LET's
PLAY!
Millions of children across the country play soccer each year. At the younger ages, which we refer to as “grassroots”, it is played in small groups of 3, 4, 5 or 8, with the same playing time for all. The size of the fields, the size of the goals and the size of the balls vary according to the age group.
This allows young players to learn the game individually, as part of a team, in a fun and expressive way. Depending on your local league or club, you can expect the season to last 2-3 months.
The Benefits of Playing
Youth Sports
Regular physical activity provides a number of benefits for children:
- Reduces likelihood of childhood obesity by 10%
- Lower levels of depression and self-deprecation
- Higher self-esteem
- Helps children develop and improve cognitive skills
- Physical activity is associated with improved grades and test scores
- Shown to positively affect attitudes and academic behavior, including enhanced concentration, attention, and improved classroom behavior
- Youth sport participation builds more active adults
- Active adults have a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes
- Lifetime Benefits of youth sports
- Adults who participated in youth sports reported:
- Higher self-esteem
- 7-8% higher annual income
- More productivity
- Lower health costs
- A survey of 400 female corporate executives found 94% played a sport and that 61% say sports contributed to their career success
- Adults who participated in youth sports reported:
WHY Play Soccer
Team Sport
Team sports, like soccer, offer more concrete experiences associated with well-being such as personal and social development, cognitive skills, goal-setting, health and wellness.
Growing Popularity
Participation is increasing! Participation in grassroots youth soccer has increased more than 7% nationwide in the last 5 years. More players means more opportunities for connection and development.
Have Fun
It’s about getting out there!” 80% of parents identify “Having fun” and “exercise” as their primary goals for their children’s participation. So don’t fear, it’s not about “going pro.”
Run, Run, Run
On average, soccer offers one of the most physically active practice settings compared to other sports studied by the Aspen Institute.
Cross-sport Skills
Soccer is one of the most recommended “companion sports” for athletes looking to develop complimentary skills for other sports like basketball, track and field, and tennis.
Programming
From competitive leagues, our annual Cup Series, and our Olympic Development Program, to TOPSoccer (special needs) and Esports….there’s a game for everyone!
Operational Support
From risk management via our Safe Soccer program, to insurance and league management.
Growth & Development
Club, Coach, Player & Referee Development Tools & Resources
Programming
From competitive leagues, our annual Cup Series, and our Olympic Development Program, to TOPSoccer (special needs) and Esports….there’s a game for everyone!
Leagues and clubs like you use Ohio Soccer Association to help them manage registration, operational practices, receive education, enhance player safety, ensure risk compliance, and drive recruitment. Some benefits even extend to your players’ families, making it easier to save money and offset costs.
| OSA MEMBERSHIP GIVES YOU ACCESS TO | |
|---|---|
| Safe Soccer Program | Access to OSA's Professional Staff |
| Directors & Officers Insurance | Players Health Risk Platform |
| Liability & Accident Insurance | Assistance Creating Bylaws |
| Member Services Team to HelpCoaches Get Through Risk Process | Personalized Org Pin onPlay OSA Locator Map |
| OSA Equipment Store (member discounts) | OSA Grassroots Rebate Program |
| Tournament Sanctioning | Coaching Education |
| Robust Registration Platform | TOPSoccer |
| League Management | Tournament Teams |
| Club Development | Branding & Marketing Support |
| Olympic Development Program | Nonprofit Compliance Assistance |
| Referee Development | Annual Awards Recognition |
| State, Regional, and National Leagues | Ohio Soccer Cup Series |
| Health Insurance | ...and more! |
We aim to help each organization develop and achieve its own goals, its own way, with the support and flexibility of a state united.
We look forward to developing a relationship with you to discover how we can support your organization.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
BALL
U8 and younger: size 3
U9-U12: size 4
U12 and up: size 5
SHIN GUARDS
The sock goes
on the outside!
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated.
Water is the best!
Play Types
Grassroots
Also referred to as ‘recreational’ and caters to all types of players (beginner to advanced). Usually the first introduction to soccer and occurs in a league format starting as early as U3/U4 depending on your local organization. High school ages are usually combined.
Remit your $50 Application Fee
Email Jen (jfickett@ohio-soccer.org) a copy of your Governance Document(s)
Governance Document Examples: charter, articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, regulations, any rules of play, and other governing documents appropriate to understanding your structure and activities.
Add and/or update your board of directors listing under 'Club Officials' on the state side of Demosphere [click here] to ensure D&O coverage
Competitive
Complete the online Member Application
Remit your $50 application fee
Add and/or update your board of directors listing under 'Club Officials' on the state side of Demosphere [click here] to ensure D&O coverage
START
Playing
Join the fun!
Keep scrolling to find a league near you!
If it's the offseason, get started at home!
Skill training to do at home
Positive parenting on the sidelines
Learn the game
SoccerBox: a fun and easy way to learn the game
Play OSA
Find a League or Club NEAR YOU
- Allow the page to know your location or enter your ZIP code into the search box.
- Leagues and clubs near you will populate on the left and on the map [Grassroots = recreational, competitive = travel soccer].
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