team that understands what it means to be an athlete, and more importantly, a soccer player. Both grew up playing in central Ohio and dreamed of putting on the scarlet and gray. Throughout their careers, they’ve trusted Orthopedic ONE to help them return to the pitch following injuries or setbacks.

WATCH THEIR STORY BELOW.

Orthopedic ONE's Sports Medicine Hotline

Orthopedic ONE's Sports Medicine Hotline is a free resource staffed 7 days a week by certified athletic trainers to support athletes and their families. Simply leave us a message or send an email and a member of our team will reach out to help you navigate the next steps following an injury, including scheduling an urgent appointment with an Orthopedic ONE physician at a location near you.

(614) 827-8210 | SportsMed@OrthopedicONE.com

Scan the QR Code to save the Sports Medicine Hotline contact info in your phone. You're only ONE call away from Central Ohio's most trusted team of orthopedic experts!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

@ColumbusForceSC

Benefits of TOCA Columbus’ Sports Medicine Partnership with Orthopedic ONE

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:14:50 GMT

Benefits of Columbus Force SC Sports Medicine Partnership with Orthopedic ONE

Columbus Force SC is excited to remind our athletes, families, and coaches about our new sports medicine partnership with Orthopedic ONE. Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine providers will help to keep our players healthy and on the pitch.

This relationship affords our athletes and families a direct link to the region’s leader in orthopedic and sports medicine care – through access to the Sports Medicine Hotline and sports medicine coverage at designated events. In addition, Orthopedic ONE provides relevant education on preventing and treating common sports injuries.

When an Orthopedic ONE Athletic Trainer is not on-site, athletes and families can easily connect with the athletic trainer on call through the group’s Sports Medicine Hotline.

Call the Sports Medicine Hotline at 614.827.8210 or email at SportsMed@orthopedicone.com .

Orthopedic ONE athletic trainers receive and respond to phone messages 7 days a week, between the hours of 8am – 7pm. Through the service, families can arrange for a no-cost injury evaluation with a certified athletic trainer at the nearest Orthopedic ONE site. Athletic trainers on call can help families determine the next appropriate steps following an injury, including everything from facilitating an appointment same week with one of our orthopedic physicians to simply addressing your questions

regarding sports medicine care and recovery.

Please note: If an appointment with a physician is warranted, traditional patient visit costs apply.

For more information about Orthopedic ONE and its sports medicine program, visit OrthopedicONE.com .

The Force Effect - August 2025

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:49:15 GMT

August 2025

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

Summer Soccer Action
A Note From Our Club Director
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Upcoming Columbus Force Events
Force Yellow Pages Business Directory
Orthopedic ONE Sports Medicine Hotline

Summer Soccer Action

OVPL & USL Youth

Evan Wherley

Women's OVPL

This past summer we were able to provide a platform for our female collegiate athletes to not only train but to also compete during the summer months. This program allowed local collegiate players training, sports performance, as well as game opportunities during their "off-season" in preparation for their return to their respective college pre-seasons in early August.

In year one of the program, we had over 40 players from a variety of colleges and universities across the country! Players from California, Georgia, South Carolina, and Illinois to name a few all participated in the program. Not only that, we had numerous former players return to represent the club such as Reese Hinkle (Charleston), Maryn Zavislak (Denison University), and Lauryn Barringer (Coastal Carolina), graduated HS seniors including Pavitra Karnati (Ohio State) and Maddee Turner (Otterbein) as well as a handful of current Columbus Force players earning valuable experience with the likes of Addison Marinelli (2010) and Wayana Alana Snyder (2008) .

Overall, in the first year of this program the team finished 5-1-2 and missed out on playoffs by just 2 points! An incredible return in our first year in the league. We are excited to watch all of these players as they return to their respective colleges this fall and wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing them again next summer!

Evan Wherley

USL Youth

We have just wrapped up our second year competing in USL-Youth here at Columbus Force! The amount of growth and development the staff have seen this summer from more than 130 players within the program has been incredible. With over 30 hours of training time, friendlies, as well as game opportunities players have been placed in competitive, pre-professional environments to accelerate their growth both on and off the field. Teams travelled to South Bend, Indiana; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio as well as Waukegan, Illinois to compete against other teams in a high performance regional environment with the chance to qualify for the national event in December!

We are thrilled to announce that our 2011/12 Boys team has qualified for the 2025 USL Youth Finals national event!!!

A huge thank you to our staff for their commitment and passion to helping coach, educate, and lead each and every player over the summer months. USL-Youth does not just focus only on player growth and development, but as well as the education, growth, and development of our staff. Learning how to periodize training, follow as well as implement a game model, while learning to be both flexible and adaptable for both training and games helps them improve all of the tasks of a coach.

The growth in players and staff alike from our first year to our second year has been immense and we are excited to see the continued development of our USL-Y program here in Columbus as we start to look ahead to summer 2026.

A Notes From Our Club Director

By: Kirby Valle

Kirby Valle

Club Director

Club Director & Girls Director

Year 2 is Here — and We're Just Getting Started

Welcome back, Force Families!

As we begin year 2 of our journey as Columbus Force, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous strides we've made as a club in such a short time. What began as a bold vision just a year ago is now a rapidly growing and thriving community—one that's driven by our core values, CHIRP!

Year 1 to Year 2: Massive Growth & Momentum

Our growth from year 1 to year 2 has been nothing short of remarkable. We've expanded both our coaching and player development infrastructure, including the hiring of several high-profile coaches who bring elite experience and a shared passion for our mission. Their leadership is already having a direct impact on the field and in the lives of our players.

ECNL-RL: Raising the Bar for Both Genders

This year, we're proud to announce the addition of ECNL-RL status on the Girls side , creating a premier developmental platform and pathway for our female athletes. This brings league alignment to our Boys & Girls first team space, at Columbus Force!

On the Boys side , our ECNL-RL teams had an exceptional season, with 5 of our 6 teams qualifying for the league playoffs , and one team capturing the club’s first ECNL-RL National Title . This is a testament to the hard work of our players, coaches and families and to the power of passion and commitment.

National Spotlight: Astrid Ryan Called Up!

Please join us in congratulating Astrid Ryan , who has been called up to the U.S. Youth National Team Camp this September . This is a massive individual achievement—not only for Astrid and her family—but for our entire Force community. She represents the standard of excellence we aim to cultivate every day!

USL Youth & OVPL Success

Our U15 USL Youth boys have qualified for USL Nationals this summer, putting our program in the NATIONAL spotlight once again.

We also celebrated a successful inaugural season in the Women’s OVPL , building strong momentum for the future of the women’s game within our club and the Columbus community.

Expanding Our Reach: Columbus Force East

We’re excited to announce the addition of Columbus Force East , allowing us to serve new areas of our Columbus community and provide even more players with access to high-quality soccer and development opportunities. With this expansion, we are deepening our connection to the region and fulfilling our mission to grow the game. Welcome Coach Eric Hoy and the Columbus Force NPL East team!!

Columbus Force Foundation

Our progress would not be complete without acknowledging the role of the Columbus Force Foundation . Through the Foundation's powerful initiative and the determination of our founding members, who are all passionate parents of our Columbus Force community, we are working to break down barriers, and build up our community through service, passion and intention for the youth of Columbus! This is what true community impact looks like and we are so PROUD of our Force Foundation members! They are JUST getting started!

Looking Ahead: Year 2 and Beyond

We're proud—but not satisfied. The start of Year 2 brings fresh passion, larger goals, and an even greater commitment to serving our players, families, and communities. We're excited to see how far we can go, and we’re grateful to have you on this journey with us.

Here’s to continued growth, shared success, and making this season even better than the last.

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Kelly Bryan

U16-U19 Girls Director

Girls U16-U19

Current Status

Year two for Columbus Force is underway in August 2025! It’s an exciting time for the club as we have seen an increase in participation, new coaches helping bolster an already robust core staff, and our top Girls teams are moving into a challenging yet exciting space with the ECNL RL.

Although the high school teams don’t train together until November, we will be keeping an eye on high school seasons for our players. We hope your training over the summer was effective and useful while you navigate tryouts and team placement on high school teams. Good luck to everyone!

We have an experienced and talented group of coaches leading our high school teams this year, so let’s meet them!

ECNL RL Staff

Kelly Bryan - U15-U19 Girls High School Director/Director of College Recruitment

26+ years as a Division III collegiate coach (Kenyon College & North Carolina Wesleyan University)
2nd year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2010G ECNL RL team & the 2017G Premier (fall)

Travis Morrow - U13-U15 Girls Director

26+ years of coaching experience with local club and high school programs
3rd year with Columbus Force SC (previously Barca Academy Columbus)
Coaching 2011 ECNL RL & 2013 ECNL RL

Dani Gunderson

Head Women’s Soccer Coach/Senior Woman Administrator at Muskingum University
entering her 5th year, 10+ years of collegiate coaching
1st year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2007/08 ECNL RL

Sarah Brink

Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Denison University - entering 3rd year, 7+years of collegiate coaching
1st year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2009 ECNL RL

NPL GLA Staff

Danica Hanschu

4th year with Columbus Force SC (previously Barca Academy Columbus)
2.5 years as Goalkeeper Director for Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2009 Blue NPL & 2013 Blue NPL

Macy Torres

3rd year with Columbus Force SC (previously Barca Academy Columbus)
2 years as Thomas Worthington JV Coach
Coaching 2010 Blue NPL & 2012 Blue NPL

Jacob Eddy

1st year as Muskingum University Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach & 5 years of collegiate and youth coaching experience
1st year with Columbus Force SC
Coaching 2011 Blue NPL

Coaches Corner

Stay tuned for more information about college recruiting seminars, resources, and information to help you with your college search.

Please remember to RSVP for your team pathway meetings this week. We would love for you to be in person and understand that your high school commitments may make that difficult. We will stream the meeting for those who have conflicts. Please let your coach know if you have any questions.

Lastly, please RSVP on PM for the U15-U19 Girls ECNL-RL & Blue Teams Media Day!

Saturday, November 1 – Girls ECNL-RL & Blue Teams

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 2011 Girls ECNL-RL

10:05 AM – 11:05 AM | 2011 Girls Blue

11:10 AM – 12:10 PM | 2010 Girls ECNL-RL

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | 2010 Girls Blue

1:20 PM – 2:20 PM | 2009 Girls ECNL-RL

2:25 PM – 3:25 PM | 2009 Girls Blue

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 2008/07 Girls ECNL-RL

Makeup Media Day

Date: Wednesday, November 12

Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: TOCA Columbus

Please note: Makeup sessions are limited to headshots, full-frame photos, and one pose only.

Let’s go Force!!

Kelly Bryan

#CHIRP

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

First off, congratulations to all of you who made your high school teams! That’s a huge accomplishment and a reflection of the work you've put in on and off the field. We’re proud to see our players stepping up and representing their schools across the region.

As your high school seasons get underway, we want to wish you the best of luck. Compete hard, enjoy the experience, and make the most of every moment with your teammates. These seasons go by fast, but the memories and lessons stick with you for a long time.

For those of you with college soccer aspirations, this is also a great time to start collecting game footage. High school games can provide valuable clips for highlight reels, so, when possible, try to get your games filmed, even if it’s just on a phone or through a livestream. Good video can go a long way in helping you stand out during the college recruiting process, and we’re here to help you use it the right way when the time comes.

We’re looking forward to having everyone back with us for the club High School season, hopefully healthy, confident, and full of good stories from the fall. Until then, keep working hard and know that we’re cheering you on from the sidelines.

Vamos Force!

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

Fall Season – 2012s & 2013s

 We’re Back!

Our fall season is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to get started. We’re thrilled to welcome back our returning players, and we’re just as excited to greet the new faces joining the Force family for the first time.

This fall is extra special as we officially enter the ECNL-RL on the girls' side—a huge step forward for our club and players. We’re looking forward to the high level of competition and opportunities this platform will bring.

Training kicked off the first week of August, with Force Fest following with several local clubs that joined us! We were grateful to collaborate to create a fun, competitive day of soccer for all involved.

We’re also proud to introduce our 2012 East Columbus Force girls —a fantastic addition that expands our footprint across Central Ohio. Our mission has always been to grow and serve more players, and this is an important milestone in that journey.

Meet the Coaches – 2013s & 2012s

2013 ECNL-RL
Coach: Travis Morrow
Travis brings nearly 30 years of experience in coaching girls' soccer and currently serves as our U13-U14 Girls Director. His deep understanding of player development and long-term vision makes him an ideal leader for this high-performing group. Travis has a reputation for building confident, tactically aware teams that know how to compete at a high level.

2013 Blue (NPL)
Coach: Danica Hanschu
Danica has been with the Force since day one and continues to be a cornerstone of our coaching staff. She’s not only a skilled coach but also a positive female role model who helps her players grow on and off the field. Her passion for the game and dedication to each player's development shines through in every training session.

2013 White (OCL)
Coach: Erin Doerman
If you’ve been around our fields, you’ve probably seen Erin! She's a constant presence in the club—coaching, watching games, or cheering on her own three children who also play for the Force. Erin brings a nurturing but competitive spirit to the team, helping her players develop both technical skills and a strong team culture.

2012 ECNL-RL
Coach: Kirby Valle
Kirby, our Club Director, enters her second season with this 2012 ECNL-RL group. Under her leadership, the team finished strong last season, and we’re expecting big things this fall. Kirby’s high standards and commitment to excellence push her players to rise to their potential—both individually and as a team.

2012 Blue (NPL)

Coach: Macy Torres
Macy is the newest addition to the 2013 coaching lineup, and we’re lucky to have her. She brings infectious energy and a deep understanding of the game to every session. Her fresh perspective and commitment to player growth are already making an impact with the team.

2012 White (OCL)
Coach: Ric Glass
This is Ric’s second year with the Force, and his passion for the game and leadership qualities make him a key part of our coaching staff. Ric connects well with his players and emphasizes both discipline and enjoyment, ensuring his teams play with confidence and heart.

Ben Neer

U13-U15 Boys Director

U13-U15 Boys Director

What a Great First Year for Columbus Force SC

All of our teams within the U13-U15 Boys age groups had a very successful season. The players and coaches have built a strong culture rooted in our core values #Chirp, and that foundation will continue to grow in the years ahead. We could not be more excited about what’s to come.

This summer it has been great to see our players continuing to stay sharp and committed, whether training with Mario Suarez and Sports Performance, participating in Force 7s, or competing in USL. The drive and dedication of our players is evident as they prepare for what’s next.

SHOUT OUT

Congratulations to our 2010B ECNL RL team, led by Coach Mauricio Mendez, and our 2012B ECNL RL team, led by Coach Andy Dunaway, for being crowned State Champions in The Ohio State Cup, competing in the Super Division. Both coaches have done an outstanding job with their teams, and the hard work and commitment from everyone involved truly paid off.

Well done to the 2012B, 2011B , and 2010B ECNL RL teams for finishing in the top two of their divisions in league play and advancing to the Regional Playoffs this summer. All three teams had excellent seasons, and we are proud of their accomplishments.

A special congratulations to the 2012B RL team , also led by Coach Andy Dunaway, for being crowned ECNL RL National Champions. This marks Columbus Force SC’s first National Championship, a historic achievement in just our first year. What a year. Congratulations to all.

2025–26 Staff Announcement | U13-U15 Boys

We are thankful for the coaches who helped lead our players this past season. As some transition to new opportunities, we are excited to welcome several strong additions to our coaching staff. Below is the lineup for the 2025–26 season:

As we reflect on this incredible first year, it is clear that Columbus Force SC is building something special. From our dedicated staff and player development at all levels to league success, state championships, and national titles, our players and coaches have set the tone for a program grounded in hard work, character, and excellence. The culture we have created together, one that embodies our #Chirp values, continues to grow stronger every day.

With a talented and committed coaching staff in place and a group of players who continue to raise the bar, the future is bright. We are proud of what we have accomplished and even more excited about what is to come in the 2025-26 season.

To everyone who has supported us this year, including players, coaches, families, and our entire community, thank you. Your belief in our vision, your commitment to the process, and your passion for the game have made this first year unforgettable.

Go Force!

Evan Wherley

U8-U12 Boys Director

Boys U8-U12

We are excited to enter our second year of Columbus Force after some amazing achievements in year one from our U10-U12 Boys teams. We had 5 regular season champions, 2 league tournament champions, as well as 1 state cup champion team in the 24/25 season! To achieve that amount of success in our first year is absolutely incredible and comes down to the commitment as well as passion from players, families, and staff. Without all of their hard work and buy-in, all of the growth and development that we saw over the past year would not be possible. That is what makes us so excited to start our second year of Columbus Force!

For the 25/26 season, we are excited to expand to 5 Regional level teams! While we have 3 teams competing in Pre-ECNL we will also have our 2014 and 2015 Blue teams competing regionally in NPL. This step allows us an additional pathway to challenge players mentally, technically, physically, as well as tactically against opponents in our region.

This year we return all of our staff as well as welcome two new coaches into the U10-U12 Boys coaching team! Coaches Maurico , Alejandro , as well as myself, will lead our Pre-ECNL 2015, 2014, and 2016 teams respectively. While Coaches Paul , Tom , and Jackie guide our 2016, 2015, and 2014 Blue teams for the 25/26 season. Lastly, we are excited to welcome Coach Jamie and Coach Jon as they join Coach Elliott in coaching our 2014, 2016, and 2015 White teams this year.

With this coaching team, we feel they will bring their passion for the game to each and everyone of their players as we get ready to guide them all in the next step of their respective soccer journey. We are excited to have these coaches with us for the 25/26 season!

Braden Bell

U8-U12 Girls Director

U8 - U12 Girls and U12 and Below Technical Director

U8 - U12 Girls

Growth in the younger girls' side
We are very much excited to kick off the season as well as year 2 with Columbus Force! The U10 - U12 Girls Age group saw some wonderful players and families make their transition into the U13 and 11v11 format this year and we wish those 2013s the best of luck under the direction of Travis Morrow, the best!

I am very much proud of the hard work and dedication to grow our younger girls' programs from all the coaches involved and to their credit, we are welcoming a growth of an additional 2014G team this year as well as a brand new age group with having a 2016G Premier team! I want to thank those that were heavily involved in making this growth a possibility as without the amazing staff that we have, it would not be possible! Thank you to our younger girls' staff!

New Coach, Lisa Saiben, we welcome you!

We are also very happy to announce and welcome a new coach in U10 - U12 Girls' side of the club! I hope everyone joins us in welcoming Lisa Saiben into the club as she comes in to be the head coach of our 2015G Blue team for this year! Coach Lisa brings with her an amazing passion and wealth of knowledge in coaching, and especially on the girls' side! See a brief note from Coach Lisa on a bit of her background as well as her excitement to start this new chapter of her coaching career:

"My name is Lisa Saiben, and I have coached soccer in some capacity for 18 years. I have a USSF National D license. I began my club coaching career back in 2006 with the New Albany Freedom, then the Classics (before they became Classics Eagles), then most recently Worthington United. During some of these years I was also the Olentangy Liberty high school girl’s assistant (2007-2008) then head coach (2009-2014) as well as a member of the Ohio South ODP state staff. I did take a few years off when my boys were young, however, I truly love coaching and quickly came back to it.

