October 2026
CONTENTS Click a on topic to jump to that section.
USL Youth
Thank You for a Great Summer 2026 Season!
USL Youth
We are excited to have our U12 Girls team currently preparing for USL-Youth Nationals in December in Tampa, Florida! The team qualified first in their division over the summer finishing with 7 wins and 1 tie to earn automatic qualification. As staff, we could not be prouder of this groups grit and determination to earn qualification to Nationals. We know they will be working hard in the coming weeks as they prepare for the event!
While they prepare for nationals, staff is busy preparing for our first round of tryouts for USL-Youth Summer 2027!
Interested players will be asked to attend at least 1 session for an evaluation by our USL-Youth staff over the winter break. USL-Youth provides players the opportunity to train consistently in a pre-professional environment over the course of the summer with USSF licensed coaches. Our program runs from early June through late July with a break over the week of the Fourth of July. Teams follow a periodized curriculum that prepares them to compete not just at a regional level, but a national level with the aim of having more teams qualify for USL-Youth Nationals! Learn more about USL-Youth here!
More details on the time and location of tryouts will be coming soon!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at ewherley@tocafootball.com!
14/15 Girls USL Y
14/15 Boys USL Y
13/14 Boys USL Y
12/13 Girls USL Y
12/13 Boys USL Y
A Note From Our Club Director & Director of Coaching
By: Kirby Valle
Kirby Valle
Club Director
Director of Coaching
Club Director & Director of Coaching
Bringing a College Soccer Showcase to Columbus - The Capital City Showcase!
Columbus Force is proud to announce the Capital City Showcase—the first and only college soccer showcase hosted right here in Columbus, OH!
Columbus has a rich and proud soccer history. Our community has passionate players, dedicated coaches, competitive clubs, outstanding facilities, and a growing number of players pursuing collegiate opportunities.
Yet, for years, players and families in Central Ohio have often left our market to find high-level college showcases that provide meaningful exposure, competition, and preparation.
We believe it is time to change that.
The Capital City Showcase is about more than simply bringing college coaches to Columbus. It is about bringing opportunity home to Columbus.
We believe players should not always have to travel to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, or other markets—sometimes driving hours, booking hotel rooms, spending hundreds of dollars on gas, paying for meals, or even purchasing airfare—simply to access the showcase environment they need to pursue the next level.
For families already making significant investments in their children's development, we believe there is tremendous value in creating more of these opportunities right here in Columbus.
An Opportunity for the Entire Columbus Soccer Community
The Capital City Showcase is intentionally bigger than one club.
At Columbus Force, we believe our responsibility extends beyond the players wearing our badge. We have an opportunity to help grow the game, create opportunities, and strengthen the soccer community around us.
That belief is rooted in our Force Values — Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion.
And perhaps nowhere is our value of Passion more evident than in the purpose behind this event.
Our Passion is not simply a passion for winning games or building a successful club.
It is a Passion for a higher purpose.
A passion for creating opportunities.
A passion for making the game more accessible.
A passion for helping players chase their goals.
A passion for putting Columbus Club soccer on a bigger stage.
And a passion for leaving our community better than we found it.
The Capital City Showcase is one way we can put those values into action.
Bringing Opportunity Home
By creating a meaningful college showcase in Columbus, we can help reduce some of the barriers families face when pursuing college soccer opportunities.
Instead of automatically traveling hours away, families can access a quality showcase experience in their own community.
That means:
Less travel.
Less time away from home.
Less money spent on hotels.
Less money spent on gas or airfare.
More opportunity.
Travel should be an option — not the only way to access opportunity.
Putting Columbus Soccer on the Map
The impact also extends beyond the players.
When we bring teams, families, coaches, and college programs from outside Ohio into Columbus, we bring new energy and economic activity into our community.
Families stay in local hotels.
They eat at local restaurants.
They shop at local businesses.
They visit our community.
And they experience what Columbus has to offer.
At the same time, we have an opportunity to showcase Columbus as a legitimate soccer destination.
Our city has tremendous soccer infrastructure, passionate soccer families, talented players, committed coaches, and a community that continues to grow.
The Capital City Showcase allows us to say:
College Showcases belong in Columbus.
And we believe Columbus deserves to be seen.
A Format Designed With Players & Coaches in Mind
What also makes the Capital City Showcase different is the format.
