When it comes to the best soccer clubs in Ohio you can bet there’s a lot of talent. I remember flying into Cleveland years ago to visit a friend of mine who at the time ran one of the top 3 biggest futsal leagues in the country. Two things stuck out to me… Good soccer and cold weather:)
Cincinnati is another city I’ve been to. It’s one of the top youth soccer cities in America in terms of the amount of kids enrolled in soccer. Then there’s Columbus who has an MLS pro team. Ohio is a big time soccer state.
Originally Published: 2023 | Updated: 2026
Top youth soccer clubs in Ohio
Some of the best youth soccer clubs in Ohio include Internationals SC, Cincinnati United, Ohio Premier, Cleveland Force and Ohio Elite. These clubs compete in national leagues like ECNL, MLS Next and Girls Academy while developing players for college and professional soccer.
In this article
- Research on soccer clubs in Ohio
- Leagues by age and gender
- Girls best soccer clubs in Ohio
- Boys best soccer clubs in Ohio
- Other top clubs in Ohio
Key takeaways
- Ohio has several nationally recognized youth soccer clubs.
- Top clubs compete in leagues like MLS Next, ECNL and Girls Academy.
- Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati are major youth soccer hubs.
- Many Ohio clubs produce college and professional players.
- Players can still reach high levels outside the top leagues.
Research on soccer clubs in Ohio
Based on the research I did on the following websites… Soccer Wire, Soccer America, Top Drawer, MLS Next and ECNL you’ll get a recent and accurate rating.
Besides seeing which clubs are ranked in America and the Midwest and which teams help produce national and college players, I also asked a friend [Chris Dore]. He has coached in Ohio for 12+ years. Chris grew up in Cleveland and played at Bowling Green University before playing pro.
This article took several hours to put together because besides researching from the league sites, I also went to the club sites.
Of the club sites, some are easier to gather info than others. You’ll to be able to see their location, as well as success and history. Hope it helps you!
Quick comparison of top Ohio soccer clubs
| Club | City | Top League | Age Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internationals SC | Medina | ECNL | U9–U19 |
| Cincinnati United | Cincinnati | MLS Next / GA | U8–U19 |
| Ohio Premier | Dublin | ECNL | U8–U19 |
| Cleveland Force | Cleveland | ECNL | U5–U19 |
| Ohio Elite | West Chester | ECNL | U9–U18 |
Leagues by age and gender
There are MANY leagues in US youth soccer.
Age 10-11 is when things become more competitive.
Age 12-13 is when you want to have already been prepared on the fundamentals/technical.
On the girls side, ECNL is the overall highest level for U-13 – U19 teams. Although, some of the best clubs play GA [Girls Academy].
On the boys side the highest level is MLS Academy, ECNL is 2nd tier. There are great players and teams who don’t compete in either of these leagues, so don’t think this is the “best” option for you. Players who play in “lower tier leagues” still get college soccer opportunities.
Girls best soccer clubs in Ohio
1) Internationals
Established in 1983
2007 & 2008: The girls program was recognized as one of the top 25 programs in the nation.
In 2022 they were ranked #8 in America.
2012 excepted into the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]
The girls teams have won more State, Regional and National Titles than any other NE Ohio club.
The International Girls Soccer Club has developed National Team players, professional players, and has sent hundreds of players on to the collegiate ranks.
College commits: 20+ each year
Main location: Medina, OH
2) Cincinnati United
Cincinnati United brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized clubs.
Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive.
College commits: 10 – 50 depending on the year
Main location: Greater Cincinnati
3) Ohio Premier
Established in 1993
Ohio Premier has teams participating in ECNL.
College commits: 20-30 signees each year.
Main location: Dublin, OH
4) Cleveland Force
The Cleveland Force has teams from youth levels through USL League 2 and W League.
College commits: 15 – 35 per year
Main location: Cleveland, OH
5) Ohio Elite
Established in 2002
The Ohio Elite Soccer Academy offers teams from U9-U18.
College commits: 20-40 per year
Main location: West Chester, OH
Boys best soccer clubs in Ohio
1) Cincinnati United
Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams including MLS Next.
2) Team Challenger FC
Established in 2007
Team Challenger provides development for players ages 6-18.
3) Club Ohio
Club Ohio offers soccer for ages 5 – 19.
4) Ohio Premier
Ohio Premier offers programming for youth ages 5 – 19.
5) Spire FC
Spire FC helps youth players reach their potential.
Other top clubs in Ohio
Best soccer clubs by state
- Best soccer clubs and states in America
- North Texas clubs
- New Jersey clubs
- Michigan clubs
- Florida clubs
- Massachusetts clubs
About the Author
This article was written by Jeremie Piette, the founder of Global Futbol Training.
Jeremie is a former professional soccer player who played across four continents and more than 20 countries after being drafted from a Division II program.
For more than 15 years he has trained youth, college and professional players while building Global Futbol Training into one of the most respected independent soccer skills training programs.
Frequently asked questions about soccer clubs in Ohio
What are the best soccer clubs in Ohio?
Some of the most well-known youth soccer clubs in Ohio include Internationals SC, Cincinnati United, Ohio Premier, Cleveland Force and Ohio Elite.
Does Ohio have MLS youth academies?
Yes. Ohio is home to MLS Next academies connected with professional clubs including Columbus Crew.
Which leagues are the highest level in youth soccer?
MLS Next, ECNL and Girls Academy are considered among the highest competitive leagues in youth soccer.
Can players reach college soccer from smaller clubs?
Yes. Many players earn college scholarships even if they do not play in the highest youth leagues.
Best Youth Soccer Clubs by State
Looking for the best soccer clubs in other parts of the United States?
Explore these rankings and guides for top youth soccer programs.
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