I grew up in Canton, Ohio and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas high school where I played soccer and ran track. I fortunately found a great club to play for an hour North with the Cleveland Cobras. I was lucky to have a fantastic team and won 3 Ohio North State Cups. I went on to play college soccer for St. Bonaventure University (D1/Atlantic 10). There, I learned so much, made lasting memories and friends, and even got my name in the record books. At Bonaventure I studied business then math education and have been a high school math teacher for 19 years. This year I will be entering my 18 ^th year as a math teacher at Olentangy Liberty High School.

I live with my husband and two sons (10 and 12) in Worthington and have coached here for the past 5 years. My oldest son was ready for a change and switched to Force this year. I took the opportunity for change as well and am excited to get started. As I mentioned I teach in Olentangy, so while I don’t live here, I am familiar with the community and am excited to be part of it in this new role.

I look forward to coaching your daughters and helping them grow in their soccer journey!"

U12 and Below Technical Director:

The Columbus Force Staff was in full go mode this past week, as we kicked off our second year of our Full Staff Coaching Education Seminar! It was a great time getting to meet and interact with everyone and get to meet the new people that are stepping on board to be a coach with Columbus Force this year!

The coaching seminar was a huge success as staff were able to go through what it means to be a Columbus Force Individual as well as a Team! Coaches were in the classroom, learning and engaging with one another as well as getting to the field in support of our on field training session with our 2014B Blue in preparations for how we set up our training sessions for the fall!

The on field training session was led by U12 and Below Technical Director, Braden Bell and Sports Performance Director, Mario Suarez. During this portion of the seminar, coaches were on the field, observing and interacting with the session leads on expectations, preparations as well as training deliveries to help enhance our youth soccer players on the standards and core curriculum of playing as a Force soccer player!

It was a great night of learning, growing and getting to know one another even further, as we look to launch the start of the fall season very soon!

All the best!

New Paragraph

Nehemiah Tanga

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Program Manager

Boys & Girls U8-U9
Hello Columbus Force families, I am coach Nehemiah Tanga and I am your new U8 - U9 Program Manager! First and foremost I want to thank you all for your dedication to your player's development over the summer, your support of the Force 7's and USL Y programs has been tremendously received and we as coaches enjoyed it just as much as the players did! I am very happy to be stepping into a space where I am given the opportunity to work with you in laying the foundation for what a Force player truly is and can be, a daily process we are committed to embarking on. As we start our collective season I want to challenge you all to find practical ways you can build discipline and consistency, whether that be in packing your training gear the night before or arranging your bags in a row when you arrive at training. Remember, success is intentional! GO FORCE!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

Jessica Shelton

Juniors Academy Director

Welcome to Columbus Force Juniors! Our program provides a clear developmental pathway for young athletes, focusing on skill development, growth, and a lifelong passion for soccer. Our goal is to help young players learn, grow, and have fun while building a strong soccer foundation.

As part of our soccer club family, your child will develop skills, confidence, and a love for the game. At this age, we begin to introduce our players to the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship all while building a strong foundation for future success.

Visit out Juniors Academy webpage for more information and to register! Reach out to our Juniors Director, Jessica Shelton, jshelton@tocafootball.com with any questions!

 We look forward to seeing your young athletes on the field!

Sports Performance

By: Mario Suarez

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

My name is Mario Suarez, and I am the Sports Performance Director of Columbus Force Soccer Club. I hold a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification with over 8 years of coaching athletes of all ages and sports backgrounds through a systemic periodization model in relation to the athletes needs. I focus on athlete driven goals while enhancing movement patterns and movement efficiency development for maximal strength, speed, and power adaptations. I am passionate about continuing the athletic development and mentorship of athletes while providing a positive, engaging, and comprehensive atmosphere that builds relationships, improves athletic performance on the field/pitch/court, reduce the risk of athletic injuries, and teach lifelong fitness, movement, and skills to maximize athletic potential to play at the highest level.

Coaching Philosophy

Create and achieve buy-in within our ecosystem to allow a conducive training environment that helps our players learn lifelong values and standards and take those to the field, classroom, or life so once they graduate from our program they are the best possible human being.

Training Philosophy

Total body development and enhancement utilizing methods of resistance and speed training, to ultimately allow athletes to be healthy and available for games and practices throughout the year so they can do what is most important, play the game and become better athletes for higher level of skill acquisition and development.

Starting September to December, I will be running speed and strength classes for all players of all sports focusing on different aspects of speed, agility, full body power, and core strength to build more explosiveness and develop young athletes. As well as general to functional strength for sport and developing proper running and jumping patterns with a progressive development model, helping athletes excel in the sport of their choosing. Follow the link below to sign-up!

CFSC Events

Trip to Spain Recap & Fall Training

Players, families and coaches from Cleveland, Columbus and Canton Akron United Force Soccer Clubs traveled to Spain this summer for an amazing 10-day international experience!

They experienced top-tier training and friendly matches in Madrid and Barcelona while immersing themselves in the Spanish culture and sites! Check out our recap video from the experience and make sure to join us on our next international trip being planned for Summer 2027 with details coming out in the Fall of 2026. Stay tuned!!!

Special thank you to the Breth family for capturing all the moments during the trip shown in the video!

Yellow Pages Business Directory

Support Fellow Force Families and Boost Your Business

Dear Force Families,

Columbus Force SC is excited to announce an opportunity to support fellow families of our soccer club while also boosting your own business!

Columbus Force Business Directory Input Form

We look forward to showcasing your business and strengthening our club community!

Orthopedic ONE

Proud Partner of Columbus Force Soccer Club

Quick Question? Sidelined Injury? We’re ONE Call Away!

Coaches, athletes, and families—Orthopedic ONE’s Sports Medicine Hotline is your FREE, go-to resource for non-emergency injury questions, no-cost evaluations, and expert guidance from our certified athletic training staff.

Call or email: 614-827-8210 | SPORTSMED@ORTHOPEDICONE.COM
Available 7 days a week | 8 AM – 7 PM

Whether it’s a rolled ankle at a weekend tournament or just looking for advice, we’re here to help you stay in the game and out of the doctor’s office.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

@ColumbusForceSC

Columbus Force SC Partners with adidas

Mon, 12 May 2025 21:00:05 GMT

Columbus Force Soccer Club Partners with adidas!

COLUMBUS - May 12, 2025 - We are excited to kick off a game – changing six-year partnership with adidas! This collaboration is set to elevate the experience for our players, team, and staff – while helping us grow our reach and impact across the entire state of Ohio. Get ready for what’s next!

As part of the agreement, adidas will supply Force Soccer players with top-tier apparel and footwear, ensuring that each athlete has the tools they need to compete at the highest level. Coaches and staff will also receive specialized resources to foster continued growth and success both on and off the field.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment between Force Soccer Clubs and adidas to drive excellence at every level of the game.

"With adidas as a key partner, we are excited for the future and are committed to building a stronger, more connected soccer community throughout Ohio." - Marko Raduka, Regional Director of Soccer Clubs

“We are incredibly excited to announce a new partnership with Force Soccer Clubs. This strategic alliance brings together our shared commitment to the game through boundary-pushing dedication in equipping only the best product for the athlete. Innovation, purpose, and creativity intersect at the heart of everything we do as a brand and our partnership with Force Soccer Clubs is an extension of our belief that through sport, we have the power to change lives."

– Joe Crump, Key Account Manager , adidas Soccer.

ABOUT ADIDAS

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe.

ABOUT ADIDAS IN SOCCER

adidas is the global leader in soccer. It is the official supplier of the most important football tournaments in the world, such as the FIFA World Cup™, the UEFA European Championship & the UEFA Champions League. adidas also sponsors some of the world’s top clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, FC Bayern Munich, Newcastle United F.C. & Juventus. adidas is also a partner to some of the best athletes in the game including Trinady Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Lindsey Horan, Alessia Russo, Leo Messi, Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Alexis Mac Allister.

Columbus Force Welcomes New Staff Members!

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:24:13 GMT

Columbus Force SC Welcomes Three New Staff Additions!

Columbus Force Soccer Club is ecstatic to announce the addition of three new coaches to our staff! Welcome to Bashiru Gambo, Dani Gunderson, and Sarah Brink!

We are excited to officially welcome Bashiru Gambo to our Columbus Force SC coaching staff for the upcoming 2025–2026 club season! Bashiru will be playing a pivotal role in the development of our players as he joins us to coach within our club teams, the USL Youth platform, and our Supplemental Training Program.

�� About Bashiru Gambo

Originally from Ghana, Bashiru Gambo brings a wealth of international experience and professional insight to the Columbus Force coaching staff. As a former professional forward, Gambo’s career spanned top-flight leagues in Germany, Austria, Turkey, and Ghana, including time with renowned clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgarter Kickers, and Jahn Regensburg.

He also represented his country at the highest youth levels and played in prestigious European competitions. His understanding of the game, particularly in attacking roles, will offer immense value to our players.

�� Honors & Achievements
Gambo’s career is decorated with numerous accolades:

* �� FIFA U-17 World Cup Champion �� 1995 – Ghana U17 National Team
* �� German U-19 Bundesliga Champion �� 1996/1997 – Borussia Dortmund U19
* �� 2× Wurttemberg Cup Winner �� 2004/05, 2005/06 – Stuttgarter Kickers
* �� Bavarian Cup Winner �� 2010/11 – SSV Jahn Regensburg

These accomplishments reflect not only his high-level playing background but also his deep understanding of competitive environments, development pathways, and winning cultures.

�� What Bashiru Brings to Force

Bashiru’s addition strengthens our mission to develop well-rounded, technically gifted, and tactically intelligent players. With his international experience, focus on player development, and competitive pedigree, he will be instrumental in:

* Mentoring and developing players across the club season
* Coaching top-level talent in our pre-professional environment program, USL Youth
* Supporting our players growth in our Supplemental Training Programs

We are thrilled to have Coach Bashiru join our coaching staff and look forward to the energy, professionalism, and elite-level insight he will bring to our players and community

We’re beyond excited to welcome Coach Dani Gunderson to Columbus Force SC!

With a powerful playing resume and over a decade of collegiate coaching experience, Coach Dani brings elite knowledge, passion, and leadership to the club.

⚽ Playing Career Highlights:
* Played at Radford University (D1) and Christopher Newport University (D3)
* Competed in the W-League with the Piranhas (2011)
* Played in the WPSL (2012–2015)
* Current player for the Columbus Eagles (2016–Present)

�� Coaching Journey:
* Head Coach at Muskingum University (Current)
* Former Assistant Coach at Denison University, Frostburg State, and Susquehanna University

�� Licenses & Certifications:
* US Soccer National D License
* NSCAA Level 1 Goalkeeping Certificate
* NSCAA Level 2 Coaching Certificate

Coach Dani’s incredible blend of experience and energy is a perfect fit for the Force culture. We are thrilled to have her on board as we continue to raise the standard for player development!

We are thrilled to welcome Coach Sarah Brink to Columbus Force SC!
A dynamic leader with a proven track record, Coach Brink brings a championship mindset, elite coaching experience, and player-first approach to our club.

�� Coaching Highlights:
* Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Denison University
* Led Denison to a 2024 NCAC Regular Season Championship and earned NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors
* Guided the team to a dominant conference run in 2024: 5-1-1 record, 5 shutouts, and league-best defensive stats
* Captured the 2023 NCAC Tournament Championship and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament
* Four-year Assistant Coach at Trinity College (CT), helping the team reach the NCAA second round and earn a Top-25 national ranking
* Former Head Coach of the U16 Girls Select Team at Connecticut Rush Soccer Club
* NCAA DIII National Champion as a coach with Williams College in 2018

⚽ Playing Experience:
* Four-year standout at Williams College
* Reached the NCAA DIII Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen, and National Championship Finals
* Known for her grit, intelligence, and leadership on and off the field

�� Additional Accolades & Development:
* Selected for the United Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30” Program
* Holds an Advanced National Diploma from United Soccer Coaches

Coach Brink is a force—on the sidelines and in the locker room. Her leadership, high standards, and deep understanding of the game will elevate everything we do.

Join us in giving her the warmest welcome to the Force Family!

2025-26 TEAM TRYOUTS

Come meet Coach Bashiru, Dani, Sarah, and the rest of our incredible staff and directors for the 25/26 season by signing up for tryouts today! This is your chance to get to know the passionate team behind our player development pathway and take the first step toward joining a club that puts athletes first. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with our coaches, and be part of something special.

BOYS TRYOUTS

GIRLS TRYOUTS

The Force Effect - February 2025

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:53:09 GMT

February 2025

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

Girls Only Program Update
A Note From Our Girls & Boys Director s
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Upcoming Columbus Force Events
February Force x Meza Fundraiser

Girls Only Program (G.O.)

Taking action to increase Girls participation in Soccer!

G.O. - Girls Only Program Underway!
Columbus Force SC is thrilled to kick off the first year of the Girls Only Program (G.O.)! This initiative is designed to provide a dedicated space for young female athletes, fostering their growth both on and off the field by our female staff.

As Girls Only Program Director Kirby Valle emphasizes:

"The importance of safe, inclusive, and fun environments for young girls within sports is paramount in their decisions to continue to play and love exercise later in life. My goal for this program is to help the players thrive in the power of being strong and capable female athletes, but also to build a community of like-minded and supportive girls around them. I'm passionate about creating more opportunities for the girls in Central Ohio!"

We can’t wait to see how the players grow throughout the rest of the session and how they continue to embrace the values of strength, creativity, and teamwork that this program was built upon!

A Note From Our Girls & Boys Directors

By: Kirby Valle & Ben Neer

Kirby Valle

Club Director & Girls Director

Club Director & Girls Director

Hello Columbus Force Families!!!

Happy New Year to you and your family! We at Columbus Force wanted to take a moment to highlight the incredible impact that youth sports have on a child’s mental health and confidence. While soccer is a fantastic way to stay active and have fun, its benefits go far beyond the field and the Columbus Force community is passionate about providing a holistic approach to developing human beings through the game of soccer.

Mental Health Benefits of Soccer in Young Athletes;

At Columbus Force we are dedicated to providing the players in our organization with a structured environment safe for them to release energy, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. The awareness that physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood boosters, that help combat anxiety and depression. Additionally, regular exercise promotes better sleep and increased focus, both of which contribute to a healthier mindset in all people!

Building Confidence Through Teamwork

Soccer teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Whether a player is making a great pass, scoring a goal, or encouraging a teammate, every small success builds confidence. Learning to navigate challenges, whether it’s a tough game or a missed opportunity can help players develop resilience and self-assurance that carry over into other areas of life. We as Columbus Force want to empower players to understand that through soccer, we learn to grow through our mistakes but also the power of community through team sport!

Encouraging a Positive & Growth Mindset

The Columbus Force Staff understands that there is no secret to success! Success is a result of preparation, hard work and your willingness to learn from and through failure! Through wins and losses, soccer teaches kids to embrace challenges and maintain a positive attitude. Our coaches and their teammates should offer support and motivation, helping children see setbacks as opportunities to grow. Players with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can be developed through effort and learning. They understand that they are not defined by their mistakes. This ability to adapt and stay positive strengthens their mental resilience, preparing them for future challenges beyond sports.

How Parents Can Support Their Young Athletes

Columbus Force leadership believes in community and everyone being on the same page when supporting our players! We love the passion and commitment of our Columbus Force parents! We know that parents play a vital role in reinforcing these mental health benefits. Here are some ways you can help your players in this area:

Encourage effort over outcome – Celebrate hard work and improvement rather than just winning.
Promote a balanced approach – Ensure that soccer remains fun and not only a source of pressure.
Be a source of positive reinforcement – Offer encouragement and praise to help build confidence.
Be consistent & fair - Children thrive in preset expectations and rules. Hold them accountable to the expectations your family has of them, but remain fair at all times.

As we continue our journey this season, let’s remember that soccer is more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to nurture strong, confident, and mentally healthy young athletes.

Thank you for being part of our soccer family here at The Columbus Force!!

Ben Neer

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

Winter 2 training has officially kicked off, and there is an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm throughout Columbus Force. After a well-deserved holiday break, it's clear that all our teams are coming back re-energized and ready to hit the ground running. The training atmosphere is stronger than ever, with both players and coaches fully committed to putting in the work. Everyone is locked in, focused, and motivated as we approach the next phase of the season. We understand that preparation is a crucial part of our club's success, and it's evident that our players and staff are all dedicated to achieving great results.

At CFSC, we are deeply committed to our core values: Commitment. Humility. Integrity. Respect. Passion. (#CHIRP). We’ve created an environment where players can continue to grow, improve, and enjoy the game. We consistently encourage our players to make the most of every session they attend. It has been truly inspiring to witness the tremendous buy-in across the entire club, and this success is a direct result of the collaborative effort from everyone involved in establishing and maintaining the high standards we aim to uphold.

It's important to recognize that creating the right culture and standards is not just the responsibility of the players—it’s a collective effort that involves everyone within the club. Coaches, players, and staff alike are all working toward the same goal: cultivating an environment that promotes growth, dedication, and success. This shared commitment to excellence is what sets Columbus Force apart, and it’s what will continue to drive us forward. Together, we are building something special. I am confident that by maintaining this collective effort and dedication, we will achieve continued success in all that we do.

As we move forward, we will continue to push the boundaries of what we can accomplish, ensuring that Columbus Force remains a place where players thrive and the pursuit of excellence is at the core of everything we do.

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Kelly Bryan

U16-U19 Girls Director

Girls U16-U19

The U16-U19 girls teams have been very busy since the start of 2025 with four training opportunities each week. Currently, the teams are training with their team coaches once per week at TOCA in our indoor space and once per week at outdoor synthetic turf fields (winter weather permitting). Sessions 3 & 4 are a combination of TOCA training for an hour and an hour session with our Director of Sports Performance, Mario Suarez. The ability to offer strength and conditioning as part of the winter training is a unique feature that we are able to offer at Columbus Force SC, and our players are already seeing great benefit from Mario’s programs!

Outdoor training at local high school synthetic turf fields have been at a premium with the heavy winter weather after the holiday season. Teams are ready to get outside (& bundle up) to apply the concepts learned this winter to a full-sized field. Several teams have scrimmages scheduled against local competition, so fingers crossed for some cooperative weather.

Training at TOCA has been centered around skill and technical development while continually moving into tactical concepts. Spatial awareness, movement off the ball, decision-making, and speed of play are crucial components right now and we’re seeing great coachability in our groups so far. Additionally, classroom tactical training is helping advance the way our players view the game and helping see the coaches’ visions. Keep up the great work girls!