Teams will play four 50-minute matches, creating a competitive environment that provides college coaches with meaningful opportunities to evaluate players while also allowing club coaches to manage their rosters, develop their teams, and prepare for the upcoming club season.
The timing of the event is intentional.
The transition from high school soccer into the club season can be challenging. Players move from one environment into another, adapting to new teammates, new coaches, new systems, and a different competitive rhythm.
Club coaches simultaneously try to evaluate their teams, establish their identity, prepare for league play, and create meaningful competition.
The Capital City Showcase gives everyone an opportunity to do that together.
Players get to compete.
Coaches get to prepare.
College coaches get to evaluate.
Families get to experience the recruiting environment.
And Columbus gets to host it.
Our Commitment to a Higher Purpose
At Columbus Force, we talk often about CHIRP — Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion.
The Capital City Showcase is an opportunity to live those values beyond our own club.
Commitment means continuing to invest in the players and soccer community around us.
Humility means recognizing that no one club can grow the game alone. This event becomes more valuable when clubs from across Columbus and beyond participate and contribute.
Integrity means creating an event that genuinely serves players, coaches, families, and college programs rather than simply creating another tournament.
Respect means understanding the investment families make in their players and working to create opportunities that provide meaningful value.
And Passion means believing in something bigger than ourselves.
Our Passion is for the game.
Our Passion is for our players.
Our Passion is for Columbus.
And our Passion is for creating a soccer community where opportunity is closer to home.
The Next Step
The Capital City Showcase is not the final answer to every challenge facing players pursuing college soccer.
It is a beginning.
It is another step toward breaking down the barriers that have historically required Columbus families to travel outside their own community to find opportunity.
We want to help change that.
We want Columbus to become a place where players from Central Ohio — and eventually players from across the region — can come together, compete at a high level, be evaluated by college coaches, and experience the college recruiting process without always having to leave home to find it.
Columbus has the players.
Columbus has the coaches.
Columbus has the facilities.
Columbus has the passion.
Now, we believe Columbus deserves the opportunity.
At Columbus Force, we will continue to use our platform to create opportunities, break down barriers, and invest in a higher purpose.
Because ultimately, this isn't just about hosting a showcase.
It's about bringing opportunity home.
U8 - U19 Boys & Girls Updates
By: CFSC Directors
Kelly Bryan
U15-U19 Girls Director
Girls U15-U19
Current Status
We are getting closer to the start of the 2026-27 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:
Meet Our Coaching Staff
Dani Gunderson
11/12G ECNL-RL
Coaching Experience
- Susquehanna University
- Frostburg State University
- Denison University
- Muskingum University
Playing Experince
- Radford University
- Christopher Newport University
- Hampton Roads Piranhas
- Virginia Beach City
- Columbus Eagles
Nehemiah Tanga
10/11G ECNL-RL
Coaching Experience
- TOCA
- Columbus Crew SC
- Franklin County Special Olympics
Playing Experince
- Reynoldsburg High School
- Capital University
- FutOHIO
- Fort Wayne FC
Drew Hoffmannbeck
10/11G Blue
Coaching Experience
- Classics Eagles
Playing Experince
- Played High School Soccer
Kelly Bryan
09/10G ECNL-RL
Coaching Experience
- Kenyon College
- North Carolina Wesleyan University
- University of South Alabama
Playing Experince
- North Carolina Wesleyan University
Ric Glass
09/10G Blue
Coaching Experience
- Columbus Force SC
- Big Walnut Soccer Association
Playing Experince
- Played at University of Rio Grande
Eric Hoy
08/09G ECNL-RL & 11/12G Blue
Coaching Experience
- Columbus East FC
- Bexely High School
Playing Experince
- Played at Westerville South HS
- Inducted in the Hall of Fame
LOOKING AHEAD!
All of our teams in the Girls High School space will attend 4 showcases mixed between Nov/Dec of 2026 and the spring of 2027. Regional play for the Blue teams will find them competing in Ohio and Kentucky. The ECNL RL teams will have regional play as well along with stops in Virginia, North Carolina (U15 RL), Florida (U17 & U18 RL), and Texas (U16 RL). It will be a busy and exciting season for our teams and we look forward to the challenge!
The practice schedules for November-December 2026 & January 2027 have been uploaded into PlayMetrics. We will utilize a combination of indoor spaces (TOCA and Soccer ONE) along with several different outdoor synthetic turf fields (Kilbourne Run Sports Park, 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 U15-U19 players have been 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!
