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

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!

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! 

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

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.

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!

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!

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

Specialty Departments

Goalkeeping, Sports Performance & College Recruitment

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!

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!

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!

@ColumbusForceSC