Columbus has a huge youth soccer ecosystem—city rec leagues, YMCA programs, and elite pathways through Ohio Premier and Columbus Crew Youth. Most sessions use Berliner Sports Park, Spindler Sports Complex, and Resolute Athletic Complex (indoor).
City-run seasonal leagues and skills at neighborhood centers and complexes.
Ages: 5–15
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Beginner-friendly leagues and clinics at Y branches around Columbus.
Ages: 3–12
Seasons: Seasonal
Weekly game model with age-appropriate instruction at local parks.
Ages: 3–14
Seasons: Seasonal
ECNL/elite (by team) and college-prep pathway serving the metro.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: ECNL / ECNL RL (by team), USYS/US Club (by team)
Fields: OP Training Facility (Dublin), Darree Fields, Regional sites
MLS-club-run camps and clinics across Greater Columbus.
Ages: U6–U18
Fields: Regional camp sites
Metro club with travel and academy teams accessible from Columbus.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: USYS/US Club (by team)
Fields: Regional training sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berliner Sports Park | 325 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, OH 43223 | large soccer complex, lights, parking, restrooms | Major city venue for practices, league play, and tournaments. |
| Spindler Sports Complex | 2121 Spindler Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026 | multi-field complex, parking, restrooms | City of Columbus complex serving west-side teams. |
| Resolute Athletic Complex (Indoor) | 3599 Chiller Ln, Columbus, OH 43219 | indoor turf fields, parking, restrooms | Year-round indoor leagues, clinics, and training. |
| 4-6 | Introductory programs and AYSO. Keep it playful and short; celebrate effort. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Focus on foundational skills and enjoying the game. Build confidence through fun drills. |
| 8-10 | Transitioning to more structured play. Build turns and first-touch patterns. AYSO or introduction to club. |
| 10-12 | Add speed bursts and combo moves. Start to specialize in positions. Club tryouts and travel become more common. |
| 13-18 | Advanced tactical understanding and physical training. High school soccer and college recruiting become key considerations. Competitive club is the main option. |
| Rec | Typically $150-$300 per season, including uniform and team picture. Financial aid is often available. |
|---|---|
| Club | Ranges from $1,400 to over $4,500 per year, not including travel, tournament, and uniform costs. Many clubs offer payment plans and some financial assistance. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Every Kid Sports | National fee‑assistance program for rec sports. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| Ohio Premier Camps & ID Clinics | Elite training and showcase-prep sessions. |
| Columbus Crew Youth Camps | Pro-run camps across the metro. |
| Challenger Sports — Columbus Area | International-coach summer clinics at local parks. |
| OP Invitational / Nike Challenge Cup (Regional) | Signature Dublin events drawing regional clubs to Darree Fields and OP sites. |
|---|
| Flat shoes on dry surfaces |
| Clear 6–8 feet of space |
| Hydrate before and after |
| Shin guards under long socks |
| Warm up and cool down |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
touches — toe-taps, foundation taps
agility — ladder steps (imaginary), side shuffles
first touch — sole stop, inside-out touches
turns — drag back, cruyff turn
combos — 3-move combo, speed dribble
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Toe Taps
Tap top of ball with alternating feet • Keep knees soft and chest up
Foundation Taps
Tap ball between feet with inside surfaces • Keep the ball under you
Drag Back
Pull ball under foot • Turn hips and push out with other foot
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 10 minutes, 3–5 days a week builds confidence without burnout. |
Do we need cones? No—use shoes or tape as markers; drills fit small spaces. |
Rec vs club soccer? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; club adds higher commitment, travel, and licensed coaching. |
How do we choose the right club? Compare coaching credentials, cost, travel, practice locations, and team culture; attend tryouts and talk with parents. |
What equipment is required? Ball sized by age, shin guards with long socks, proper‑fit cleats, and a water bottle; most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using national standards; most leagues use the player’s age on Dec 31 of the season year. |
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