Please RSVP on PM for the U15-U19 Girls ECNL-RL & Blue Teams Media Day!
Sunday, January 31 – Girls ECNL-RL & Blue Teams - Media Day Schedule (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)-
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | U15 – 11/12G OCL
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | U15 – 11/12G NPL
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | U15 – 11/12G ECNL RL
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | U16 – 10/11G NPL
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | U16 – 10/11G ECNL RL
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | U17 – 09/10G NPL
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | U17 – 09/10G ECNL RL
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | U18/U19 – 08/09G ECNL RL
Location: TOCA Columbus
Lastly, please RSVP for all practices games, showcases, and the Virtual Event - Sports Nutrition Specialist - Gabriell (Gabby) Mushisky on Sunday, December 20th from 7:00-8:00pm.
Let’s go Force!!
Kelly Bryan
#CHIRP
Alejandro Valdivieso
U15-U19 Boys Director
Boys U15-U19
Welcome Back, Force Families!
I’m excited to officially welcome everyone back this November as we kick off another exciting season with Columbus Force SC!
First and foremost, I want to wish all of our players, coaches, families, and high school programs the very best of luck as we enter the OHSAA Playoffs. We know how much time, effort, and commitment our players have put into their high school seasons, and our coaching staff and I will be doing our best to attend as many games as possible to support our Force players along the way.
We’re excited to have everyone back with us following their high school playoff runs, and we’re hoping for a long and successful postseason for all of our players and their teams!
Kicking Off the Season
Once high school soccer wraps up, we’ll waste no time getting started.
Our U15–U19 boys program will officially kick off the season with the Capital City College Showcase, right here in Columbus, November 13–15.
This is an exciting event for our club and our players, especially for our older age groups. We’re looking forward to putting our teams in a competitive environment and giving our players the opportunity to perform in front of college coaches.
Learn more about the Capital City College Showcase:
www.columbusforcesc.com/capital-city-college-showcase
A Busy Start to the Season
The first two months of the season are going to be busy!
In addition to our league schedule, our teams will be competing in events across Virginia & North Carolina. These events will provide our players with opportunities to compete against new opponents, challenge themselves in different environments, and continue their development throughout the season.
We’re excited about the competition ahead and, more importantly, the opportunity to continue building our teams both on and off the field.
Meet Our Coaching Staff
John Lawrence
11/12B ECNL-RL
Coaching Experience
- Club Ohio,
- CUP
- Empire (NYW),
- Team Challenger (OHN),
- OHS ODP,
- US Academy Coach with Empire.
Playing Experince
- Played at Westerville South HS
- Inducted in the Hall of Fame
Killian Riley
11/12B Blue
Coaching Experience
- Yale University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of New Haven
- Thiel College
- Amherst College
- Ottawa University
- Connecticut Rush
- Zanesville Arsenal
- South Central Premier
Playing Experince
- Played at Heidelberg University
Nolan Brooks
11/12B Blue I
Coaching Experience
- Columbus Force SC
- Goalkeeper Program Manager
Playing Experince
- Played at Olentangy Orange HS
Hernan Ayala
10/11B ECNL-RL
Coaching Experience
- Club Ohio National
- Academia Euroamericana de Futbol
- Stallions FC
- Marysville High School
- Dublin Scioto High School
- Barca Academy
- Ohio Premier
- Barcelona United
Playing Experince
- USM University
- Deportivo Gulima FC
- Deportivo Agustinos FC
- Venezuela Youth National Team
Caleb Walters
10/11B Blue
Coaching Experience
- Temple Christian School
- Calvary Baptist Christian School
- Mountain Home High School
- Mountain Home Raptors Futsal
- TOCA
Playing Experince
- Played at Westerville South HS
- Inducted in the Hall of Fame
- Ad3i All-Independent
- Madison 56ers
- Hrvatski Orlovi Milwaukee
- Inter Columbus
- Columbus Astray
Jon Hsu
08/09B Blue & 09/10B Blue
Coaching Experience
- Barca Academy Columbus
- Columbus Academy HS
- Superkick
Playing Experince
- Cornell United FC
- Columbus Academy HS
Alejandro Valdivieso
08/09B ECNL-RL & 09/10B ECNL-RL
Coaching Experience
- Club Ohio National
- Barca Academy
- Xavier University
- Marsyville High School
Playing Experince
- Drexel University
- Xavier University
- New York Red Bull Development Academy (DA)
- Cedar Stars Academy (DA)
Each coach brings a unique perspective and experience to our program, and I’m excited to see how they work with our players throughout the season.