Leading off the 2025 spring season, Coach Pat Ferguson and the 2006/07 E64-R team participated in the Tennessee Soccer Club College Showcase on January 24-26th in Murfreesboro, TN. Although it was chilly, it was still favorable weather compared to the frigid temperatures Ohio has seen in the last month. Prior to this showcase, the team had no opportunities to train on a full size field due to the cold temperatures and snow. Despite this, the team played well and made adjustments as the showcase ran over the three day period. A strong start saw the team pick up a 2-0 win on Friday vs Salvo SC 06/07G Orange with goals by Giada Gerosa and Alana Snyder ( 08G E64 R ). On Saturday, they played well despite running into the buzzsaw of the showcase champion, TSC Murfreesboro 06/07G, falling 0-4. On Sunday, the team had a strong performance with a 1-2 loss vs TSC Williamson 06/07 with the goal coming from Giada Gerosa for her 2nd of the showcase. Solid start to the spring season!

2006/07G E64 RL @ TSC

2006/07G E64- RL @ TSC

Looking Ahead

Showcase season is upon us and the 06/07 E64-R team isn’t the only team getting in on the act. See the February/March showcase schedule below and what we’re looking forward to in each.

February 15-17th

Two teams will be heading to the Penn Fusion Girls Winter Showcase: 2006/07 E64-R & 2008 E64-R (Pat Ferguson). The teams will make the trek to Eastern PA (near Philadelphia) to face some great competition from the New York and Northeastern U.S. regions. Great event for collegiate scouting and raising the level in preparation for E64 league competition.

February 21st-23rd

Four teams will be heading to the Ohio Elite College & Junior Showcase : 2009 E64-R (Travis Morrow), 2008/09 Blue NPL (Dennis Buckler/Macy Torres), 2010 E64-R (Kirby Valle/Kelly Bryan), & 2010 Blue NPL (Dennis Buckler/Macy Torres). This is a great opportunity to play regional teams and apply the concepts learned so far in our winter training. We hope the schedules allow for teams to support each other in the greater Cincinnati area!

March 21st-23rd

Pat Ferguson’s 2006/07 E64-R & 2008 E64-R teams will unite again and travel to Glen Allen, VA for The Jefferson Cup. This showcase is one of the oldest and most respected in the club soccer circuit. Our teams will get to compete with programs from the southern and east coast U.S. regions and be seen by a wide range of college coaches.

Dennis Buckler and Macy Torres’s 2008/09 Blue NPL & 2010 Blue NPL teams will head down I-71 South again and tackle the Kings Hammer Turf Classic in the greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky areas. The turf fields will ensure games regardless of weather conditions, and the teams will be ready to compete.

E64 RL & NPL League Games

E64 Regional League games are slated to begin the weekend of March 16th for our 2006/07, 2008, 2009 & 2010 squads against Elite FC. NPL League games will begin on March 15th for 2008/09 girls against the Cleveland Kickers. The 2010 NPL girls will start the NPL season on April 5th vs North FC.

Coaches Corner

Girls College Symposium Recap!

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Girls College Symposium ! It was an incredible evening filled with valuable insights into the recruiting process and the demands of playing at the collegiate level.

We are especially grateful to our panelists for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge and experiences with our players:

Gavin MacLeod – Associate Head Coach & Recruiting Coordinator, Ohio State University Women's Soccer
Maddy Ireton – Assistant Coach, Ashland University Women's Soccer
Sarah Brink – Head Coach, Denison University Women's Soccer

Your guidance and expertise are truly appreciated, and we are thankful for the opportunity to learn from you. Events like this help our players better understand the path to collegiate soccer and what it takes to succeed at the next level!

This summer also marks the introduction of our first women’s Ohio Valley Premier League (OVPL) team, coached by Evan Wherley. This will provide a competitive platform for collegiate club players, incoming college athletes, and high-level club players a chance to train and compete during the summer months. We hope to see some of our rising junior and senior girls joining this incredible opportunity. Please contact Even Wherley for more information - ewherley@tocafootball.com .

Let’s go Force!!

Kelly Bryan

#CHIRP

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

Visit Raleigh Showcase

Our Columbus Force U15-U19 squads had a mixed but valuable experience at the Visit Raleigh Showcase, showing a mix of resilience, growth, and learning across their respective age groups.

The Columbus Force ECNL-RL teams’ participation in the Visit Raleigh Showcase was a valuable experience across all four age groups, providing each team with the opportunity to compete against high-level opposition, gain critical exposure to college coaches, and identify key areas for improvement. While the results varied, standout performances from the U16s and U15s highlighted their growth, and the U17s and U19s gained invaluable exposure to top-tier soccer that will contribute to their development, and attract attention from college recruiters. Each team will use the lessons learned to continue progressing through the season, with the overall takeaway being that a strong foundation for success is in place across the board.

SE Tennessee Showcase

The Columbus Force U15 and U16 teams made an impressive mark at the SE Tennessee Showcase, showcasing their talent, resilience, and determination throughout the competition. Both squads demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill, and tactical awareness, each coming away with impressive results that reflect their hard work and commitment to excellence.

The U16s, crowned champions, exemplified top-tier play in all facets of the game, while the U15s, finishing as runners-up, showed that they have the skill and resilience to compete at the highest levels of their age group. The collective success of both teams highlights the depth of talent within the Columbus Force organization, and underscores the bright future ahead for these young athletes. With both teams gaining valuable experience and exposure, they are poised to continue growing, developing, and competing for titles in the seasons to come.

Looking Ahead and Training

As we approach the remaining events of the season with the ECNL-RL and NPL squads, we are excited for the Circle City, GLA Spring, and Blue-Chip College Showcases. These competitions will be key opportunities for our players to refine their skills, compete at the highest level, and gain valuable exposure to college coaches. Each showcase presents a unique challenge, but we’re confident our teams will rise to the occasion with hard work and determination.

We also want to sincerely thank our families for their patience and support, especially through the tough weather conditions this winter. Your understanding and commitment have been essential to our success, and we deeply appreciate your efforts.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the upcoming showcases, knowing they’ll help prepare our teams for State Cup. Let’s continue pushing forward together as we head into the final stretch!

Vamos Force!

Ben Neer

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

Boys U13-U15

As we move into Winter 2 training, we've seen excellent turnout at all of our training sessions. The teams are preparing for the Spring season, and the energy is high. The overall atmosphere is exactly what you hope for as a director. It's always exciting to see the players reunite after the holiday break and get back to training together.

At Columbus Force, one area where we truly stand out is our focus on player promotion within the club. Player development is a priority for us, and we are committed to placing players on teams that match their skill level. Since the Fall season, we've promoted three players from the U13-U15B age groups to higher-level teams. We take pride in celebrating our players' successes and will continue to reward them when coaches and directors recognize the need for it. If a player is showing signs of needing more of a challenge but isn't yet ready to be moved up, we'll provide them with opportunities during training or even potential gameplay to help them continue growing.

Here are three players that have been promoted:

Pranav Kadavil Jithin

2012B (U13)

Moved to 2012B Blue

Mathias Davila

2012B (U13)

Moved to 2012B Blue

Bakr Saad

2012B (U13)

Moved to 2012B Blue

We are proud of their progress and look forward to seeing them continue to develop and thrive in their new teams!

As we continue into the Winter and Spring seasons, we remain dedicated to fostering an environment that challenges and nurtures each player’s growth. Our focus on development and promotion ensures that every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are excited to watch their continued success both on and off the field. Thank you to our players, coaches, and families for their ongoing commitment to the club and to each other. Let's keep up the great work!

ECNL-RL Boys Update

All of our ECNL-RL teams are currently in the midst of winter training, preparing for upcoming showcases and league play. Prior to winter training, both the 2012B (U13) and 2011B (U14) teams did an outstanding job kicking off the Fall season and representing Columbus Force. Looking ahead, the 2012B will compete in the Jefferson Cup in March, while the 2011B will take part in the Circle City College Showcase at the end of March. We’re excited for these events and confident that both teams will continue to demonstrate their talent and dedication on the field.

Player Recognition:

We want to recognize our players from the ECNL-RL platform for their exceptional development. The first three players are currently participating in the Columbus Crew Pre-Formation program , working hard to earn a spot in the Academy. We’re proud to support their growth and look forward to seeing them continue to reach new heights. These players have represented Columbus Force at a high level, and we’re impressed with their progress.

The players to be recognized are:

Holden Fitzwater

2012B ECNL-RL

Daniel Selimaj

2012B ECNL-RL

Dileh Sowa

2011B ECNL-RL

Cody Richards (2011B ECNL-RL) and Jason Addo (2010B ECNL-RL) have been selected to participate in the US Youth Soccer ODP Inter-Regional Event in Orlando, FL . This prestigious event gathers top players from each age group across all regions to compete and showcase their skills. Regional staff will evaluate players throughout the event, and standout performers will have the opportunity to be invited to the USYS ODP National Select Team.

Roman Mazzoli from the 2011B ECNL-RL team has just returned from competing in the Gold Coast International Futsal Tournament in Australia. He was selected by United Futsal to join players from across the USA for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which featured over 250 teams from around the world. We are excited to watch Roman and all of our players continue to excel as they strive for greater achievements.

Cody Richards

2011B ECNL-RL

Jason Addo

2010B ECNL-RL

Roman Mazzoli

2011B ECNL-RL

Looking Ahead: League Play & Upcoming Showcases

Our 2007/06B, 2008B, 2009B, and 2010B teams participated in several showcases leading into winter training. The 2008B and 2007/06B teams competed in the FC Delco Fall Showcase, while all four teams took part in the Visit Raleigh College Showcase. These were both challenging events that greatly contributed to building team chemistry and preparing for the bulk of the season.

Additionally, our RL high school teams are preparing for league play against OESA, Cincy Elite, and Blast FC during the last two weekends of February. These teams will also participate in upcoming showcases, including the Circle City College Showcase and Blue Chip. We are excited to see all of our teams continue to represent the club with dedication and excellence as they strive for success.

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

Winter Training: U13-U15 Girls' Teams

Our teams are now well into the second phase of winter training, a critical time of year when we refine key concepts, emphasize technical precision, and push for excellence in tactical understanding. The players have embraced the grind, working hard to improve individually and collectively. This period is about preparing them to execute under pressure, develop their soccer IQ, and become more dynamic in all areas of the game.

Here’s a closer look at the progress and highlights from this winter season:

2012 Academy

Coaches Erin and Ric have continued to guide the players through the challenging transition from 9v9 to 11v11 play—one of the most pivotal stages in their development. This shift comes with larger fields, bigger goals, and more expansive gameplay, requiring players to adapt both tactically and physically. The coaching staff has focused on instilling the principles of positional play, spatial awareness, and coordinated movement to ensure the team thrives on the full-sized pitch.

The players have shown incredible determination in training, embracing new challenges and working tirelessly to improve their technique and decision-making under pressure. Despite the limitations of indoor training, they’ve displayed resilience, consistently pushing their limits and enhancing their game understanding. The strides they’ve made in mastering their roles within the formation have been impressive and bode well for their continued growth.

2012 E64RL

Coach Kirby’s 2012 E64 squad is gearing up for their first competitive tests this winter, including scrimmages at Olentangy Liberty and the prestigious Ohio Elite Showcase in February. Building on last season’s successes, the team has committed to elevating their performance in high-pressure scenarios. Focus areas this winter include improving speed of play, recognizing overloads in wide areas, and executing line-breaking passes in the final third.

The players have worked with immense dedication, striving to improve with each session. Their efforts have been evident in their sharpness during training matches and their ability to retain and apply tactical concepts. The energy and discipline they’ve shown promise a strong showing in the upcoming competitions, and they’re eager to showcase the progress they’ve made this winter.

2011 Blue

Coach Danica’s 2011 Blue team continues to impress, having strengthened an already talented roster with the addition of a player who brings both athleticism and a solid tactical understanding. The focus this winter has been on fine-tuning tactical awareness, improving movement off the ball, and refining their ability to read the game and anticipate play. The coaching staff has challenged the team to think two steps ahead, enhancing their ability to react quickly in different phases of play.

The players’ commitment to hard work during training has been remarkable. They’ve embraced the grind, dedicating themselves to perfecting their skills in passing, finishing, and defensive positioning. Their consistency and willingness to adapt have allowed them to make tremendous strides, and they’re well-positioned for success as they approach the spring season.

2011 E64RL

The 2011 E64 team has bolstered their lineup with talented additions, further enhancing an already competitive squad. Following a strong start last season, the team is preparing to build on that momentum with a big push this spring, beginning with the Ohio Elite Showcase. Their winter training has focused on maintaining a high intensity, improving tactical flexibility, and developing chemistry within the group.

Throughout this phase of training, the players have risen to the challenge of exceeding their previous performances. The emphasis on first-touch quality, transition play, and maintaining compact defensive shapes has helped the team develop a well-rounded approach to the game. Their drive to improve each session has set a high standard, and they’re eager to translate their hard work into success on the field.

Each team’s dedication to their training this winter has been truly inspiring. These players continue to embrace challenges, elevate their skills, and embody the values of Columbus Force.

Evan Wherley

U10-U12 Boys Director

Boys U10-U12

We are excited to welcome back players, staff, and family to what is shaping up to be another exciting year of soccer here at Columbus Force! Over the past few months the age group has been hard at work focusing on improving their technical skills whether in team training or from our Supplemental Programming. At these young, formal ages, getting touches on the ball is the most important part of their development especially as we are stuck inside until the lovely Ohio weather allows us to get outside. When walking through the facility, you can see players juggling while waiting for their team training, participating in TOCA sessions, and always asking their coach if training is already over! It is great to see the hunger and desire from players to want to play all of the time!

As we continue to prepare our teams for their respective spring seasons, it is vital that we as a staff and parents take the time to educate our players on what it means to compete both within the training environment as well as in games. Focusing on our core values of C.H.I.R.P. (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion) will aid players in their growth to being a competitive athlete both on and off the field. Fostering that competitive mindset takes time and is one of our goals as an age group to showcase what that looks like to our players. Understanding that it is okay to fail in pursuit of your goals as it is an opportunity to learn as well as improve for the next time you face that particular challenge. This mental barrier, or block, is prevalent amongst all of our teams especially here at the younger ages.

So how do we support our players in improving this area of their development? Help them create a Growth Mindset! Re-define what success is to them. Maybe it is completing 8 out of 10 of your passes in a game rather than having to score a goal every game. Learn from the competition. What did those that I am playing against do to get the better of me? Perhaps they dribbled in front of me rather than beside me so I could not make a challenge on them. Connect winning with effort. You have to work hard for the things you want. Effort is not just making 3 sprints a game but rather making that fourth sprint and finally getting past your defender to score. The last thing we can do to support our players? Practice at home! This does not mean they are always with a ball (though as coaches we would love that!) but perhaps having a family game night where they compete against mom, dad, brother, sister and so on. I know personally that instilled a competitive mindset in me as I always wanted to be better than my siblings in everything we did!

Putting in the hard work away from team training and in these various areas pays off in the end! Over the winter months we have recognized 3 players who have demonstrated the tenacity, the hunger, and the desire to improve, as well as representing our core values, that they have been promoted into the next team within their age group! Congratulations to Declan Mooi (2013B Pre-ECNL), Nirvaan Musyaju (2014B Blue), and Jude Issa (2015B Blue)!

Declan Mooi

2013B Pre-ECNL

Nirvaan Musyaju

2014B Blue

Jude Issa

2015B Blue

Check out some shots of our Columbus Force SC teams at the 43rd Annual Force All Star Indoor Tournament in Cleveland!

Braden Bell

U10-U12 Girls Director

U10 - U12 Girls and Technical Director

U10 - U12 Girls' Staff Holiday Outing!

It was such a great time being able to get the staff together, outside of the game and enjoy each other's company in some fun competition of axe throwing! This make up of fantastic human beings work so hard at enhancing our young, female players! I am very proud to be able to work with these wonderful coaches and very much enjoyed being able to have some fun over the holiday break! They all do so much for our families and their dedication and passion are truly unchallenged. Thank you for all that you do for the club, these players and their families!

USL - Youth Training Winter 2 Session Underway!

We were very excited to begin the first year with our first USL - Youth teams over the summer of 2024. It was such a great experience for our players and staff that we were able to keep the USL - Youth training going over the winter months (November - March)! On Wednesday, January 22nd, kicked off our Winter 2 session for our USL - Youth training! We welcomed back the 2012/13 Boys as well as the 2012/13 Girls and were very happy to welcome a new group, our 2014/15 Girls!

The groups got off to a fantastic start in their focus, determination and dedication to their continued soccer development! The program focuses on providing players with focalized ideas in our principles of play, while also allowing players to be provided a problem to solve. Within those solutions, players are guided to better understand the Force way, but with ingenuity and more comfortability with being creative in how they look to play the game!

We are very excited to see how the rest of the session plays out and how the players absorb the styles in which the program provides.

Ryan VanDyke

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Director

Boys & Girls U8-U9

Exciting Updates from the U8-U9 Boys and Girls Program!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates as we navigate through Winter 2 and gear up for the spring season. Several of our teams are making big strides, with the 2017 Boys Premier and 2017 Boys Blue teams both advancing from playing 5v5 to 7v7 this spring. The 2017 Girls Premier team has also made the jump from 5v5 to 7v7, reflecting their continued growth and development. Additionally, the 2017 Boys White team has moved up a division within the 5v5 format, showcasing their hard work and progress.

On the girls' side, we’re excited to announce the expansion of our program with the addition of a new 2016 Girls team, which will be coached by the talented Macy Torres. Macy brings extensive experience and a deep passion for player development, and we’re thrilled to have her at the helm of this exciting new team. This addition underscores our commitment to providing opportunities for young female athletes to grow their skills, compete at a high level, and foster a love for the game. The energy and enthusiasm around our growing girls’ program is a testament to the bright future ahead, and we’re excited to see this team thrive in the upcoming season.

Our U8-U9 program has experienced remarkable growth, achieving an impressive 11% increase in player numbers. This continued expansion is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our players, coaches, and families, and it highlights the vibrant and supportive community we’ve built together.

We are also proud to recognize the following players who have been promoted so far this season: Josh Danziger, Nolan Savre, Matthew Hollandsworth, Victoria Biglione, Rushil Bidari, Zubin Indurti, Henry Schacht, Elliot Champer, Vaileen Valencia, Maxwell Smith, Sloane Wiley and Shreyan Kammari. Their hard work, determination, and skill have earned them these well-deserved advancements, and we can’t wait to see their continued impact on the field.

