Club v Club League

Ohio Soccer Association (OSA) is proud to announce the launch of the Buckeye Grassroots League (BGL), a new community-focused soccer league debuting this fall in the Akron area for U8–U15 boys and girls teams.

BGL is designed to provide local, accessible and affordable competition through a mix of neutral site play dates and self-scheduled matches, creating a flexible structure that supports community club autonomy and player development.

Managed by OSA, the league gives like-minded grassroots clubs a professionally managed experience. Club leaders help shape key league elements – including scheduling and play date locations.

League Format

Each fall and spring season includes eight total games: 

• Three neutral site play dates each season (two games per event)
• Two self-scheduled matches each season

Community clubs can register for one or both seasons through a single, streamlined application.

BGL is proud to welcome its founding members:

• Alpha-Phi-Alpha
• Akron Metro FC
• Wadsworth Amateur Soccer Association
• Cardinal Soccer Club

“We are excited to join OSA this fall and partner with them to provide another exciting option for competitive soccer in Ohio. We started Cardinal Soccer Club with the goal of providing inclusive, grassroots development for youth soccer, and we want to foster an environment that helps these kids learn, grow, and love the game. We are so fortunate and excited that OSA shares those same principles. Their staff has been incredibly supportive as we prepare for our first season competing with them, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.”
– Nick Jordan, Cardinal Soccer Club

“The Buckeye Grassroots League provides our WASA organization with a great opportunity to grow within the local soccer community. By offering competitive matches at appropriate levels and convenient local games for our younger teams, we’re building a fun and supportive environment where every player can develop and enjoy the game.”
– Frank Muhl, Wadsworth Amateur Soccer Association

Benefits for Participating Clubs

Through a dedicated Member Services team, participating community clubs will have access to key resources, including:

• Registration support to get players and coaches on the field
• Risk and crisis management beyond just background checks
• Insurance protection for players, coaches, AND board members
• And MORE

As an OSA-affiliated league, BGL ensures access to current youth sports standards and provides the infrastructure needed to deliver and streamline, cost-effective, and enjoyable soccer experience-less work, more fun.

Registration

Now open through June 30!

To apply or learn more about opportunities on how OSA can support your local area, click here or contact Denzil Antonio: dantonio@ohio-soccer.org.