The coaching staff and I are excited to have everyone back, to get back on the field, and for what the groups can accomplish together.
Good luck to everyone in the OHSAA Playoffs!
Vamos Force!
Travis Morrow
U13-U14 Girls Director
Girls U13-U14
Fall 2026
It has been a wet fall with a few local tournaments rained out and multiple league games forced to be rescheduled. We have had to add tournaments to our schedules to make up for the weather, and multiple teams will be playing their last tournaments of the fall at the end of October.
Despite the weather, I have been really pleased with the amount of soccer the girls have been able to get in and, more importantly, with the progress we are seeing across the U13 and U14 age groups. The fall is always an important part of the development process because we are able to take what we work on during training and begin to see it show up in games.
Finalist at Dublin Charity Cup
13/14G White
Congratulations to our U13 Girls White, who were finalists at the Dublin Charity Cup. Great job Coach Amber and the girls! Being able to play through a tournament, manage different opponents and game situations, and compete all the way to the final is a great experience for this group.
Finalist at OP Invitational
12/13G ECNL-RL
Congratulations also to our
U14 Girls RL, who were finalists at OPI. It was a rain-shortened weekend, but we are still receiving medals. Great job by the girls and coaches! Tournament environments give players another opportunity to experience different styles of play, manage fatigue, and solve problems within the game.
Training Focus
At this point, our U13 and U14 girls are focused on putting things together. Coaches have had several months of training with the teams, and now we start looking at the teams from an overall perspective.
Where are we flourishing? Where are we struggling? What are we doing well consistently? What areas still need to improve?
As a group, the coaches work together and talk about formations, tactics, individual development and the next steps for the girls and the team as a whole. We are not just looking at whether we won or lost a game. We are looking at how we played, why certain things worked, and why other things did not.
At this age, we want the players to start understanding the game at a deeper level. That means recognizing when to play forward, when to keep possession, when to switch the point of attack, how to create and use space, and how our positioning changes depending on where the ball is. The goal is to move beyond simply knowing where to stand and begin understanding why we are standing there.
One of our biggest focuses is continuing to develop players who can make decisions on their own. The game is constantly changing, and we cannot coach every decision from the sideline. Players need to be able to scan, recognize pressure, identify the next pass, and make decisions based on what is happening in front of them.
This is where the idea of game understanding becomes so important. Technically good players are important, but we want players who can combine their technical ability with awareness, movement, timing and decision-making. The better our players understand the game, the more consistently they can solve problems without needing someone to tell them what to do.
We are also continuing to work on playing with more intention. Possession is important, but possession for the sake of possession is not the objective. We want to keep the ball with a purpose, move opponents, create space, and ultimately find opportunities to break lines and attack. At the same time, when we lose the ball, we want to be able to react quickly and understand whether we can win it back immediately or whether we need to recover and organize.
These are some of the details that separate simply playing soccer from actually understanding the game.

Individual Development
Aside from the team development, our goal is always to make sure that the girls are in the right environment for their continued growth. Sometimes that means more training time with the team above or below, and we want to make sure that the girls are being challenged, but not overwhelmed.
Every player develops at a different rate. Some players need more time with the ball and repetition of technical actions. Others need to be challenged tactically or physically. Some players are ready to take on more responsibility within a game, while others need to build confidence before taking that next step.
Moving players between groups when appropriate is not about labeling a player as being "better" or "worse." It is about finding the right level of challenge. We want players to be pushed outside of their comfort zone, but still feel that they can be successful. That balance is a big part of player development.
We also want our players to understand that mistakes are part of the process. If we are asking players to play forward, break lines, take players on, play in tight spaces and make decisions under pressure, there are going to be mistakes. That is a good thing. We would much rather develop a player who is willing to make a decision and learn from it than a player who constantly plays safe because they are afraid to make a mistake.
Looking Ahead
As we move toward the end of the fall season, we will continue to evaluate the teams and individual players and use that information to help shape our winter training plans. The winter is a great opportunity to slow things down a little bit, get more repetitions, and spend time on the details that are sometimes difficult to address during a busy fall schedule.