Additionally, we’re excited to offer supplemental opportunities to help our players continue their development this season:

Intermediate GK Training: Register here
- Sundays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Force Fridays 7v7 Sessions: Register here
- Wednesdays 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Fridays 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Stay tuned, as we’ll be announcing even more opportunities for camps, clinics, and other supplemental programming in the coming weeks. Our goal is to provide a variety of avenues for players to refine their skills, deepen their understanding of the game, and stay engaged year-round. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure an exciting and successful season!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

Jessica Shelton

Juniors Academy Director

Our Juniors Soccer Program is off to a fantastic start, and we couldn’t be more excited about the incredible turnout and enthusiasm we’ve seen so far!

The past 2 weeks, our junior players have been working hard on the fundamentals of the game —dribbling, passing, defending and shooting. These key skills are the building blocks of confident players and an essential step in developing the next generation of stars for our club.

We’re thrilled to announce that our Winter 2 session has brought in an amazing number of participants, showing the strength and excitement surrounding soccer in our community. The energy on the field during the first two weeks has been electric, and we’re proud to see so many young players eager to learn and grow.

At the heart of everything we do is our dedication to ensuring players grow in a fun, supportive environment. We want every child to love the game while developing their skills, building confidence, and fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.

As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we’re also offering open spots in our girls-only classes :

U7/U8 Girls : Monday nights, 7–8 PM
U5/U6 Girls : Tuesday nights, 6–7 PM

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for girls to learn the game in an encouraging atmosphere while forming new friendships, building confidence, and enjoying the sport. If you know someone who might be interested, we’d love to have them join us!

If classes are full, please add your name to the waitlist , and we’ll do our best to accommodate you in a future session.

Thank you for your support of our program. We are thrilled to be developing your children’s love and passion for the game. Together, we’re building not only skills but a lifelong connection to soccer both on and off the field.

Visit out Juniors Academy webpage for more information and to register! Reach out to jshelton@tocafootball.com with any questions! We look forward to seeing your young athletes on the field!

Specialty Departments

Goalkeeping, Sports Performance & College Recruitment

Danica Hanschu

Goalkeeper Director

Boys & Girls Goalkeeping

Upcoming events:

Last chance to get signed up for Intermediate & Advanced Supplemental Training!

Intermediate goalkeeper training is for those who want to learn the position or polish up some skills they already have. These classes will involve the basics such as:

Contour catch
Basket/Scoop catch
Diving
Punting and goalkicks!

Each session we will test the goalkeepers skills by taking live shots in the game we like to call keeper wars. Goalkeepers will go head to head trying to score on each other to try and win the game.

Advanced goalkeeper training is to push yourself as a goalkeeper. Working in advanced techniques as well as advanced footwork. Topics include:

Explosive footwork
Diving/Extension diving
Collapse diving/High diving
Back to bar saves
1v1’s
Reaction saves

Sessions will end with Keeper wars. Testing your shot stopping ability and applying new techniques learned. Having keepers go head to head for some friendly competition!

Goalkeeper Spotlights:

2010 Goalkeepers, Payton and Casey, providing shoutouts against OH galaxies & Concorde Fire!

2009 Goalkeepers, Donovan and Ajay, providing shoutout against FC Alliance!

Goalkeeper Vocab

Ball-line

What is a ball-line?: A ball line is an imaginary line through the center of the ball and center of the goal.

How does a goalkeeper use it?

The goalkeeper should move with the ball-line in possession and out of possession. Out of possession remaining in the ball-line allows for the goalkeeper to reduce goal scoring angles when appropriately off their line. In possession, if the goalkeeper has the ability to get into their set position on the ball-line at the right timing on the shot, the goalkeeper will put themselves in the best possible position to make any necessary save.

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

Our Sports Performance program for our high performance teams is a full go!

Our players go through a 10-week program to prepare their bodies physically and mentally for the upcoming season. As players know, in order to achieve the highest potential they need to take care of all pillars of the game. At practice players get a lot of tactical and technical applications throughout the season to prepare for games, showcases, and tournaments. Players must also train their physical and mental wellbeing as much as they do the tactical and technical. Hitting all 4 pillars achieves the holistic approach of player development that helps each individual attain their goals.

Our goal for this program is to teach our players lifelong positive habits of commitment, humility, integrity respect, and passion. When they go on in their next stage of development whether that be high school, college, or life they understand good habits and the focus, determination, and dedication it takes to achieve their goals.

Our 10-week program hits 3 different phases: accumulation, intensification, and realization.

The accumulation phase works on enhancing work capacity (building the engine), correcting movements patterns in the weight room, and technical efficiency in running form. The intensification phase focuses on muscular strength building in the weight room, and force production on the field (sprinting, etc). We do this through what is called progressive overload. As the players' patterns get better, we add intensity through volume (reps or added weight) to achieve the adaptation of strength preparing for the next phase. The realization phase is the conversion of strength to power. This is where we take the movements built on the field and in the weight room, and change our intensity block to hit power based movements and become strong and powerful or explosive.

All these phases lead into the players ability to be faster, stronger, more agile, more durable, more injury resilient while achieving our overall goal so our players are better people on and off the field."

Pat Ferguson

Director of College Recruitment

College Recruitment

Start with the end in mind. I’ve often told club players this when they start the recruiting journey. They sometimes misunderstand the “end” to mean where they will play collegiate soccer. In other words, arriving on campus as a first year student-athlete is the “end”; journey complete. That is far too short sighted. When I speak of starting with the end in mind, I am looking beyond their time in college. I am asking young people, to the degree they’re capable of, to view their collegiate undergraduate athletic experience simply as a four or five year window in the path of life – toward their own personal “end”. If they at least make this attempt, or view playing soccer in college from this perspective, it will provide much needed guidance in finding the best possible collegiate fit.

EDUCATION

From O’Bannon vs. NCAA to Northwestern Football players attempting to unionize, the past 10+ years has seen the NCAA undergo major changes, particularly at the D1 level. Statistically speaking, most high school players will not play D1 soccer. So why should all the change at the Division 1 level matter to most high school soccer players looking for a collegiate home? Well, in my opinion, there will be a trickle-down effect that impacts all division within the NCAA. Here are a few, albeit brief, summations of proposals that have passed or are pending that may be coming to D1 in 2025. This information is readily available to anyone with a computer of course ��

The NCAA passed roster and scholarship changes for Division 1 soccer, which include limiting roster size to 28 players. I included the word “limiting”, because many D1 programs have more than 28 players.
NCAA D1 programs can now offer scholarships to every player on a sport's roster up to the new roster limits. This doesn’t mean they will offer a scholarship to all 28 players however. It simply means the NCAA allows it. Some universities will increase their scholarship budget, while others will not.
The new policy removes scholarship caps and replaces them with roster limitations. Previously, soccer programs were capped at a certain number of equivalency scholarships (14 for women & 9.9 for men).
The new model may require the elimination of walk-on athletes.
The changes will take effect starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
The elimination of Head Count sports, thus making all Olympic sports equivalency sports.

BEST PRACTICES

In the last newsletter, I mentioned the artificial nature of the recruiting process. My primary point was to highlight the parameters that are put in place which can make it difficult to clearly identify which college soccer program is the best fit. Limitations are placed on college coaches by the NCAA as to when they may contact a prospective student-athlete, what type of recruiting material may be sent, when those materials may be sent, when scholarship offers may be made, etc. In doing so, it limits a high school student-athletes capability to “get to know” the coaching staff, the program and to a lesser degree, the university (side note: I am of the opinion that at D1 & D2 institutions, the NCAA should deregulate all areas of the recruiting process – the bell has been rung anyway). One of the most important steps in bridging this knowledge gap is a campus visit. Ideally, there are some steps that should be included in a campus visit. I am not only a college coach, but I am also a father to former college athletes (albeit not soccer players however). Seeing the recruiting process from both points of view, I’ve included some considerations on the topic of campus visits. This is of course a non-exhaustive list.

Incorporate casual tours: If you are traveling (not just with your soccer team) to an area of the country that you could see yourself attending a university, try to incorporate a casual tour of the campus. You don’t necessarily need to meet with anyone. You could simply drive or walk around the campus in order to get a feel for it. Sometimes you will get an immediate impression of “yes, I could be here for 4 years” or “ummmm, no”.
Meet with a member of the coaching staff: This is easily said, but not always easily done, particularly if you are not yet on their recruiting radar. The higher the level you aspire to, the more difficult it may be. It doesn’t have to be with the head coach. If you need help establishing a connection to set up a meeting with the staff, enlist the help of the admissions office, a respected club coach or perhaps an alum of the program.
Meet with current players on the team (away from the staff): In my opinion, when it comes to choosing the right soccer program, this is the most important step. When speaking with current student-athletes, their experiences may be different. For example, if you are speaking with a player who plays 90 minutes a game, that player may present their soccer experience differently than the player who doesn’t get on the field. That’s why you hear some players say “I love the coach and this program”, and others not so much. Your future experience will probably fall somewhere in between. Regardless, you will get the most accurate depiction of what it is like to be a member of the program and campus community from members of the team.
Meet with admissions & financial aid: This is not the most obvious step. It is important however, as they will be able to speak accurately to academic and financial considerations. This will remove surprises later.
Be prepared: When meeting with the aforementioned groups, don’t be a lump. Do your homework and ask prepared questions. It is okay to have a list written down. One thing that dissuades me from recruiting a player is if they show up for a visit and know nothing about our program, ask no questions and simply sit in my office in a semi-catatonic state. And while parents will understandably have questions, it is a red flag if, when meeting with a recruit, the parent does all the talking. I am recruiting the student-athlete, not the parent. In fact, some college coaches will not recruit a player if their parent(s) is/are overly involved.

EDITORIAL

T HE BIG PICTURE

“I never felt one of our teams needed to win a national championship to validate my career as a teacher and coach. I wasn’t obsessed with it. Nevertheless, American society seems to recognize number one and nothing else. It’s an uninformed and unrealistic mind-set. For intercollegiate athletics to be worthwhile, there must be appreciation for teams and players that do their best, even if doing so doesn’t result in championships”

Dean Smith

Former North Carolina men’s basketball head coach

Retired with 879 victories (at the time a national record)

2 National Championships

11 Final Fours

96.6% graduation rate

This quotation by Dean Smith, former coach of Michael Jordan, almost sounds naïve, even overly idealistic. This could be especially true in light of where Division 1 athletics are today – win or you’re out. And if you think the “win or you’re out” philosophy applies only to D1, I would ask you, who is being naïve now? Regardless of the time, or the collegiate level, I still agree with Dean Smith. When I meet with recruits and their parents, I tell them there are two levels to what I do as a coach, be that club or college. Level 1 deals primarily with recruiting, systems of play, on field training, wins and losses, etc. Essentially, it is the most visible aspects of coaching, and the one in which we as coaches are, understandably, most often judged. Level 2 is a deeper and more significant level. In this level coaches, like Dean Smith’s quote, should be providing perspective . We should consistently synthesize both levels into a coherent whole. Most of the time, young people are not concerned about the second level. This does not excuse us as coaches (and parents) from our responsibility of making them aware of it. As Mark Twain once said “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” We may not see an immediate payoff from providing perspective. In fact, I’ve never had one of my 5 kids immediately say to me, following a perspective providing moment “wow dad, you’re so wise, now I understand life”. Chances are however, and this is supported by data, that it will indeed make a long term impact.

A few habits we should expect from players which integrate Level 1 and Level 2:

Learning to work collaboratively with teammates. It’s not all about you and it isn’t always someone else’s fault.
Learning to win with class and lose with grace.
Be respectful of officials.
Be punctual. And if you’re late, don’t walk up to the training field when your teammates have already started – run!
Give a full effort in training and games.
Don’t settle for average. If you aren’t a starter on the team, get better! Don’t blame the coach.
Do extra work on your own, either prior to or post training.
Be process oriented, not product oriented.

QUOTE: “Pressure squeezes effort out of winners and excuses out of losers”

Upcoming CFSC Events

Trip to Spain, Tryouts, Supplemental Training & Camps!

There are still spots available to join our 2025 International Club Trip to Spain with other Force players born 2011-2015 and their families!

This is a unique 10 day opportunity to leave home, play the sport you love, and learn about the world first-hand.

Get all the details on the trip and check out our recorded Zoom informational meeting through the link below!

U8-U9 Girls tryout

Supplemental Tryout for possible spot on a current, Columbus Force team for this season (Spring of 2025). Please note that spots are limited and not every age group has the same number/level of teams.

DATES: FEB 7

TIME: 6:00-7:00PM

LOCATION: TOCA COLUMBUS

Questions: Contact Ryan VanDyke at

rvandyke@tocafootball.com

U10-U12 Girls tryout

DATES: FEB 7

TIME: 5:00-6:00PM

LOCATION: TOCA COLUMBUS

Questions: Contact Braden Bell at

bbell@tocafootball.com

Force Friday's

Our elite training program focuses on developing technical skills like passing, dribbling, receiving, and shooting - all in high-pressure scenarios that replicate game intensity.. Tailored for families seeking advanced opportunities, both athletic and personal growth for their players.

DATES: FEB 7, 14, 21, MAR 7, 14, 21

TIME: 5:00-9:00PM

AGES: U8-U14

COST: Email Mauricio Mendez

Registration Open to All Players

Questions: Contact Mauricio Mendez for an invite

mmendez@tocafootball.com

Force Friday's - Expansion days

DATES:

Wednesdays: FEB 5, 12, 19, MAR 5, 12, 19

Thursdays: FEB 6, 13, 20, MAR 6, 13, 20

TIME:

Wednesday 6:00-9:00PM (U8-14)

Thursday 7:00-9:00PM (U13-U19)

AGES: U8-U19

COST: Email Mauricio Mendez

Registration Open to All Players

Questions: Contact Mauricio Mendez for an invite

mmendez@tocafootball.com

Goalkeeper Training

Columbus Force is offering Spring Prep goalkeeper training for all levels. We have sessions for U8-U12 goalkeepers, whether they're new to the position or have 2-3 years of experience, as well as advanced training for those with 4+ years of experience, ages U12 and up. Goalkeepers will learn new techniques and sharpen their skills.

DATES: FEB 9, 16, 23 MAR 2, 9, 16, 23

TIME: 10:00-11:00AM & 11:00-12:00PM

AGES: U7-U12 & U13-U19

COST: $175.00

QUESTIONS? Danica Hanschu

dhanschu@tocafootball.com

U8-U14 Finishing Camp

Camp is designed to help players enhance their abilities in front of goal! Players can expect to be exposed to different techniques of finishing as well as different angles and angles of approach!

Camp will likely wrap up with the last hour or so (subject to change), with small, sided games, to allow players to execute their techniques, in an opposed situation.

DATES: MAR 14

TIME: 9AM-11:30AM

Ages: U8-U14

COST: $80

Registration Open to All Players

QUESTIONS? Contact Braden Bell

bbell @tocafootball.com

Columbus Force SC - 2025 Fundraiser

In Collaboration with Meza Wine Shop

Columbus Force Soccer Club is collaborating with Meza Wine Shop for a fundraiser happening this February!

100% of the proceeds will go towards the Columbus Force SC Financial Aid program that provides vital scholarships for Columbus Force SC players.

Participants can choose between two packages:

Wine & Charcuterie Package ($75): Includes two bottles of wine and a charcuterie box for two.
Charcuterie Only Package ($70): Features a medium provisions box serving 2-4 people.

*For each package purchased, $25 is donated directly to support the Columbus Force Soccer Club.

Order Details:

Order Deadline: Monday, February 17, by 9 PM.
Delivery/Pickup Date: Wednesday, February 19, between 1 PM and 6 PM.
Delivery Options: Home delivery or in-store pickup at Meza Wine Shop.

Follow Columbus Force SC on Social Media!

Stay Conneced!

@ColumbusForceSC

The Force Effect - December 2024

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 19:29:59 GMT

DECEMBER 2024

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

U23 OVPL 2025 Summer Season Tryouts
A Note From Our Girls & Boys Director s
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Winter Camps & Training
Follow Us On Social Media

OVPL
Women's and Men's

Evan Wharley

U10-U12 Boys Director & Women's OVPL Coach

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director & Men's OVPL Coach

OVPL Women's

We are excited to announce that this summer we will be starting a Women's OVPL team here at Columbus Force! This is a great opportunity for us to cater to both the collegiate players as well as the graduating high schoolers in the Columbus area by providing them high quality training sessions and the ability to compete in a competitive environment. Our aim is to provide a platform where players can continue to maintain their technical, tactical, and physical levels during the summer months ahead of returning to their respective schools ahead of the college season. The Women's team will be led by myself, Evan Wherley, a U.S. Soccer National C License coach as well as the current U10-U12 Boys Director here at Columbus Force. Over the past two summers I have been fortunate to work with local female college players while coaching at Delaware Rising and I look forward to continuing that work as well as building those connections here at Force! If you are interested or have any questions, reach out to me at ewherley@tocafootball.com . Looking forward to building this program and culture ahead of the summer!

OVPL Men's

The Ohio Valley Premier League (OVPL) is an outstanding summer developmental platform tailored for college players and those preparing to begin their collegiate soccer journey. This league offers a highly competitive environment that bridges the gap between high school and collegiate soccer, focusing on valuable game experience, technical growth, and tactical understanding.

For current college athletes, the OVPL provides an excellent opportunity to sharpen their skills during the off-season, maintain peak fitness, and challenge themselves in a supportive yet demanding setting. For incoming college players, it offers the perfect transition to the higher demands of collegiate soccer, helping them adapt to the pace, physicality, and intensity of the game while collaborating with experienced coaches and competing against top-level talent.

Additionally, the OVPL offers exposure to scouts and college coaches, potentially serving as a springboard for players aspiring to advance their soccer careers. Whether the goal is to refine individual skills or gain essential team-oriented experience, the Columbus Force U23 Men’s OVPL team is a vital resource for players striving to elevate their game to the next level.

If you are interested or have any questions, reach out to me at Mmendez@tocafootball.com . I'm excited to begin an improved process for year two of the Columbus Force U23 Men's squad!

A Note From Our Girls & Boys Directors

By: Kirby Valle & Ben Neer

Kirby Valle

Club Director & Girls Director

Club Director & Girls Director

Myself and my staff, hope this message finds you doing well and staying healthy as we wrap our first season as The Columbus Force! As we take time to reflect on the past few months it's important to note that the club's growth & player development has a lot to do with our coaches and their passion for the players, the loyalty of the amazing families representing our organization each and everyday in the community and of course the players earning results on the pitch. I want to take the time to highlight our club parents and players and their belief in our values of Commitment - Humility - Integrity - Respect - Passion . Because players, coaches and parents are buying into these values, Columbus Force is thieving as an organization! For this, I am incredibly grateful!

