OVPL
Women's and Men's

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

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! 

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! 

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!

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!

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.

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!

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. 

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! 

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

Specialty Departments

Goalkeeping, Sports Performance & College Recruitment

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:

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.
  

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.
  

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:

1. Upon entering high school, start formulating your plan once you’ve decided you want to play in college.
2. Create your “pool of schools” (referenced in a previous email).
3. 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!
4. Be consistent in your communication while including updates to your schedule.
5. Visit the school – either unofficially or officially.
6. 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).
7. 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

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