The goal is always long-term development. We want these girls to continue to become better soccer players, but we also want them to become better problem solvers, better teammates and more confident players.
We still have a lot of soccer left this fall, and we want to finish strong. For the teams still playing tournaments and league games, the expectation is to compete, enjoy the experience and continue to apply the things we have been working on in training.
The results will always matter, but the bigger picture is that we are building players who understand the game, can make decisions for themselves and are prepared for the next level of soccer.
Keep working, keep competing and, most importantly, keep enjoying the game!
Evan Wherley
U13-U14 Boys Director
U13-U14 Boys Director
This Fall season has been like any other that we have seen. The amount of rain, cancellations, and necessary adjustments has been nothing short of chaotic. Through it all we are thankful for every family's support as we worked to provide the opportunities needed for every team. This outlines the Committment from every family as well as the Passion from staff to find ways to support their team(s).
Through the challenges that the weather has provided us, our teams have continued to showcase their abilities on the field. Congrats to the teams below on their great showings through our Fall events thus far!
- 2013/14B Blue - Champions at Dublin Charity Cup
- 2012/13B White - Finalists at Dublin Charity Cup
- 2012/13B Blue - Finalists at Halloween Havoc
As teams continue to perform well during their respective league play or tournaments, staff are monitoring high-performing players to continue providing them challenges and opportunities to further their development. As a result, over 30 players have earned an opportunity to guest train or play with another team across the age group! This showcases our player development pathway here at Columbus Force! Players who continue to work hard, be coachable, show game understanding, amongst other key attributes will be highlighted by staff and recommended for additional growth opportunities within the club.
Sam Roberts
Pre-Formation Columbus Crew Academy
The perfect example for us is Sam Roberts from the 2013/14B ECNL-RL team!
Sam has been involved with the Crew through Phase 1 of their player identification process this Fall and now made Phase 2!
We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Crew as a Crew Youth Network Member as we advocate for our players for opportunities such as this.
Congrats Sam and keep up the great work!
As we look ahead to the final few weeks of the Fall season before heading into Winter 1 training, we want to remind players and families about the importance of winter training and the growth we see from players who make that commitment to their development. Our AOE Program offers many different programs to support players. As player reports begin to come out, review what your coach shared and see what class can support your growth!
Ben Neer
U10-U12 Boys Director
Boys U10-U12
What a busy and exciting Fall season it has been for Columbus Force! Our teams have been working hard, competing, and continuing to grow while creating so many great moments both on and off the field. It has been exciting to see the energy and commitment from our players and coaches throughout the club.
As we head into the final stretch of the Fall season, we wanted to take a moment to share some of the highlights from around Columbus Force.
Player Identification
Our coaches and Directors are continually looking for players who are ready for additional challenges and opportunities to grow. This includes identifying players who may benefit from additional training or the opportunity to compete in a higher-level game environment.
Throughout the Fall season, more than 20 players have already been given opportunities to train or compete at a higher level. We’re excited to continue this process and create even more opportunities as we head into Winter 1 training.
TEAM SHOUT-OUT
We are proud of all of our teams and their accomplishments this Fall, and we wanted to recognize a few teams who had tournament success this season:
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next part of the season, we’re proud of the culture that continues to grow across Columbus Force. From creating new opportunities for players to building stronger relationships and celebrating team success, there is a lot happening throughout the club.
We’re excited to carry that momentum into Winter 1 and see where the continued commitment of our players, coaches, and families takes us. There is still plenty of the season ahead, and we’re looking forward to being part of it together.
Braden Bell
U10-U12 Girls Director
U10 - U12 Girls
Following the past few weekends of games and tournaments, we are excited to share the vast success across the U10 - U12 Girls' age groups!
The 14/15G Pre-ECNL team were finalists in the Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup, losing 1-2 in the final against a very talented 14/15G Nationals Oakland team
The 14/15G Pre-ECNL 2 team were again crowned Champions in the United Futbol Cup, winning the championship match 2-1 against Kings Hammer Columbus 14/15G Pre-ECNL.
The 15/16G Blue won the Championship in the Columbus Fall Classic with an impressive 3-0 victory over Pataskala Futbol Club Extreme. They also conceded only 1 goal the entire event!