This time of year, my staff and I are approached by families for support in ways that their players can continue to develop outside of their competitive team space. I want to bring light to one of the greatest ways to support your players' development, that doesn't come with a premium cost...watching professional soccer!! For young soccer players, the journey to mastering the beautiful game is filled with hard work, training, and determination. That can be tricky during slower competitive months of the year. But one often-overlooked component of development is the act of watching professional soccer. While training and playing regularly are key to improving, observing the world’s top players in action can have a profound impact on a young player's skills, understanding of the game, and overall mindset. Here’s why aspiring youth soccer players should make it a priority to watch professional soccer.

The Importance of Aspiring Youth Soccer Players Watching Professional Soccer

1) Understanding the Game at a Higher Level

Watching professional soccer allows young players to see how the game is played at the highest level. Top-tier players demonstrate tactical awareness, decision-making, and execution in ways that youth players might not fully grasp during their own games or practices. Whether it’s a quick turn to evade a defender, a perfectly timed pass, or a clinical finish, professional players often make these actions seem effortless. By watching, young players can learn what to do in certain situations and how to think like a pro.

2) Developing a Tactical Mindset

While physical ability is essential, soccer is also a mental game. Professional players are constantly analyzing their surroundings, reading the game, and positioning themselves effectively. By observing their movements, youth players can gain insight into positioning, spacing, and team strategy. For example, watching a midfielder’s decision to drop deeper to collect the ball or a forward’s ability to make a smart run behind the defense can teach young players about timing and spatial awareness.

3) Improving Technique

Professional soccer players are the epitome of technical mastery. Their ball control, passing, dribbling, and shooting skills are honed over years of practice. By watching these players closely, youth players can identify key techniques to incorporate into their own games. Whether it’s noticing how a player strikes the ball to bend it into the top corner or how a defender uses their body to win a tackle, professional soccer is a treasure trove of learning opportunities. Watching high-level players also gives young athletes the chance to see how to execute advanced skills with precision and control.

4) Inspiration and Motivation

Sometimes, all it takes to spark a young player's drive is seeing their favorite player score a stunning goal or make an incredible assist. Watching professionals in action can ignite a passion for the game, fueling the motivation to practice harder and push past personal limits. It’s also incredibly inspiring to see players who started from humble beginnings rise to success through hard work and perseverance. For aspiring soccer players, these stories are both motivating and relatable.

5) Learning About Professionalism and Work Ethic

The journey of professional soccer players is not just about raw talent—it’s about commitment, discipline, and work ethic. Watching how professionals prepare for matches, train, and handle themselves both on and off the field offers valuable life lessons. Aspiring players can learn what it takes to compete at the highest level, from the physical conditioning required to the mental resilience necessary for overcoming setbacks. It’s a reminder that being a great player takes more than just skill—it requires dedication and hard work.

6) Understanding Team Dynamics

Soccer is a team sport, and professional players excel because they understand how to function within a team dynamic. Watching how players communicate, position themselves, and contribute to the success of the team can help young players understand the importance of teamwork. Whether it’s recognizing the role of a holding midfielder or appreciating the sacrifice made by a winger tracking back to defend, professional soccer provides valuable lessons in collaboration and collective effort.

7) Exposure to Different Playing Styles and Cultures

One of the best things about watching professional soccer is the diversity of playing styles. From the fast-paced, attacking play of the Premier League to the technical possession-based style of Spain’s La Liga, young players have the opportunity to observe different approaches to the game. Exposure to various styles helps them broaden their understanding of the game and become more adaptable on the field. They can draw inspiration from different leagues, players, and tactical philosophies to incorporate into their own playing style.

8) Staying Up to Date with Trends and Innovations

The world of professional soccer is constantly evolving. Teams and players are always pushing the boundaries of the game, introducing new strategies and techniques. By watching professional soccer, youth players stay informed about the latest trends, including new formations, pressing tactics, and ways of breaking down defenses. These insights can help young players stay ahead of the curve and give them a competitive edge as they develop.

Watching professional soccer should be a standard for aspiring youth players—it’s a vital part of their development as well as growing knowledge and culture within the game. It broadens their understanding of the game, inspires them to reach new heights, and gives them the tools to improve their technical and tactical skills. Whether it's learning from the world’s best players or finding motivation in their favorite team's victories, there is no shortage of lessons to be learned. I encourage parents & players who don't currently follow a team or teams in one of the many professional leagues available to support, to come together and choose a team! Map out that teams televised or streamed game schedule and make it a family commitment to watch together! And remember that next time you’re cheering for your favorite team or player, that you're not just a fan—you’re a student of the beautiful game!

Ben Neer

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

As we ended the Fall season, Columbus Force as an entire club has had tremendous success! Working closer with the Boy's side I have witnessed every team improve in some shape or form. It has been highly impressive watching our teams compete and really making a name for the club. The coaches are taking that extra step with their teams to make sure the development and progression is taking place. I wanted to give a shout out to the teams and coaches below.

Fall Runner-ups

2017B Premier - Premier 5v5 (Coach Ryan Van Dyke)

Fall Season Champs

2015B Pre-ECNL - South Blue Division (Coach Mauricio Mendez)

2014B Pre-ECNL - South I Blue Division (Coach Alejandro Valdivieso)

2013B Pre-ECNL - South II Division (Coach Evan Wherley)

Fall Season (1st in Division)

2012B Blue - GLA Premier Division (Coach John Lawrence)

2012B ENCL-RL - West Division (Coach Andy Dunaway)

Our GLA 2010, 2009 , and 2008 teams are headed to the Gateway Showcase in Cincinnati, OH and our ECNL-RL 2008 and 2006/07 are headed to FC Delco in Montgomery Country, Pennsylvania.

ECNL-RL 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007/06 kicks off league play December 8th against Ohio Premier and December 9th against Ohio Galaxies followed by the Visit Raleigh College Showcase the weekend after.

All other teams are participating in winter 1 training working to become better each day prepping for the Spring Season!

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Kelly Bryan

U16-U19 Girls Director

Girls U16-U19

I am the newly appointed U16-U19 Girls Director for Columbus Force SC and I’m so ecstatic to be a part of such a tremendous soccer family! I retired from collegiate coaching in June after 21 years as the Head Coach at Kenyon College and 4 years at North Carolina Wesleyan University. I look forward to bringing my experience with the college game, recruiting, and administration to the club. I also look forward to learning from the club coaches, players, and administrators to help the mission of Columbus Force SC continue to build and grow. In addition to my Girls HS Director duties, I will be co-coaching with Club Director and Head Coach Kirby Valle with the 2010G E64-R team. Loving training sessions so far and can’t wait to see the team in live action after the holidays.

Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome and showing me the ropes!

Welcome back to our high school players and congratulations on your successes this year. Notably, Addison Lucki (2008G E64-R) and her Bishop Watterson High School teammates won the Ohio Division II State Championship- congratulations Addison!!

Please join me in celebrations for our high school players who received personal and/or team accolades this Fall. Big cheers for those listed below!

Shoutouts to our 2006/07 E64-R players who have navigated the college recruiting process and found the right fit for their academic and athletic futures!

GK - Pavitra Karnati (Class of 2025) - The Ohio State University (D1)
MF - Lexie Cushman (Class of 2025) - Marietta College (D3)
MF - Madee Turner (Class of 2025) - Otterbein University (D3)
D/MF - Adelyn Waters (Class of 2025) - Grove City College (D3)

The U15-U19 girls teams have been very busy since the conclusion of the high school seasons with training once per week at TOCA in our indoor space and once per week at outdoor synthetic turf fields. After the holiday season, the teams will add a third session each week with a combination of TOCA training and work with our Director of Sports Performance, Mario Suarez. The ability to offer strength and conditioning as part of the winter training is a unique feature that we are able to offer at Columbus Force SC, and our players will see great benefit from Mario’s programs!

The 2006/07 E64-R and 2008 E64-R teams participated in the Bethesda Premier Showcase on November 15-17th in Bethesda, MD. After only four practices with coach Pat Ferguson, both teams had incredible performances and each won their divisions! Very impressive start for these girls and they will keep the momentum going into showcases in 2025.

2006/07 E64-RL

Female U19 Patriot Division Champions

2-0-1 with 0 goals conceded

2008 E64-RL

Female U17 Chesapeake Division Co-Champions

2-0-1

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

As the new season quickly approaches, our U15-U19 (ECRL and NPL) squads have been hard at work in their intense preparations, gearing up for a year full of excitement, growth, and competition. With an eye on upcoming showcases, league play, and college recruitment, our players are dedicating themselves to elevating their game and making the most of every opportunity on the horizon.

Preseason Training: A Foundation of Excellence

Our teams have entered the final phase of preseason training, with sessions designed to fine-tune skills, improve fitness, and foster team chemistry. Coaches have been pushing our athletes to dig deep, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead. The focus has been on building technical precision, tactical understanding, match fitness, and mental toughness—all essential components as our players step onto the field for league matches and high-stakes showcase events.

Upcoming Showcases and League Play

The excitement is building as we head into several highly anticipated showcases and competitive league play. These events offer our athletes an invaluable chance to demonstrate their skills in front of top-tier college scouts, while competing against some of the best teams across the region. Our U15-U19 squads are eager to showcase the hard work they've put in and take their performances to the next level.

In addition to sharpening their on-field abilities, the focus is also on preparation off the field. Players are learning how to manage the pressure of high-profile games, showcase their talents, and maintain a positive attitude no matter the outcome. The dedication shown by our athletes this offseason speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to our U17 and U19 ECNL-RL Squads for Their Performance at the FC Delco Showcase!

We are proud of our U17 and U19 ECNL-RL squads for their performances at the FC Delco Showcase. Competing against top-tier teams from across the country, our players demonstrated remarkable skill, teamwork, and determination. Their commitment to excellence was evident in every match, and we couldn't be more excited about the strides they've made this season. Well done to all the players, coaches, and families who supported the teams throughout this challenging and rewarding event. We look forward to seeing even more growth and success as the season continues!

Congratulations to our U15, U16, and U17 NPL Squads at the Gateway Showcase – Special Shoutout to Coach James and the 2009s!

A huge congratulations to our U15, U16 , and U17 NPL squads for their outstanding efforts at the Gateway Showcase. Our players showcased their talent, resilience, and sportsmanship while facing some of the best teams in the region. We are especially proud of the U16 NPL squad, whose exceptional performances set the bar high for the season ahead.

A special shoutout goes to Coach James and the 2009s , whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in their team's success at the showcase. The growth of this group has been nothing short of impressive, and we can’t wait to see where their hard work takes them. A big thank you to all the players, coaches, and families who have been part of this memorable event!

Success of Media Day: A Key Step in College Recruitment

One of the highlights of our preseason preparations was our successful "Media Day" event. This special occasion allowed our players to be photographed, videoed, and interviewed in a professional setting—creating a platform for college recruitment and it was an invaluable opportunity for our athletes to capture some of their best moments off the field. Thank you for this coach, Alejandro!

The media content produced during this event plays a vital role in showcasing each player's abilities, personality, and commitment to their sport. By collecting detailed player profiles—including academic achievements, athletic performance, and future goals—we are ensuring that our athletes have a well-rounded presentation for college recruiters who are actively scouting the next generation of talent.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Our U15-U19 Squads

As our U15-U19 players continue their intense preparation, we remain confident in their ability to rise to the occasion. The coming months are full of promise, with exciting matchups, growth opportunities, and college recruitment prospects on the horizon.

Thank you to all the families, coaches, and supporters who are contributing to the success of our teams. Your commitment, encouragement, and belief in our athletes make all the difference. We look forward to seeing our players continue to develop, compete, and represent Columbus Force with pride. Stay tuned for updates on team performances, showcase results, and more exciting news as we move forward into the season!

Vamos Force!

Ben Neer

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

Boys U13-U15

Celebrating Success: Columbus Force’s Fall Season Recap

As we conclude the Fall season, we are thrilled with the tremendous success Columbus Force has experienced across the club. This achievement is a direct result of the positive yet challenging environment we've worked hard to create—one where players can thrive and focus on their continuous development.

The success of our individual players and teams is a true testament to the commitment and expertise of our coaching staff. We are proud to have assembled a group of Coaches and Directors who genuinely care about each player’s growth and are deeply invested in fostering the strong culture we are building at Columbus Force.

What truly sets Columbus Force apart is our exceptional and dedicated staff. Our coaches, directors, and support team consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every player receives personalized attention and tailored development. Their passion for the game and unwavering dedication to our players' growth is what makes our club unique and drives the success we see on the field.

Recognizing Outstanding Coaches and Teams

As the Boys Director and U13-U15 Boys Age Group Director, I have had the pleasure of closely observing the growth and success of our teams this season. I am highly impressed with the overall progress we are making. That being said, I would like to take a moment to recognize a couple of coaches and their teams for their exceptional accomplishments during the Fall season.

Coach Andy Dunaway and his 2012 ECNL-RL boys have had an incredibly impressive Fall season. They are currently leading the ECNL-RL West Division with a 8-0-1 record. This success is a true reflection of Coach Andy's leadership, dedication, and the strong foundation he has built with his players. Congratulations, Coach Andy, on an outstanding season!

A special shout-out also goes to Coach John Lawrence and his 2012B Blue team for finishing the season at the top of the GLA Premier Division. In addition to this achievement, this team participated in three tournaments, making it to the finals in all three. What’s even more impressive is that they were crowned champions in two of those tournaments!

Both of these coaches and their teams have demonstrated incredible talent, hard work, and dedication, and I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.

In Conclusion: Looking Ahead to the Future

As we wrap up this fall season, I have witnessed some incredible achievements, and we are riding a wave of momentum heading into the next phase of our season. Our U15-U19 GLA and ECNL-RL teams are preparing for upcoming showcases, and our ECNL-RL teams will soon kick off their league play against Ohio Premier and Ohio Galaxies .

With the talent, hard work, and dedication from both our players and staff, I am incredibly excited to see what’s next for Columbus Force. The future is bright, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success together.

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

Unforgettable Season Recap: U13-U15 Girls' Teams

What an unbelievable season we’ve had in the U13-U15 Girls' space! From technical mastery to tactical brilliance, the strides made this year were nothing short of extraordinary. A massive thank-you to our players for their grit and determination, and to our coaches for their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Here’s a closer look at the progress and highlights from this season:

2012 Academy

Under the guidance of Ric Glass and Erin Hawkins , our 2012 Academy program made incredible strides in both the NPL and OCL leagues. Watching these players develop was a testament to their work ethic and dedication. From clean first touches to understanding defensive shape , their growth was evident in every game. We are proud of how they’ve embraced the concepts of positional play and off-the-ball movement to elevate their game. A special congratulations to the 2012 Academy girls for their stellar performance as finalists at the Great Lakes Fall Finale ! The future looks bright for this group as they continue their journey with Columbus Force.

2012 E64RL

The 2012 E64RL squad brought intensity and an attractive brand of soccer to every match this season. Transitioning from 9v9 to 11v11 can be a challenge, but these players embraced the challenge with determination and confidence under the expert coaching of Club Director Kirby Valle. Their ability to execute a high press , maintain composure in 1v1 duels , and demonstrate intelligent build-up play showcases their immense potential. This group is undoubtedly becoming a “Force” to be reckoned with on the field!

2011 Blue

Led by Danica Hanschu, the 2011 Blue team focused on development over results , and their growth was phenomenal. Emphasizing a possession-based style , the team worked tirelessly to master the principles of playing out from the back , creating passing triangles , and improving their game IQ . Though the win-loss record had ups and downs, the progress they made as a cohesive unit was the real victory. Their dedication to learning how to “play the game the right way” was inspiring to watch.

2011 E64RL

With 10 new additions to the roster, the 2011 E64RL team achieved remarkable success, showcasing their ability to adapt and gel as a team. Scoring an impressive 69 goals while conceding only 15 , their performances were a perfect balance of offensive creativity and defensive discipline . A special shoutout goes to Astrid Ryan , who earned multiple call-ups to the U.S. Soccer Girls Talent ID Center this year—a fantastic achievement that reflects her dedication and skill.

Tournament Highlights

2012 Academy: Great Lakes Finalists

2012 E64RL: Great Lakes Champions

2011 E64RL: Great Lakes Champions, WAGS Finalists, Ohio Premier Invitational Finalists

Final Thoughts

This season has been a celebration of growth, grit, and development . From mastering the basics to executing advanced tactical concepts like pressing triggers and overloading the flanks , our teams continue to set the bar higher. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this season unforgettable. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Columbus Force teams!

Evan Wherley

U10-U12 Boys Director

Boys U10-U12

With the Fall season now fully completed, this is a great time for us to reflect on the successful seasons amongst our age group. A lot of hard work was put into the teams but the job isn't over yet, there is still more hard work to be done for the spring season.

In our first season of competition as a new club and new league, all of our Pre-ECNL boys teams won their divisions! During the Fall season, with all three teams combined, the boys put up a record of 25W-1L-1T. This is a huge accomplishment for the boys and the coaches of those teams. The amount of hard work, determination, and effort invested into one another was remarkable to see. These results from the Fall season have given the boys a great foundation to build upon leading into the spring season.

With the hard work put in during the Fall, we are looking forward to continuing that into winter training which will be an essential part of the players development. Coaches really get a chance to dive deep into all of the technical components of the game, from receiving a pass under pressure, dribbling to take space, even receiving the ball out of the air, and much more. Every year we see substantial growth from players who are willing to put in the work during the winter months in order to better themselves and their teammates.

Braden Bell

U10-U12 Girls Director

U10 - U12 Girls and Technical Director

U10 - U12 Boys' Director of Coaching, Evan Wherley named as Head Coach of the 2013G Pre - ECNL team!
2013G Pre - ECNL is happy to welcome new coach and current U10 - U12 Boys' Director, Evan Wherley to take over the squad! This group is transitioning into the 11v11 space for the spring 2025 season! Coach Evan also will be coaching the 2013B Pre - ECNL (who is also transitioning to the 11v11 space in their Pre-ECNL league for Spring. We could not be happier to welcome Coach Evan to the team and further develop the understanding of the game to this amazing group of young women!

Coaching Career

Delaware Rising FC Women: 2023-Present
Westerville United FC: 2021-2023
Ohio Olympic Development Program: 2021-Present

Playing Career

Delaware Rising FC: 2021-2023
Notre Dame College: 2015-2019

Education

US Soccer National C License
United Soccer Coaches National Diploma

12/30 and 12/31 Holiday Technical and Sports Performance Camp!

Columbus Force is excited to announce the arrival of our specialized, Technical and Sports Performance Holiday Camp over the holiday break! Camp is designed to enhance players' abilities to enhance their physical and technical pillars of the game, with emphasis on change of direction, with and without the soccer ball! Camp curriculum and topics designed by Columbus Force Technical Director, Braden Bell and Sports Performance Director, Mario Suarez!

Players can expect the camp to focus primarily in a more technical focused first half of each day, with more small, sided games and competitions in the second half. Subject to change, based on the make-up of the group. Grouping of players is dependent on age, ability as well as make up of the registrants.

