Over the past year, Ohio Soccer Association (OSA) has – with the support of U.S. Soccer – invested in a statewide grassroots campaign to grow the game of soccer. This campaign was aimed at younger age groups, targeting young families with the intention of introducing them to the game by promoting their local OSA Member grassroots league or club.
After all player registrations within our membership have been reported, Ohio Soccer Association is pleased to release the Fall 2025 growth statistics.
In total, 16,822 new players were registered to play this fall. 9,913 of them identified as male, while 6,909 identified as female.
Growth was obtained in all areas of the state.
In the male age groups, the Under-9’s (U9) experienced the most growth with 1,121 new players registered. In the female age groups, it was the Under-8’s (U8) that grew the most with 775.
Of our 98 member grassroots leagues across the state, the Jefferson Kiwanis program based in Steubenville (on the border with West Virginia) experienced the most growth with 554 new players. Lorain County Soccer League (Cleveland area) came in next with 415, followed by Gahanna Soccer Association (Columbus) with 376.
Rounding out the top 10 members with the most growth are:
- Youngstown Area Youth Soccer League
- Clermont Central Soccer Association
- Black Swamp Soccer League
- Pickerington Area Soccer Association
- Beavercreek Soccer Association
- Union County Independent Soccer League
- Tipp City Youth Soccer
In addition, our member competitive leagues also experienced growth, with Cardinal Premier League, Northwest Ohio Youth Soccer League, and Miami Valley Youth Soccer Association boasting significant growth compared to the 2024-25 Fall Season.
Ohio Soccer Association continues to invest in and promote its membership, with a significant push coming in the buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer. The excitement continues to build as we now turn to the upcoming spring season, which will serve as an additional launchpad for growth moving forward.
More details regarding our fall growth will be shared at the 2026 OSA Workshop on February 28, 2026 in Columbus.