Success in the Pre-ECNL league is also evident, with both our 14/15G Pre-ECNL and 14/15G Pre-ECNL 2 teams holding 1st and 2nd place in their respective divisions in the Ohio Valley Region! Both teams travel to Cincinnati to compete in the Blue Chip Jrs. event over the weekend of 10/10 and 10/11!
Braden Bell
U12 and Below Technical Director
Pre - Club to U12 Technical Director:
It's surprising that we are almost at the end of it. It's surprising that we are almost at the newly renovated TOCA - Columbus! It was a first for many on the brand new turf at TOCA - Columbus, and with that, we also shared a tremendous first by having one of our Female Staff Coaches lead the on-field session of our October Coaching Workshop!
Coach Danica Hanschu, coach of our 14/15G Blue and 12/13G Blue, led a session focusing on how to design and execute a session centered on tighter spaces and the technical focus of ball striking! Well done, Coach Danica! Well done, Coach Danica!
It was a great opportunity for our staff to observe, learn and collaborate, on the field, as they prepare to transition their sessions from being outside, to inside for the winter months.
Nehemiah Tanga
U8-U9 Boys & Girls Director
Boys & Girls U8-U9
What a fall season it has been so far!
The U8-U9 Boys & Girls teams have shown tremendous progress in such a short time, both in league and tournament play! Below is a recap of recent successes as well as an early look into the winter off-season!
Player Development & Team Successes
Players have begun to learn the positional structure and responsibilities that it takes to compete at a high level - this is a huge first step to understanding the moments of the game and how to capture them! A lot of this has to do with both what we do on the ball & off the ball, so player movement will always be encouraged within that structure!
Congratulations to the following teams for their tournament successes this Fall:
17/18B Premier: Dublin Charity Cup CHAMPIONS
18/19B Premier: Dublin Charity Cup FINALISTS
18/19G Blue: Dublin Charity Cup FINALISTS
Expecting to see more success in the final couple of weeks of the fall season!
At Home Coach's Challenge
I am putting out an open challenge for any U8-U9 player who can successfully juggle 15 times with each foot, without the ball hitting the ground! The first boy & girl to successfully do this will win a prize, good luck everyone!
Winter Training Focus
This winter our age group development focus is simple: growing the confidence of each player on the ball. Confidence doesn’t mean that a player never loses the ball or always makes the right decision. It means they are willing to try. We’re encouraging players to take on defenders, try new moves, and understand that losing the ball is a normal (and important!) part of learning. A lot of our sessions will be simplified and we will push high technical repetition with both feet, utilizing all the surfaces of the foot available!
How Can Parents Help?
One of the best things parents can do is encourage the attempt rather than focus on the outcome.
Instead of:
- “You should have passed!”
- “Shoot faster, big kick”
- “You need to get rid of the ball!”
- "Pass to x, Dribble to y"
Try:
- “Great job being brave!”
- “I love that you tried!”
- “Keep going!”
- “Try that move again!”
The more freedom players have to make decisions, the more comfortable they become making those decisions during games.

Let's finish this season strong!
Juniors Programs!
By: Jessica Shelton
Jessica Shelton
Juniors Academy Director
As we wrap up our Fall season, we are excited to announce the release of our Winter 1 Soccer Training Programs!
Winter is a great time for players to continue developing their skills, building confidence, and having fun with the game. Our goal is to provide players with a positive, age-appropriate training environment where they can continue to grow and develop at their own pace.
What Is the Columbus Force Juniors Program?
The Columbus Force Juniors program is designed for young players who are developing their love for soccer and building the foundation needed to continue playing at a higher level.
Our Juniors program focuses on:
- Technical development – dribbling, passing, receiving, turning, shooting, and ball control
- 1v1 confidence – learning how to attack, defend, beat a player, and protect the ball
- Game understanding – beginning to recognize space, make decisions, and understand when to dribble, pass, or shoot
- Confidence and creativity – encouraging players to be brave with the ball and try new things
- Competing and defending – learning that defending, winning the ball, and getting back to help the team are just as important as attacking
- Love of the game – creating an environment where players are excited to come to training and enjoy playing soccer
We want our young players to develop technical skills and soccer IQ while having FUN!
A Pathway for Player Development
Juniors is also a pathway for players who want to continue developing toward the next level of soccer. As players grow, we have opportunities for them to move into more advanced training environments and eventually into team play.