12/30 and 12/31

9AM - 11:30AM

TOCA Columbus - 409 Orangepoint Dr. Lewis Center, OH 43035

Players born 2016 - 2011

$125 per player

Register here!

Check out our U10 - U12 Girls working on how to better use their bodies to protect the soccer ball! Being a physical player is not all about being the fastest or most agile player! While those abilities definitely help any soccer player, being a tough player to dispossess is so vital in all positions! Check out some videos of our girls, hard at work in our winter season, inside TOCA - Columbus!! Get after it, girls!

Ryan VanDyke

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Director

Boys & Girls U8-U9
Exciting Updates from the U8-U9 Boys and Girls Program!

As we move through the season, we are thrilled to share some highlights and updates about our U8-U9 program!

Our Force Friday sessions have been a hit, with players actively engaging, building their skills, and fostering a strong love for the game. The energy, effort, and enthusiasm from everyone involved are truly inspiring! Complementing these sessions is our Winter Academy U8-U9 program, which is in full swing on Saturdays throughout November and December. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for our young athletes to develop and refine their skills during the offseason.

We also want to give a big shout-out to Coach Jon Hsu! Jon’s unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work are making a significant impact on our players and the program as a whole. His commitment to fostering growth and excellence both on and off the field does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Coach Jon, for all that you do!

Lastly, stay tuned—some exciting updates are coming to the U8-U9 program! We can’t wait to share more details soon.

Thank you to all players, parents, and coaches for your continued support and energy as we work together to build something special!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

We’re excited to share that our Junior Soccer Program is thriving as we head into Week 4 of the current session! It's been amazing watching young players grow their skills and passion for the game. This program is designed to serve children between the ages of 3 and 12, providing a great opportunity for young players to develop their soccer skills while having fun and staying active.

Program Details:

Age Groups:

Minis (Ages 3 & 4)
Juniors Academy (U5/6 and U7/8)
Juniors Elite (Advanced U5-8 by invitation or tryout only)
Youth Academy (U9/10 and U11/12)

Focus: Skill development, teamwork, and love for the game.

Training: Age-appropriate drills and fun exercises to help players build their confidence and improve their abilities.

Coaching: Our experienced and enthusiastic coaches are committed to creating a positive environment where every child feels supported.

Whether your child is stepping onto the field for the first time or looking to build on their current skills, Columbus Force Juniors is the perfect place for them to grow and thrive as young soccer players. We believe in developing not only soccer skills but also sportsmanship, teamwork, and a passion for the game.This program is the pathway onto a Force team.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE JUNIOR SOCCER PATHWAY?!

Building Skills, Understanding the Game, and Having Fun!

What Is the Junior Pathway? An exciting program designed to develop young players through:

Technical Soccer Drills
Fun-Focused Activities
Small-Sided Games

What To Expect

1. Technical Soccer Drills:

Dribbling & Ball Control
Passing & Receiving
Shooting Practice
Defensive Skills

2. Fun-Focused Activities:

Skill Games
Team Building Activities

3. Small-Sided Games:

1v1 or 2v2 Game Scenarios to build tactical understanding

Why Join?

Develop essential soccer skills.
Build teamwork and confidence.
Learn the game in a fun and supportive environment.

Sign Up Today!

Registration is now open, and spaces are filling up quickly! Don’t miss this chance to get your child involved in a dynamic, fun, and engaging soccer program.

Winter 2 session starts January 13 - March 15 (9 weeks).

Specialty Departments

Goalkeeping, Sports Performance & College Recruitment

Danica Hanschu

Goalkeeper Director

Boys & Girls Goalkeeping

Spring Prep registration is now open!

This event will start February 9th and is a 7 week program that runs through March. Advanced Goalkeeper training as well as Intermediate Goalkeeper training will be held. Check out the registration below for more information! Dates: Feb 9, 16, 23 Mar 2, 9, 16, 23

Goalkeeper Spotlights:

Pavitra Karnati has committed to The Ohio State University, Congratulations Pavitra!

Addison Marinelli will be representing our Columbus Force goalkeepers by competing with Cleveland’s ECNL-RL team in the league showcase in Kansas City. Go Addison go!

2006/07 Goalkeepers Gavin Colvin & Sebastian Gallo putting up a clean sheet in their game against Penn Alliance in the FC Deco showcase.

2008 Goalkeepers Olivia Robson & Emerson Jacques finding success in Bethesda Premier Cup! Both grabbing a clean sheet playing up with the 2006/07 group.

2009 Goalkeepers Ajay Tiwari & Connor Smetiouk leaving the Gateway showcase with a clean sheet.

Goalkeeper Vocab:

Set position / Being set:

Set position is the stance we load into to give us the most athletic ability to make the save. Our set position is our body transitioning into the ball line for the shot. Being set provides that load and ability to make the save.

Advantages:

Being set allows your body to be prepared to make the save.
Gives the goalkeeper the ability to use their full athletic ability to make the save.
Safety net without a set position, the ability to make a save becomes slim.
Allows the keeper to make a save outside the range of arms reach.

When do we load into our set?

When the player shooting the ball has their plant foot next to the ball.
When the player looks up at the goal and back down at the ball.

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

As the season moves in quickly we wanted to share a few tips to prepare for the season!

Tip 1: Physical

The game of soccer is not just technical and tactical, but physical as well. Physicality can be balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, or all the above. There are plenty of ways to be in top physical condition for practices and games!

Strength Training - Yes, your youth athlete can strength train. Here are some articles below and you can always reach out to our Director of Sports Performance - Mario.
Science for Sport: Youth Strength Training
NSCA: Youth Performance and Fitness
Running/Fitness - vary how you run. Long distance is not always best. Add sprints, intervals, and change of direction with and without the ball.
Get outside and move! Go play, pick up soccer or play a different sport with friends. Getting up and being active is the simplest way to help develop physically.
ENJOY and HAVE FUN - whatever activity you are doing, enjoy it so that way it can become a habit, and once it is a habit it stays for life!

Tip 2: Nutrition

Taking care of the body calls for treating the body right, and nutrition is an essential component for a young active athlete! Some simple tips below:

Fuel the body - Eat plenty of macro- and micro- nutrients to ensure the body is preparing and recovering properly.
8 Gameday Nutrition Tips for Young Athletes
Hydration - hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Hydration can aid in performance and recovery.
Optimizing Hydration for Athletes
Sleep - sleeping is essential for an athlete, and each athlete should be sleeping 7-9 hours each day.
How to Sleep Like a Pro (Athlete )

Tip 3: Goal Setting

Establishing goals for the season can be a great way to focus on things to work on, track development, and provide incentive for continued growth, effort, and participation. It is important though to be sure the goals are appropriate and effective. Below are some general guidelines:

S.M.A.R.T Goals - Specific, Attainable, Measurable, Relevant, Timely. Using SMART goals can help you develop and track to see your progress!
United goals - Have parents and players both work on a list of goals/outcomes for the season. Come back together and see if these are aligned. If not, be sure to review and redo
Set Goals to Get Goals

Tip 4: Mentality

As many players know, half of the game is played inside your mind. If players can prepare mentally as strong as they do physically, you can take your game to the next level. Some tips below on mental preparation.

Relaxation: box breathing, tactical breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.
Box breathing
Mindfulness
Belly Breathing
Stress management: emotion-focused or problem-focused coping strategies.
Coping Strategies
Mental detachment: taking mental breaks from work and engaging in hobbies or leisure.
Social engagement: discussing training, games, school, or stress with peers.
Visualization and Imagery

Tip 5: Recovery

After a week of practice and weekend of games all you want to do is lay on the couch. We have all been there. However, if you sit or lay for too long you “stiffen up,” so make sure to go on a walk and grab a stretch especially if you are dealing with an injury. It is important to allow time for physical and psychological recovery as well as time for other interests and activities.

At least 1 day of the week be a non training day.
High mental engagement to take your mind off your sport.
Do activities outside of your sport such as hobbies, study, volunteering, and/or spending time with family and friends.
Make sure to also check out the Recovery and Recovery Protocols document in your Team Resources on PlayMetrics.

Pat Ferguson

Director of College Recruitment

College Recruitment

In this newsletter you will find information pertaining to what I would call in recruiting the “getting to know you” process with a college program and their respective staff. In other words, when can a college program contact you, when can you contact them, can you visit anytime or are there restrictions, etc. Frankly, most of this information can be found in a number of publications and websites. Part of the challenge of a newsletter that focuses on the recruiting process is that specific to the NCAA, and primarily Division 1, the landscape is changing, and at an ever increasing rate. Who knows, perhaps by the publication of this newsletter, Division 1 athletes may have agents, retirement benefits and paid time off. So, you are welcome to fact check the information I’ve provided and let me know �� .

EDUCATION
Materials, contacts and visits (see Appendix A & B)

Division 1

Recruiting Materials – You may receive brochures for camps, questionnaires, NCAA materials, and non-athletics recruiting publications at any time. A coach may begin sending you recruiting materials and electronic correspondence June 15 after your sophomore year in high school.
Phone Calls to Coach – You or your family may call a coach beginning June 15 after your sophomore year in high school. From Coach – A coach may call you or your family beginning June 15 after your sophomore year in high school.
Off-Campus Contact – A college coach may have contact with you or your family off the college’s campus beginning August 1 before your junior year in high school.
Unofficial Visit (Appendix A) – You and your family may visit a college at your own expense beginning August 1 before your junior year in high school.
Official Visit (Appendix A) – A college may pay for you to visit the college beginning August 1 before your junior year in high school. You may only make one official visit per college, but unlimited number of unofficial visits.

Division 2

Recruiting Materials – You may receive brochures for camps, questionnaires, NCAA materials, and non-athletics recruiting publications at any time. A coach may begin sending you recruiting materials and electronic correspondence June 15 after your sophomore year in high school.
Phone Calls to Coach – You may make calls to the coach at your expense beginning June 15 after your sophomore year in high school.
From Coach – No limit on number of calls by college coach beginning June 15 after your sophomore year in high school.
Off-Campus Contact – A college coach may have contact with you or your family off the college’s campus beginning June 15 after your sophomore year in high school. No limit on number of contacts off campus.
Unofficial Visit (Appendix A)–– You and your family may make an unlimited number of unofficial visits at any time, except during a dead period.
Official Visit (Appendix A)–– A college may pay for you to visit the college beginning June 15 after your sophomore year in high school. There is no limit to official visits to Division II colleges.

Division 3

Recruiting Materials – You may receive printed materials at any time.
Phone Calls to Coach – You may make calls to the coach at your expense at any time.
Phone calls from Coach – No limit on number of calls. Call can be made by the college coach anytime.
Off-Campus Contact – A college coach may have contact with you or your family off the college’s campus after your sophomore year in high school. No limit on number of contacts off campus
Unofficial Visit (Appendix A)–– You and your family may make an unlimited number of unofficial visits at any time.
Official Visit (Appendix A)–– A college may pay for you to visit the college beginning January 1 of your junior year in high school. There is no limit to official visits to Division III colleges. However, you may only be provided one visit per college.

NAIA

No recruiting calendar restrictions of any kind.
Ability to freely communicate with NAIA coaches directly.
Direct interaction with NAIA coaches.

BEST PRACTICES
When running a training session that focuses on shooting and finishing (often times two different things), I urge players to “aim small, miss small”, in other words, be specific. Why? Well, players have a tendency to believe the goal is their shooting target. They’re mistaken. The goal is a large object, so when you aim large you have a tendency to miss large. Players need to be very specific in which part of the goal they intend to place the ball. In doing so, they will increase the chances they will miss small. The same can be said about the “getting to know you” process in recruiting. Players should have a specific plan in place when it comes to contacts, calls and visits. Here are a few suggestions:

Upon entering high school, start formulating your plan once you’ve decided you want to play in college.
Create your “pool of schools” (referenced in a previous email).
Initiate contact with those schools indicating interest & include your resume, video, playing schedule, etc. Simply because they don’t respond right away doesn’t mean they’re not interested. On the other hand, simply because they send you an “ID Camp” invite, doesn’t mean they are!
Be consistent in your communication while including updates to your schedule.
Visit the school – either unofficially or officially.
When at all possible, speak with current or former players of the college soccer programs you are interested in (they will tell you the truth).
Narrow your pool of schools and let the programs you are no longer interested in that you’ve decided to “go a different direction”.

These suggestions are of course general in nature. Why not be more specific? You can only be so specific when there are so many different starting points in the process, such as when a player decides they want to play in college, the level they are capable of playing, academic and financial considerations, etc. Despite the general nature of the suggestions, each player’s plan can be specific within the parameters of the restrictions placed upon them by the NCAA.

EDITORIAL
The last sentence of the previous paragraph referenced the restrictions placed on them by the NCAA. I purposely did not mention the NAIA. Why? This information was taken from the NAIA’s national website: “The NAIA recruiting rules encourage coach-student and personal relationships”. That is why, when it comes to material, contacts and phone calls, there are no restrictions in the NAIA. Interestingly, I was at a club coach’s meeting recently and the topic of what college coaches look for in recruits came up. The importance of a player’s technical abilities, game awareness, endurance and top end speed were discussed. All of those things are great, but for me as a college coach who has been at the NAIA, D3 & D1 levels, the most important variable is what type of human being is the recruit. Who am I going to be dealing with for the next 4 years? Really, this is the most important consideration of all. As I’ve told recruits for a long time, if you come into my program as a decent human being, we can build on that and make you a better soccer player. Conversely, if you come in as a jerk, you’ll probably graduate as a jerk, and my capacity to influence you as a soccer player during your 4 years is going to be severely restricted. I cannot undo what has been done to you or what you have chosen to do for the first 18 years of your life. Seems harsh, but generally this is true (there are exceptions of course). The NCAA has made it difficult and created an artificial and misleading environment for both the college coach AND the recruit when it comes to the “getting to know you” process. This is why it is so important to have a specific plan so you can get to know the college program, both coaches and players, as well as you possibly can. Because while college coaches don’t want to recruit a jerk, you don’t want to play for one either. ��

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Columbus Force is currently in the process of putting together an educational recruiting forum for both female and male players. The goal is to have this take place during the late January, early February time frame. There will be a college coaches panel which will feature a question and answer session. We will be publishing details as to date, time and location as soon as it is all finalized. Once this is done, I hope you will put this on your calendar.

NCAA- College Bound Student Athlete Document: http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/CBSA.pdf

NCAA Eligibility Center - Want to Play College Sports ?

Winter Camps & Training

Don't miss out on our upcoming programs!

Force Friday's

DATES: JAN 10, 17, 24, 31, FEB 7, 14, 21, MAR 7, 14, 21

TIME: 5:00-9:00PM

AGES: U8-U14

COST: $250.00

Registration Open to All Players

Questions: Contact Mauricio Mendez for an invite

mmendez@tocafootball.com

Force Friday's - Expansion days

DATES:

Wednesdays: JAN 8, 15, 22, 29, FEB 5, 12, 19, MAR 5, 12, 19

Thursdays: JAN 9, 16, 23, 30, FEB 6, 13, 20, MAR 6, 13, 20

TIME:

Wednesday 6:00-9:00PM (U8-14)

Thursday 7:00-9:00PM (U13-U19)

AGES: U8-U19

COST: $250.00

Registration Open to All Players

Questions: Contact Mauricio Mendez for an invite

mmendez@tocafootball.com

Goalkeeper Training

DATES: FEB 9, 16, 23 MAR 2, 9, 16, 23

TIME: 10:00-11:00AM & 11:00-12:00PM

AGES: U7-U12 & U13-U19

COST: $175.00

QUESTIONS? Danica Hanschu

dhanschu@tocafootball.com

Technical and Sports Performance Holiday Camp

Camp is designed to enhance players' abilities to enhance their physical and technical pillars of the game, with emphasis on change of direction, with and without the soccer ball! Camp curriculum and topics designed by Columbus Force Technical Director, Braden Bell and Sports Performance Director, Mario Suarez!

DATES: DEC 30th & 31st

TIME: 9AM-11:30AM

Ages: U8-U14

COST: $125

QUESTIONS? Contact Braden Bell

bbell @tocafootball.com

Follow Columbus Force SC on Social Media!

Stay Conneced!

@ColumbusForceSC

The Force Effect - September 2024

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 21:06:32 GMT

SEPTEMBER 2024

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

Tryouts For 2024-25 Season
A Note From Our Girls & Boys Director s
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Winter Camps & Training
Follow Us On Social Media

Tryouts For The 2024-25 Season
Coming Late October / Early November

Keep you eye out for registration for our High School Age Tryouts to be held in late October and early November! We will post all information and registration on our tryouts page! www.columbusforcesoccer.com/tryouts

A Note From Our Girls & Boys Directors

By: Kirby Valle & Ben Neer

Kirby Valle

Club Director, Girls Director & U16-U19 Girls Director

Happy Fall Columbus Force Families!

As October is upon us and we are fast approaching the end of the Fall season, I wanted to take the time to touch on one of the controllable and impactful factors for our parents and spectators. The topic of sideline behavior is ever present in youth sports, regardless of the level of play or age. I feel it's important to use this moment in our club newsletter to empower our Columbus Force Parents and sideline spectators through our core values of CHIRP (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect & Passion).

The incredible parents we have in this organization are the difference makers when it comes to improving our club and overall player development capabilities with their willingness to buy into our club completely. It's important for all parents and spectators to learn about sideline behavior and our role in providing a game-day experience for players and referees that are conducive to learning and enjoyment within the game.

Believe me, I understand as a parent myself, there is a lot of emotion coming from the sidelines. We want our children to do well and succeed. Plus, it’s fun to watch them play. So, we become emotionally invested in the game we are watching. This is a form of passion as listed in our club core values. We want parents that love to watch their child play and be advocates for their child and the environment.

However, we need to pause for a moment and ask ourselves a few questions. Does our sideline behavior help our child and their teammates learn or does it harm their learning experience? Does sideline communication to the reffing crew align with our club value of respect? There can be confusion among parents & spectators when it comes to the difference between supportive, distracting, and hostile behavior.

Simply said, hostile behavior is yelling or showing aggressive behavior toward referees, players, coaches, and other spectators. We are clear on hostile behavior and agree it must end. We at Columbus Force have a zero tolerance policy for hostile sideline behavior, as it doesn't align with our club culture and action will be taken if these behaviors happen.

Supportive behavior is cheering after positive outcomes, NOT while children are in the middle of competing. Columbus Force encourages supportive behavior. But please understand that some children want to hear encouragement and praise from their parents, others do not. We ask you to have a conversation with your child and ask them what they want from you on the sideline in support of their soccer development and a safe learning space for them.