The program is fluid. Players develop at different rates, and we evaluate players throughout the season to help determine the training environment that will best challenge and support them.
Our Elite opportunities are designed for players who are ready for a faster pace and more advanced technical and tactical challenges. Elite placement is invite-only, and players may move into the Elite environment as they demonstrate the skills, confidence, focus, and game understanding needed to be successful.
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!
Register by October 11 to take advantage!
Don't wait — secure your player's spot and save!
Winter 1 Training Schedule
Winter classes will be held at two indoor soccer facilities.
Players must wear indoor soccer shoes, turf shoes, or sneakers. NO CLEATS!
TOCA Soccer Center Columbus
409 Orangepoint Dr.
Lewis Center, OH 43035
SoccerOne – Worthington
535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd.
Worthington, OH 43085
Juniors Girls Only | Ages 5–7 (U6–U8)
Tuesdays | November 3–December 15
TOCA Soccer Center | 6:00–7:00 PM
No class November 24
Juniors | Ages 5–7 (U6–U8)
Wednesdays | November 4–December 16
TOCA Soccer Center | 6:00–7:00 PM
No class November 25
Juniors Elite | Ages 5–7 (U6–U8)
Invite Only
Wednesdays | November 4–December 16
TOCA Soccer Center | 7:00–8:00 PM
No class November 25
Pre-Club Academy | Ages 8–10 (U8–U10)
Tuesdays | November 3–December 15
TOCA Soccer Center | 7:00–8:00 PM
No class November 24
Minis | Ages 3–4 (U4–U5)
Saturdays | November 7–December 19
TOCA Soccer Center | 9:00–10:00 AM
No class November 28
Pre-Club Academy | Ages 8–10 (U8–U10)-Players already on Force teams
Wednesdays | November 4–December 16
SoccerOne | 7:00–8:00 PM
No class November 25
Pre-Club Elite Academy | U9–U10-Players already on Force teams
Wednesdays | November 4–December 16
SoccerOne | 6:00–7:00 PM
No class November 25
Register for Winter Training
Click here to register for all Winter Soccer Classes!
Elite classes are invite only. Please check your PlayMetrics account for an invitation or reach out to Jessica Shelton for an invite.
Keep Growing This Winter!
Whether your player is just beginning their soccer journey, building their confidence, or ready for a more advanced challenge, we have a place for them.
Our goal is simple: develop players who are confident, creative, coachable, and excited to play the game.
We can't wait to continue the journey with our Force players this winter!
C.H.I.R.P.
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
Sports Performance Mini-Series
Over the next few newsletters, I will be rolling out a mini-series on athletic performance, focusing on two key areas: Physical Capacity and Psychological Resilience.
Here are some of the topics we will cover:
- Sleep, hydration, nutrition, and recovery
- Strength, endurance, speed, mobility, and stability.
- Motivation, emotional regulation, and stress management.
Stay tuned for valuable insights to help you maximize your athletic potential on the field!
AOE Winter I Training Program
Winter 2026 Programs: Athletes of Excellence (AOE)
What is the AOE Program?
AOE, Athletes of Excellence, is a focused, intense training program designed to do more than just improve soccer skills; it's built to accelerate your child's overall growth as both a player and a young adult. Think of it as a specialized, fast-track course that goes above and beyond regular team practice.
We believe that true excellence is built on character. That's why we invite players who not only show talent but also demonstrate our core values: Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion. By focusing on these principles, we ensure that every athlete who joins is dedicated to success on and off the field.
A Professional and Coordinated Approach
We understand that you trust us with your child's development, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Expert Instruction: We are proud to announce that the AOE class will be run by our U15-U19 Boys Director, Alejandro Valdivieso & Sports Performance Director, Mario Saurez. This ensures the highest level of professional guidance and expertise.
Integrated Training Plan: To ensure your child's success in AOE supports their team experience, we work directly with their Force team coach. This allows us to create a
unified development plan, making sure the advanced skills and habits they learn in AOE complement their regular team training and game schedule.
Winter I Supplemental Training Program
Sign up Today for our Winter I Training Programs
What is Open Play?
Open Play is designed to give players the freedom to develop their game beyond structured team training. Through small-sided games and game-like situations, players build confidence on the ball, improve decision-making, and develop creativity under pressure. It encourages players to take risks, solve problems independently, and learn from their successes and mistakes. Most importantly, Open Play creates an environment where players can compete, express themselves, and grow their love for the game.
Why join our GK Academy?
Our Goalkeeper Academy provides specialized training designed to help goalkeepers build confidence, sharpen their technical skills, and develop a stronger understanding of the game. Led by Nolan Brooks, Denison University Women’s Goalkeeper Coach, players receive focused instruction tailored to their development, from shot-stopping and positioning to distribution and decision-making. Whether a goalkeeper is just starting out or looking to compete at the next level, our academy provides the tools, guidance, and confidence to excel between the posts.
Supplemental Tryouts | U15–U19 Boys & Girls
Register Today to Take the Next Step in Your Development
Why play at Columbus Force SC?
Your journey. Your development. Your next level.
At Columbus Force SC, we believe every player deserves a pathway to reach their full potential. From our youngest players to those pursuing collegiate soccer, we provide competitive opportunities, professional coaching, and a personalized development experience built around each player's goals.
Player Development: A guided curriculum and purposeful training designed to prepare players for the next step on their path.
Competitive Pathways: Opportunities to compete at the ECNL-RL and N1 levels, with team environments that challenge players and support their individual ambitions.
Professional Coaching: Experienced, accredited coaches and dedicated directors committed to individual growth, both on and off the field.
Core Values: Commitment, Humility, Integrity, Respect, and Passion guide how we train, compete, and represent our club.
Preparing for the Next Level: We develop players with the perseverance, confidence, and tools needed to pursue their soccer goals, whether advancing to the next competitive level or pursuing collegiate soccer.
Player Opportunities Available
Columbus Force SC is actively looking for ECNL-RL and N1 players in the U15–U19 age groups who are ready to continue developing and competing at a high level.
We are also specifically seeking goalkeepers for our 2011/2012 Boys age group.
Ready to take the next step in your development? Register for tryouts using the link below.
Thank You To
Our Sponsors!
The Importance of Rest and Recovery Days
When it comes to sports and working out, more isn't always better. While training helps build strength and improve performance, your body also needs time to recover. Rest and recovery days play an important role in helping athletes stay healthy, perform their best, and avoid injury.
Making recovery part of your routine:
- Schedule regular rest days between workouts or practices
- Gradually increase activity levels to avoid overuse injuries
- Get enough sleep each night to support muscle repair and recovery
- Try active recovery activities like walking, stretching, swimming or cycling
- Cross-train to reduce repetitive stress on muscles and joints
- Stay hydrated and fuel your body with proper nutrition
- Listen to signs of fatigue, soreness, or decreased motivation
Recovery doesn't mean you're falling behind. Rest is when your body repairs muscle tissue, rebuilds strength, and adapts to training. Taking time to recover can also help reduce the risk of common overuse injuries like tendinitis, stress fractures, and plantar fasciitis.
Sleep is another key part of recovery. During sleep, the body releases growth hormones that support muscle repair and overall performance. Consistent, quality sleep can improve energy levels, focus, reaction time, and motivation.
A successful training plan includes both hard work and recovery. By making rest a priority, athletes can stay active, prevent burnout, and continue enjoying the sports and activities they love.
At Orthopedic ONE, we're here to help athletes of all ages stay healthy, recover properly, and perform at their best.
Sources:
Step into Spring Safely: Avoiding Common Overuse Injuries - Orthopedic One
SLEEP AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE - Orthopedic One
Sport Rest and Recovery: When and How to Take a Break
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!
(Insert SM Hotline VCard QR)
PROUD TO BE POWERED BY RHEEM!
Columbus Force SC is proud to partner with Rheem, our Official Front-of-Jersey Sponsor!
Just as our players bring hard work and dependability to the field, Rheem delivers reliable home comfort solutions to keep your family comfortable year-round.
Reliable comfort. Energy savings. Financing options to fit your budget.
Learn more about Rheem’s current offers and find the right comfort system for your home at www.KeepMeComfortable.com.
Four weeks, four Mondays to prove what you're capable of.
Never Miss a Monday brings athletes across three cities to Dick's Sporting Goods to train, trial Nike Hybrid, and compete.
Expect weekly surprises and a final Hybrid Games competition.
Space is limited. Registration closes Mondays at 5PM CST. Follow the link below to select your city to claim your spot.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
@ColumbusForceSC