While hostile and supportive behaviors are easily recognizable, there is confusion around distracting behavior. Simply put, distracting behavior is talking to the players on the field when they are in the middle of competing. Examples of distracting behavior are “Go to the ball!” “Shoot!” “Get rid of it!” This type of communication henders players on the field from making clear decisions. It creates unnecessary pressure and can be very confusing to a player, just trying to make a decision and learn in the game. We love the passion our Columbus Force parents have for their players, the teams and the club, but distracting behavior from spectators limits learning opportunities.

Thank you for taking the time to read through the newsletter! We truly appreciate you investing in your child's soccer development on and off the field.

Ben Neer

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

Introducing our U13-U15 boy’s coaches:

Our 2012B ECNL-RL participated in the Nike Cup of Champions (St. Louis, MO) and OP Invitational (Columbus, OH) playing in the top division with a combined record of 5W-2L. Scoring 20 goals and only allowing 3 goals against. In their first league match against Blast FC, they came away with a 6-0 result.

Our 2011B ECNL-RL played in the Nike Cup of Champions (St. Louis, MO) and OP Invitational (Columbus, OH) in the top division with a combined record of 4W-2L-1D. In the OP Invitational they completed the weekend as FINALIST! Their first league match against Blast FC resulted in a 0-0 tie.

Coach John and his two teams played in the Dublin Charity Cup where the 2011B ended the weekend as FINALIST and the 2012B were crowned CHAMPIONS!

Our 2010B Fall Trap team will step into action for their first tournament at the Columbus Fall Classic. Coach Dennis has done a fantastic job merging players from three different teams and competing every time they step on the pitch.

Coach Jamie is working hard to build her two team’s chemistry while focusing on the team playing as a unit. Both teams are improving each week and look forward to finishing out the Fall season.

All the teams are off to a great start and each coach is displaying the dedication to their team that will lead to success. The coaches truly care about the players on and off the field. Our first official season at Columbus Force has been outstanding and we plan to stay the course to make our mark here in Columbus! #CHIRP

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates

By: CFSC Directors

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

Hello Columbus Force families!

I hope everyone is enjoying their respective HS season, and that they are staying healthy heading into the final third of regular season play.

I have been able to make several games in the area this Fall already, and will be back on the trail this week, but so far, the games have not disappointed. There have been some spicy matchups, but the thing that has been the most amazing to watch is all our amazing athletes competing for their respective schools.

A lot of players playing at the Varsity level against much bigger players has been another positive thing to see, and we hope players can bring that level of confidence and enthusiasm into the grueling Club season.

We have now begun the process of compiling every player’s student athlete profiles so that they are approved, and ready to share as we begin our College Showcase campaign. We are looking to highlight all of our players so that if they want to pursue playing the beautiful game at a collegiate level, we have something physical and digital to share with coaches at events, or in student to coach communications.

Good luck to everyone with the rest of the HS season, hopefully we’re still chatting at playoffs, and we cannot wait to see you all back here in just over a month!

Vamos Force!

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

What a fantastic start to our 2024 campaign! Our teams are hitting their stride, finding different forms of success on the pitch, and it’s hard to believe we’re already at the halfway point of the fall season. As we begin looking ahead to winter training, we’re excited about the progress we’ve seen so far.

It's been an action-packed season for all our teams, and the growth across each age group is evident. Our 2012 E64 RL traveled to St. Louis to compete in the Nike Champions Cup, while the 2011 E64 RL were Finalists at the OP Invitational. The 2011s have also kicked off their league play, showcasing their skills at Club Ohio. Meanwhile, our 2012 Academy program competed in both the Dublin Charity Cup and the OP Invitational. Our 2010 girls will soon begin their tournament play at the Columbus Fall Classic on September 21st.

As our teams continue to evolve, the focus remains on player development. We see the larger vision of where we want to go, but it’s vital that we provide the girls with the necessary tools to get there and help them trust the process. While it’s easy for us as coaches to visualize the final goal, getting a group of U13-U15 girls to see that same vision requires careful guidance and attention to detail. Our role is to provide the map, building from micro moments to the broader picture.

The focus on small-sided games like 2v1 situations helps the players understand how to navigate larger, more complex scenarios like 4v2 or 6v4. It’s essential that our girls grasp the "why" behind every drill, rather than just going through the motions. Details are everything, especially at this age, and we want to foster an environment of intentional learning and growth.

Coach Spotlight – Danica Hanschu
Danica Hanschu is the Head Coach for our 2011 Blue team and serves as our Director of Goalkeeping. With over 20 years of playing experience, Danica brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her team and goalkeepers. Her passion for the game is contagious, and she serves as an incredible leader and role model, both on and off the field. We are thrilled to have Danica as part of our coaching staff and look forward to all the great things she’ll continue to accomplish with her teams!

Keep up the great work, everyone, and let’s finish the season strong! #TrustTheProcess #PlayerDevelopment #ForceFamily

Coach Spotlight – Danica Hanschu
Danica Hanschu is the Head Coach for our 2011 Blue team and serves as our Director of Goalkeeping. With over 20 years of playing experience, Danica brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her team and goalkeepers. Her passion for the game is contagious, and she serves as an incredible leader and role model, both on and off the field. We are thrilled to have Danica as part of our coaching staff and look forward to all the great things she’ll continue to accomplish with her teams!

Keep up the great work, everyone, and let’s finish the season strong! #TrustTheProcess #PlayerDevelopment #ForceFamily

Evan Wherley

U10-U12 Boys Director

Boys U10-U12

As we rapidly enter into the autumn months and approach the end of the Fall season, we have seen some tremendous growth across the age group as a whole already. The early success can be attributed to everyone involved in the process of growing the player from coach, parents, directors, and even the players themselves! It is vital that parents continue to support and reinforce the behaviors and actions as outlined by their respective coach. Parents play a vital role at this age in continuing to encourage as well as support your young athlete as they face new challenges both in games and in training. Our coaches are working incredibly hard to learn our club's curriculum while also developing a better understanding of the players on their team in order to find the best way to support their development. Your support of your player outside of the limited time we have with them plays a huge role in their continued growth both on and off of the field.

The results of all of these different pieces coming together speak for themselves. Our Pre-ECNL teams have kicked-off their inaugural season in the league on fire, with each team winning their first set of games! On top of that, we have had four teams compete in and win recent tournaments: 2013B Pre-ECNL and 2015B Pre-ECNL Champions at LouCity in Kentucky, 2015B White Champions at the Grove City Fall Classic, as well as 2013B Blue Champions at the OP Invitational! Congratulations Coaches and teams!

As a staff, we are excited by the continued growth and development across the age group as we aim to continue to grow the overall player pool in preparation for each team's next step on their soccer journey.

Braden Bell

U10-U12 Girls Director

Girls U10-U12
2014G Pre - ECNL OP Invitational Finalists

Our 2014G Pre - ECNL team were Finalists at the Ohio Premier Invitational over the weekend of 9/14 - 9/15! This group of young ladies have worked extremely hard over the course of the early portion of their fall season! They are a brand new team with Columbus Force and are also undefeated in League Play in the 2014G Pre - ECNL South Blue Division!

The smiling faces and determination makes this group of girls one of the best groups a coach could ever wish to work with! As their coach, I am so happy to be able to have the privilege to work with them and continue their passion and love for the game of soccer!

Player Spotlight: Veronica (Ronie) Steele

2014G Pre - ECNL

Ronie is a new player in our club, this year and she got her first goal as a Force Player, this past weekend, in the Ohio Premier Invitational! Ronie plays primarily as a Winger/Forward and has been pushing herself hard to provide for her teammates, in front of goal. She has created several chances for her teammates, and she was able to get on the scoresheet herself, in the game against West Virginia Futbol Club!

Ryan VanDyke

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Director

Boys & Girls U8-U9
Our U8-U9 program continues to thrive, with recent tournament success and upcoming opportunities for development. We are proud to announce that our 2017B Premier team were Champions at the OP Invitational, while 2017B Blue also took home the championship at the Grove City Tournament. Congratulations to these young athletes on their outstanding performances!

Additionally, our 2017G Premier team finished as finalists in Grove City, and our 2016B Premier team made it to the finals at the Dublin Charity Cup, showcasing the incredible dedication and talent within our program.

Looking ahead, we are excited to offer the Winter Force Academy Supplemental Training for U8 and U9 boys and girls. This 6-week program will run on Saturdays in November and December, with sessions from 12:00-1:00 PM and 1:00-2:00 PM. It’s a great opportunity for our players to continue developing their skills in preparation for the spring season. To register, click here .

We look forward to seeing our players continue to grow both on and off the field!

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

We are thrilled to announce the start of another exciting season with the Columbus Force Juniors Soccer Program! This program is designed to serve children between the ages of 3 and 12, providing a great opportunity for young players to develop their soccer skills while having fun and staying active. This program is the pathway onto a Force team.

Program Details:

Age Groups: Minis (3/4), Juniors Academy (U5/6 and U7/8), Juniors Elite (Advanced U5-8 by invitation or tryout only), and Youth Academy (U9/10 and U11/12)
Focus: Skill development, teamwork, and love for the game
Training: Age-appropriate drills and fun exercises to help players build their confidence and improve their abilities
Coaching: Our experienced and enthusiastic coaches are committed to creating a positive environment where every child feels supported.

Why Choose Columbus Force Juniors?

Inclusive Environment: All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced players.
Player Development: We emphasize both individual growth and team-based learning. Training is differentiated to meet the needs of ALL our players. Movement within the program is fluid.
Community: Become part of a supportive and friendly soccer community.

Registration is now open, and spaces are filling up quickly! Don’t miss this chance to get your child involved in a dynamic, fun, and engaging soccer program.For more information and to register, visit our Juniors Academy webpage through the button below and if you have any questions, please contact me at jshelton@tocafootball.com.

We look forward to seeing your young athletes on the field!

Specialty Departments

Goalkeeping, Sports Performance & College Recruitment

Danica Hanschu

Goalkeeper Director

Boys & Girls Goalkeeping

Goalkeeper Supplemental Training

Looking for goalkeeper training through the winter? Columbus Force is hosting goalkeeper training for everyone. Goalkeepers will learn new techniques as well as enhance their goalkeeping ability.

Winter 1 Dates: Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1

Intermediate Ages U7-U12: 10am-11am

Advanced Ages U13-U19: 11am-12pm

Goalkeeper Spotlights:

2011G Blue goalkeeper Katherine Rhea guest played for the 2010G Trap team in the Columbus fall classic. She had two PK saves over the weekend!

2012B ECNL-RL goalkeeper Kingston Walker had two shutouts on Saturday in the Ohio Premier Invitational tournament!

2012B ECNL-RL goalkeeper Logan Bates had two shutouts on Saturday in the Ohio Premier Invitational tournament!

2013B Pre-ECNL goalkeeper Gage Roths had a clean sheet against Cincinnati Elite on Sept.22nd!

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

Importance of a Soccer Parent

The parent, player, and coach all have the same amount of responsibility but their roles are different - this is known as the athletic triangle. The parent-player role in the athletic triangle is as vital as the other relationships. Below are some key roles of a soccer parent!

Let the coach be the coach. Be respectful of their style. Don’t criticize. Build them up. Coaches are doing their best and need encouragement. If you do need to speak with the coach, be sure to set up a time away from the field.
Encourage your child to work on the things they can control: their effort and attitude.
Create a positive, supportive atmosphere that encourages your child to maximize their potential - both on & off the field.
Give players space - let them practice and make mistakes in a distraction and anxiety-free environment.
Do not coach from the sideline during games. This creates confusion for players and actually stifles their development and decision making.
Model sporting behavior - respect opposition and officials, congratulate good play by both teams. This sets and example for players and other parents.
Steer post-game conversations away from the scoreline . Examples: What went well? What didn’t? What did you learn? How are you going to respond?
Keep it fun - ensure your child is enjoying their soccer experience regardless of the level in which they are playing. You can still encourage them to be competitive without it being too intense and serious. Too many young players quit the game because of the pressure often put on them by parents. Youth soccer gets too serious too soon - keep things upbeat and lighthearted.
Think Big Picture - statistically very few soccer players receive college scholarships or get pro contracts. If they do, then great! Yes, let's encourage our players to strive to win and be competitive; however, more importantly let’s make the most of all the life lessons and teachable moments that soccer presents us with.

Natalie D'Arienzo

USL Youth Manager

USL YOUTH

We wrapped up our inaugural summer season of USL Youth in July. This program allowed players to train consistently in a team environment throughout the summer with league play against other top Midwest teams. Columbus Force entered three, club-neutral teams comprised of talent from across central Ohio: U11 Girls, U12 Boys and U14 Boys.

As we look to elevate the experience of our players and compete at higher levels, we plan to expand this program into additional age groups for summer of 2025. Select players will be invited to elite-level USL training sessions throughout the winter, and tryouts for summer teams will be held beginning in January.

Keep an eye out for more information on tryouts - coming soon!

Pat Ferguson

Director of College Recruitment

College Recruitment
Having recently joined the Columbus Force, one of my roles is serving as the Director of College Recruitment. I am looking forward to helping facilitate and support those student-athletes looking to move on to the next level after high school. I’ve been a head collegiate coach for over 28 years, having spent 21 of those years at the D1 level. I’ve also coached at the NAIA level, and now currently am coaching in Division 3 as the Head Coach for the women’s team at Ohio Wesleyan University, moving into my fourth season. I also have over 25 years of experience as a high school age club coach and Director of Player Development. Club players I’ve coached have moved on to compete at literally every collegiate level in the country.

In order to help facilitate the process, at the bottom of this newsletter, I’ve included a top down chart to which players and parents can follow in order to make sure they know to whom questions should be directed and support sought. Please know that all coaches and staff at Force are here to support, direct and educate in the recruiting process. This is simply a “first step” approach in the process.

The process starts, and ends, with the high school student-athlete. “Of all the soccer superstars I’ve known, their dreams of stardom were their own” - Anson Dorrance/Univ. of North Carolina. All entities involved will help guide, inform and support the recruiting process. However, the interest and desire to play collegiately must be initiated by the student-athlete. Not only does the process start with the student-athlete, but it concludes with the student-athlete, in choosing to commit to a collegiate program.

In the Force Recruiting Newsletter, we will focus primarily on two area: Education & Best Practices. I will also include an editorial. Education & Best Practices encompass a very large amount of information. It simply isn’t possible for a newsletter to be exhaustive in covering all aspects of the wide landscape of the college recruiting process. This is why it is important for players to utilize the Force network of coaches and Directors. They will also be able to serve as points of support. Also, please understand there is not simply one specific, definitive method to go about searching for the right collegiate fit. There are many ways to go about it. Therefore, the information that is provided is just one approach. Finally, the college landscape is constantly changing, including member schools (schools moving divisions for example), compliance, financial considerations, etc. We will try to keep up with all the changes. In future newsletters there will be a greater amount of Education & Best Practices information included. This first newsletter is simply the launching point for the future.

EDUCATION

There are many collegiate levels to which players can aspire and eventually compete. Let me be clear, there is a place for any player wanting to play collegiately! That is not to say that every player can play at the Division 1 level, or for their dream school. It simply means that if playing collegiate soccer is an important variable in the decision making process, there is a place for you. And having a fulfilling collegiate playing experience isn’t simply confined to Division 1. There are many levels. Not only are there many levels, there are unofficial levels within the levels In other words, playing for Florida State (D1) may be vastly different than playing for a bottom tier Division 1 program. It would be worth your while to investigate.

NCAA Div. 1
NCAA Div. 2
NCAA Div. 3
NAIA
NJCAA
NCCA

BEST PRACTICES

Junior Year

Register for NCAA Eligibility Center
Send letters and emails of interest to college programs
Create a “pool of schools”
Attend ID Camps of those schools in your “pool” – be selective
Attend “unofficial” visits to colleges and meet with coaches
Take SAT and/or ACT tests
Speak with your guidance counselor at your high school

Senior Year

Check Status with NCAA Eligibility Center
Complete FAFSA forms
Schedule official visits
Complete college applications
Initiate and/or continue to communicate with college coaches
Train and compete – don’t dial it in your senior year!

EDITORIAL

One of the first steps in the recruiting process is for players to create a “pool of schools”. I always advocate for players to cast a wide net, particularly if there are unsure of what exactly they are looking for. In order to create a pool of schools, start by asking yourself these 5 questions

How close or far away from home do I want to be? Do I want to be able to get home within 3 or 4 hours, or am I okay having to take a flight?
How many students do I want to be in a classroom with Would I like a smaller classroom of 30 students or am I okay with 300?
What role do I want to fulfill on the soccer team during my four years? Would I like to have a realistic chance of playing within the first two years, or am I okay just wearing the jersey and sitting the bench for 4 years?
What type of social atmosphere am I looking for? There are faith based, liberal, conservative and everything in between from which to choose.
Does the university/college have my intended academic major? Or, do they have a wide enough academic offering that it I change majors I won’t have to change schools?

If you can answer those 5 questions, you are well on your way to forming a manageable pool of schools to pursue.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NCAA: NCAA.ORG

NCAA Eligibility Center: Web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics: https://www.naia.org/landing/index

Winter Camps & Training

Don't miss out on our upcoming programs!

Winter Force Academy U8-U9

Our U8-U9 Winter Force Academy helps players improve their ball control, passing, and dribbling while learning key game concepts like positioning and teamwork. This program builds confident, well-rounded players who understand how to play and make smart decisions on the field.

DATES: NOV 9, 16, 23; DEC 7, 14, 21,

TIME: 1:00-2:00PM & 2:00-3:00PM

AGES: U8-U9 Boys & Girls

COST: $120.00

QUESTIONS? Ryan VanDyke

rvandyke@tocafootball.com

Force Friday's

Our elite training program focuses on developing technical skills like passing, dribbling, receiving, and shooting. Tailored for families seeking advanced opportunities, both athletic and personal growth for their players.

DATES: NOV 8, 15, 22; DEC 6, 13, 20

TIME: 5:00-9:00PM

AGES: U8-U14

COST: $150.00

Non-Force Players?

Please Contact Maurcio Mendez for an invite

mmendez@tocafootball.com

Goalkeeper Training

Columbus Force is offering winter goalkeeper training for all levels. We have sessions for U8-U12 goalkeepers, whether they're new to the position or have 2-3 years of experience, as well as advanced training for those with 4+ years of experience, ages U12 and up. Goalkeepers will learn new techniques and sharpen their skills.

DATES: NOV 3, 10, 17, 24; DEC 1

TIME: 10:00-11:00AM & 11:00-12:00PM

AGES: U7-U12 & U13-U19

COST: $125.00

QUESTIONS? Danica Hanschu

dhanschu@tocafootball.com

PLAYER PERFORMANCE & SKILLS CLINIC

Players will focus on two key areas of development:

1. Athletic Physical Development : Enhancing strength, speed, acceleration, and multidirectional movement to improve overall athletic performance.

2. Skill Development with the Ball : Improving technical ability through focused work on passing, dribbling, shooting, and other essential ball-handling skills.

DATES: NOV 9, 16, 23; DEC 7, 14

TIME: 9-10:30AM (U9-U10) & 10:30-12:00PM (U11-U14)

COST: $180

QUESTIONS? Contact Mario Suarez

msuarez@tocafootball.com

Follow Columbus Force SC on Social Media!

Stay Conneced!

@ColumbusForceSC

The Force Effect -June 2024

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:40:32 GMT

JUNE 2024

CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.

A Note From Our National Directo r of Clubs
A Note From Our Girls & Boys Director s
U8-U19 Boys & Girls Directors
Juniors Programming For Ages 3-12
Specialty Program Directors
Summer Camps
Follow Us On Social Media

A Note From Our National Director of Clubs
By: Bob Sefcik

Hello Columbus Force Soccer Families!

Welcome to Force! We are humbled by your trust in us as a partner in your athlete's soccer journey. In 2017, the badge was born from a merger of like-minded Clubs in Cleveland who aspired to 'do better' by the staff and athletes who proudly represent it. Force Soccer is built on the foundation of both player and coach pathways, with a focus on elevating each experience within our ecosystem. Led by our Director Kirby Valle, Columbus Force is composed of top notch coaches, and even better people, who embody the Force core values of CHIRP - Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect and Passion. Kirby and her team are the fabric of who we are as a soccer Club - one of which aims to teach, develop and nurture growth of each individual within this great game.

In just a couple of short weeks, the Columbus Force badge will be worn for the first time in competition within our new summer platform USL Youth. It is without question a significant milestone for all of us, and we cannot wait to see the teams in action!

Thank you for your belief and support of our Club. We look forward to embarking on this journey together!

WELCOME TO THE FORCE FAMILY!

All the best,

Bob Sefcik

National Director of Clubs

A Note From Our Girls & Boys Directors

By: Kirby Valle & Ben Neer

Kirby Valle

Club Director, Girls Director & U16-U19 Girls Director

I’m so excited for us to step into our Force Era!

And am thrilled to begin this next chapter in our club’s journey with you all! I want to start by thanking my tremendous staff for their hard work and dedication to this organization and the collective vision we have, in providing better to the Columbus soccer community. Because of the culture and standards, we are building at Force with our core values of CHIRP (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect & Passion), we have seen over a 25% growth for the 2024/25 season. We have also extended our player platforms by adding Pre-ECNL, E64, USL Youth and OVPL League opportunities, new this year. These pathways will positively impact players in all age ranges and skill levels within our organization. We have also grown and strengthened our coaching staff by adding sought after professionals, with decorated playing and coaching experience including former semi-pro and pro players and college level coaches.

As an organization, Columbus Force’s future is bright. We see the opportunities in front of us as exciting and limitless. My staff and I will continue to strive for a better experience for all players, regardless of age, gender or ability level. Our goal is for Columbus Force to be a destination, a home to learn and grow as soccer players and human beings through the beautiful game.

Please enjoy your family and friends this summer but remember that individual player development happens in the off season! Find a way to get touches on the ball and play or watch the game whenever you can! With the MLS, NWSL, Euros, Copa America and Olympics all televised this summer there is more soccer available to watch than ever! Become a student of the game and improve your overall soccer knowledge, whenever possible!

Thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter! As a parent myself, I know we all receive a lot of emails from school and sports teams this time of year. But your loyalty and trust in us at Columbus Force is not lost on me. I am truly thankful to each and every one of you and I cannot wait to see all the amazing things we build together!

With my deepest sincerity, GO FORCE!

Ben Neer

Boys Director, ECNL-RL Director & U13-U15 Boys Director

I'm very excited to be a part of the Columbus Force Soccer Club. We have assembled a strong collective group of directors, coaches and staff. As the Boys Director I will be focusing on the entire boy’s side, ECNL-RL and the U13-U15 boy’s teams. I need to give a huge shout out to all our staff for making the Columbus Force name come to reality. We truly have an opportunity to do something special here in Columbus and it is all because of our staff.

I know soccer is a lot more than just playing the game but personally I cannot wait to get back on pitch. Hearing the first whistle of the fall season reminds me every time why I do what I do. With the momentum Columbus Force has right now and the status Cleveland Force already has established, we have a chance to really make a mark in the city of Columbus. Our integrity and passion will continue to shine and provide a product for all ages. Go Force!

U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Directors

Meet Our Leadership Team!

Mauricio Mendez

U16-U19 Boys Director

Boys U16-U19

Hello Columbus Force Community,

My name is Mauricio Méndez, and I will be the Regional U16-U19 Boys Director moving forward. I’ll be starting my 18 ^th year in coaching this fall, and have spent the last 9 here in Columbus. I am very excited to take this program forward, and to help raise the level of all of our teams.

This summer, we will be having our initial introduction meetings with each head coach and their squad. Following this meeting and their high school tryouts, we will begin collecting some information (grad year, GPA, ACT/SAT scores, etc.) along with a couple of pictures to start building everyone’s college recruitment profile so that we can have that built, and ready to share prior to each team’s 1 ^st showcase.

We will also be collecting high school schedules so that Columbus Force staff may support our high school aged players during their seasons, in preparation for the Club high school season.

I hope everyone has a terrific start to their summer, and I will be following up with more information soon!

Thank you,

Coach Mauricio

Travis Morrow

U13-U15 Girls Director

Girls U13-U15

This is a unique age group. Our U13's are beginning their first full season in the 11v11 space, while some of our U15 girls are beginning their high school careers. A lot of changes both physically and mentally within this space. The group as a whole is focused on competing with a purpose, however we are still focused on player development, and when we focus on player development vs results, the results will fall into place as we continue to do the right thing by our players.

2010 E64-RL
This year was outstanding for the 2010 E64R team under the leadership of Kirby Valle. The team found success throughout the season, growing stronger as it progressed. Tryouts allowed us to add several key players and retain the core members who have fostered such a successful environment. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming season.

2010 NPL
This age group continues to strengthen. We added some key players, allowing us to compete in the NPL. Dennis Buckler will lead the team in his first season with this age group, and we expect great things from him and his squad.

2011 E64-RL
As the coach of this group, I am deeply invested in its success. Last season, we had a light roster, but we've now maximized it at 18 while retaining all original team members. The tryout was fantastic, bringing in exceptionally talented players to an already strong team. This group plays an excellent brand of soccer, and the new additions should elevate us further.

2011 Blue
Similar to the 2011 E64R group, this team is close to maxing out its roster with some incredible new players. Under Danica Hanschu's guidance, the team continues to thrive. With these additions, this team will be a formidable “Force” next season. We are excited for their potential.

2012 E64-RL
This is a relatively new group, but they are already showing promise. Kirby Valle will lead this team, and they have already achieved notable successes. With some key roster additions, this group is poised to be a strong contender on the girls' side, and we expect great things under Kirby's leadership.

2012 Blue
Erin Hawkins and Ric Glass lead our 2012 Blue 1 and Blue 2 teams. Both teams had a tremendous tryout, retaining and adding excellent players. The 2012 girls' age group is in a great position and is set to be a driving force on the girls' side.

Evan Wherley

U10-U12 Boys Director

Boys U10-U12
My name is Evan Wherley and I will be the U10-U12 Boys Director for the 2024-25 season. I have been coaching in the Columbus area for the past few years and I have been blown away by the support that Force has already shown. Having previously been with our older age groups, I am excited about this opportunity to work with the younger ages this year as we look to build off of the success the teams had this past year. Our aim is to help players continue to improve their technical, tactical, and game understanding abilities in order to continue to compete at a high level as they progress through the club. Cannot wait to get out and meet all of the teams!

Braden Bell

U10-U12 Girls Director

Girls U10-U12
Braden Bell here, U10 - U12 Girls and Technical Director for Columbus Force. What I am most excited about for Columbus Force is beginning a new and exciting chapter of player development within the area of Columbus, OH!

Columbus Force Fall Prep Camp :

A camp hosted by Columbus Force (open to players outside of the club too) at TOCA - Columbus, this camp will focus on enhancing players' ability to better manipulate the soccer ball. The better a player can be on the ball, the easier this game becomes! To participate, players must be registered, and be born or playing on a club team, in the following years: 2017 - 2013.

Monday - Thursday
7/8 - 7/11
9AM - 12PM
TOCA - Columbus: 409 Orange Point Dr. Lewis Center, OH 43035
Zones B, C and D
$225 per player (cost is total)

Camp Topics Included (but not limited to):

First Touch and Passing Ability
Taking Space on the Dribble (getting past pressure)
Shielding Pressure on the Dribble (protecting the ball away from pressure)
Finishing off the Dribble
Finishing off the Pass

Come and enhance your ability on the soccer ball!

Check out scenes from our 1v1 & Finishing Camp!

Ryan VanDyke

U8-U9 Boys & Girls Director

Boys & Girls U8-U9
I am thrilled to assume the position of U8-U9 Boys and Girls Director, a role I previously held years ago. I eagerly anticipate overseeing the development of each team, player and coach as well as forging lasting relationships with all families.

Juniors Programs!

By: Jessica Shelton

The Juniors Program which includes our Mini Academy, Juniors Academy, Juniors Elite and Youth Academy is excited to welcome you to Columbus Force. As your child/children embark on their soccer journey, I want to share some thoughts and insights that will help support them as they develop their skills and grow within the sport.

1. Building the Foundation - Our Juniors Program is designed to introduce young players to the fundamentals of soccer. Through fun and engaging training sessions, we focus on developing their basic skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, defending, and teamwork. This foundation is crucial as they progress to more advanced levels.

2. Trusting the Process - Your child/children’s development in soccer is a continuous journey throughout their life. Our program is structured to gradually enhance your child’s skills and understanding of the game. We encourage patience and persistence, as consistent practice and dedication will yield improvement over time. Trust in the training programs, the coaching staff, and the process itself. Your child may not see immediate results, but with consistent effort and dedication, they will improve. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and remind them that growth takes time.

3. Focusing on Holistic Development - Our goal is to nurture well-rounded players. Beyond technical skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, defending) and overall understanding of the game, we emphasize sportsmanship, discipline, and a positive attitude. By focusing on holistic development, we aim to instill values that will benefit your child both on and off the field. We want them to enjoy learning and improving. Their long-term success will be built on the foundations they learn now.

4. Ensuring Enjoyment - Above all, we want your child to enjoy playing soccer, as it should be a source of joy. Our program is designed to be fun and engaging, fostering a love for the game. When children enjoy what they do, they are more likely to stay committed and motivated. Encourage them to play with passion and enthusiasm. Celebrate their love for the game and ensure that their experiences remain positive and fun.

Our goal is to be their biggest cheerleaders, provide positive reinforcement, and create an environment where they feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. Our belief in them will bolster their confidence and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Thank you for being a part of our Juniors Program. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s soccer development. As parents, your support is crucial and invaluable. Together, we can guide your child on a path to success in soccer and can help them achieve great things on and off the field.

Specialty Departments

Goalkeeping, Sports Performance & College Recruitment

Danica Hanschu

Goalkeeper Director

Boys & Girls Goalkeeping

Our Summer Goalkeeper camp last week was a huge success! We are looking forward to seeing all the sign ups for Goalkeeper Wars on July 14th at TOCA - Columbus!

Don’t know what Goalkeeper wars are? It is a tournament-style event that focuses on the goalkeeper's ability to serve the ball in various ways and make saves. In this tournament it is keeper vs keeper in 3-5 minute rounds. Each keeper will take shots on the other keepers in order to score points. Register as an individual, or in teams of two. Below is the link for signup.

Excited to work with our goalkeepers in the fall!

Mario Suarez

Director of Sports Performance

Sports Performance

My name is Mario Suarez, and I am the Director of Sports Performance for Columbus Force Soccer Club. I have been training athletes of all ages and genders, from 7-18 and college for over 5 years now. I helped these athletes enhance their movement patterns and movement efficiency development for maximal strength, speed, endurance, power, and mobility/flexibility adaptations to develop as a complete athlete, and peak throughout their athletic career to play at the highest level desired. I am thrilled to continue the development of the sports performance training program at Columbus Force, and I am very excited to use my experience and knowledge to help each team and player become better!

Do not forget to sign up for the free Force Fitness & Speed Camp (ages 7-14) at the end of July before our team camp and Fall season start!

Pat Ferguson

Director of College Recruitment

College Recruitment

Having recently joined the Force, I am looking forward to helping facilitate the recruiting process for those players looking to move on to the next level after high school. I’ve been a head collegiate coach for over 27 years. I spent 21 of those years at the D1 level, and also have experience at the NAIA level. I am currently the Head Coach for the women’s team at Ohio Wesleyan University, moving into my fourth season in the fall. I also have over 25 years of experience as a high school age club coach. Club players I have coached have moved on to compete at every collegiate level in the country.

When talking about recruiting, two of the most important variables in the journey for high school players is that, first and foremost, they take ownership of the process. Secondly, don’t get caught up in the “name game”, instead, look for the right fit! How do you find the right fit? Start by asking yourself these 5 questions

1. How close or far away from home do I want to be?

2. How many students do I want to be in a classroom with?

3. What role do I want to fulfill on the soccer team during my four years?

4. What type of social atmosphere am I looking for?

5. Does the university/college have my intended academic major? Or, do they have a wide enough academic offering that it I change majors I won’t have to change schools?

If you can answer those 5 questions, you are well on your way to forming a manageable pool of schools to pursue. I’m happy to help with the process. As we move along in the year, I will be a resource for players and parents through meetings with teams, individual meetings, education and more. Feel free to email me with questions at your convenience: < pferguson@bac.playmetrics.com >

Summer Camps

Don't miss out on our remaining camps!

Follow Columbus Force SC on Social Media!

Stay Conneced!

@ColumbusForceSC

The FORCE Has Arrived In Central Ohio!

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:49:52 GMT

Hello Columbus Friends & Partners!

We are excited to announce a new milestone for our Club that will build upon our foundation of respected leadership, game-defining methodologies, and committed, passionate players. Our journey has cultivated a collective player-centric mentality that always puts our dedicated athletes first. With great pleasure, we announce that our Club, formerly known as Barca Academy Columbus, will continue to serve our athletes as Columbus Force Soccer Club beginning in the Fall of 2024!

Our existing team of dedicated Directors remains intact and unchanged. TOCA Columbus, Liberty Park, and our various other locations will continue to be ‘Home’ for years to come. By joining FORCES with Cleveland Force and their network clubs, we will provide our players, staff, and community with additional resources and opportunities previously unavailable, including:

An illustrated and written curriculum with a common language for all staff to use
Coach development to enhance leadership skills, coaching, and player development
A “capstone” program in USL 2, USL W, and USL Academy for the highest aspiring players
Added individual player developmental opportunities through youth team guest playing, international tours, and professional club camps
Additional operational and technical staff to maximize player and family experience

The focus on clear pathways for player development and club growth through our connection with the Cleveland Force Club teams and USL pre-pro pathways represents our leadership's passion and dedication to advancing soccer in Ohio. With a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, we are confident this collaboration will help shape the future of soccer in our city for years to come.

Columbus Force will offer tailored training programs encompassing soccer skills, strength and conditioning, and a holistic experience guided by a gender-specific staff. The male and female athlete empowerment ethos underscores every aspect of our operations, and Cleveland Force will support us in expanding those visions for both genders. And, of course, the Club will remain a proud member of the Columbus Crew Network.

Columbus Force will live and breathe our mission and mantra C.H.I.R.P. (Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, Passion) at all levels. We cannot wait to get started this Fall!

Go FORCE!

Professional Club Structure & Proven Coaching Staff

Columbus Force SC employs an accredited and experienced coaching staff that hold US Soccer Federation National A, B, and C licenses. We staff full-time directors at the club to provide Columbus Force SC families with exceptional soccer development.

OVPL Tryouts - U23 Mens Summer League

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:54:51 GMT

Columbus Force SC - OVPL ID CLINICS

About OVPL

The team will be composed of collegiate club players and incoming / current collegiate players looking to continue to develop and push their abilities in a high level training and match environment May - July. We are looking forward to providing this next level of play in the Ohio Valley Premier League against other teams in the region.

Who is it for?

Current collegiate, incoming collegiate, or high level club players looking for a serious training and match environment during the summer months of May through July.

2024 OVPL ID Clinics

Questions?

Please reach out Mauricio Mendez

mendez11sj@gmail.com

Force Soccer Club Launches In Columbus, OH

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:22:27 GMT

Force Soccer Club Launches In Columbus, OH

Highly respected youth soccer club joins the state’s largest and most prestigious organization

COLUMBUS, Ohio – March 18, 2024 – Columbus Force Soccer Club is coming to Central Ohio in the fall of 2024. The premiere youth soccer club, formerly Barca Academy Columbus, will build on its strong foundation of respected leadership, innovative coaching, and a deep commitment to its players.

Based in Cleveland, the Force Soccer Club network is the state’s premier youth training pathway for soccer players from age three to pre-professional. The organization has an active presence in Cleveland, Akron, Canton and soon Columbus, where it plans to expand.

"Transitioning to Force Soccer affords us a unique opportunity for players to elevate their game,” said Kirby Valle, club director of Barca Academy Columbus. “By combining our established coaching methods with the resources and pathways provided by Cleveland Force, we will be better equipped to help players reach their full potential."

The Barca Academy and its development methods emerged from its partnership with the professional soccer club, FC Barcelona, which included a player-centric philosophy, a distinct playing style, and access to FC Barcelona’s coaching and training expertise. The partnership provided a valuable model for growth, emphasizing community and staff continuity.

As part of the transition to the Force Soccer network, the club will unlock new resources and opportunities for players, staff, and families. These include:

An illustrated and written curriculum with a common language for all staff to use
Coach development to enhance leadership skills, coaching, and player development
A capstone program in USL 2, USL W, and USL Academy for the top percentage of the club
Additional operational and technical staff to maximize player and family experience

Columbus Force Soccer Club prioritizes pathways for player development and club growth. Players will be offered tailored training programs in soccer skills, strength and conditioning, and a holistic experience guided by a gender-specific staff. The club will remain a member of the Columbus Crew Network.

About Cleveland Force Soccer Club

Cleveland Force Soccer Club offers Northeast Ohio’s most competitive soccer player pathways, from age three to NCAA and pre-professional status. All programs are led by the region's largest and most professional coaching staff. Cleveland Force uses a unique academic approach through a guided curriculum that trains and develops youth at the highest local, regional, and national levels. To learn more, visit https://www.clevelandforcesc.com .

About Barca Academy Columbus

With more than 700 players, the Barça Academy Columbus is the only official Barça Academy in the Columbus area for boys and girls ages five to 18. The Academy aims to develop players not only as athletes but as successful individuals with strong values learned through soccer.

barca-academy-columbus

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