Club Information
Club Culture
What is the culture of the club?
We respect our players. We encourage creativity and we do not punish mistakes. The development of players is one of our primary goals. Our practices can be both competitive and fun. Knowing our players names and personalities is an important practice. We develop wholesome relationships to make players feel comfortable and accepted. We address any situation brought to our attention that can cause a less than ideal experience for a family.
What is expected from parents & coaches on the sidelines during games?
We ask that you do not give instructions or comment to or about players including your own. Respect the efforts of each player. Positive cheering is encouraged. Avoid any confrontation with coaches, opposing team members, parents, and especially the officials. Represent our club with class and walk away when needed.
How does the club view player development and winning?
We love to win! We play to win! We encourage a winning attitude! However, to make winning possible, we believe player development, especially with younger players, must take priority. There is always the opportunity to win, but fundamental player development occurs during a limited time in which we must capitalize and teach proper aspects of the game.
What is the club structure as it relates to coaches, managers and the director?
Parents communicate with the team manager and director but not with the coach. Concerns related to your child and the team should be discussed with the director. When in doubt, contact your team manager first for the best direction and all team related issues.
What is the experience level and qualifications of the coaches?
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We have 21 coaches throughout the year and our staff holds the following qualifications: Premier Diploma, USSF C, Advanced National Diploma National Diploma, and USSF D
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Our coaches have playing experience at various distinguished levels.
LEAGUES:
What leagues are available through this club?
- The club can either play in CASA, GLA, or GLC. Additional cost for GLA & GLC. See Fees
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CASA League - all games in Lodi (Seville)
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GLA & GLC - regional leagues for teams and players who qualify to participate. Games are played in Wooster, Western NY, Western PA, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland Suburbs
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Not all players in the club travel
Tryouts
When are tryouts held?
- June - for all players not entering high school in the Fall
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November - for players who are high school age planning to join the club in either Winter or Spring.
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If a player misses tryouts, they can still be considered for the club by contacting the director, Ian Holford
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Email: ianholfordosu@gmail.com / 330-202-2255
GAMES / TOURNAMENTS:
Tournaments
Tournaments are an exciting experience for players. Although they are optional, your participation makes it possible for us to provide a tournament opportunity to your teammates.
Tournaments can include all members of a team or a select group of players from within the team or club. Not all players will be invited to a tournament. Some players will participate in league games only and not tournaments. If a player will not participate with a tournament group, they will be informed at the time when the invitation to join the club was received for that seasonal year.
The driving distance to a tournament can typically range from 30 minutes to 5 hours. There can be an overnight stay or an out of state tournament event. Tournaments are excellent for team bonding, player development, and for parents to unwind. During a tournament a team plays multiple games against other clubs in a single weekend. Tournament fees range from $65 to $80. Tournament participants can be Strikers members, or guest players from other clubs or travel programs.
How far will we travel for games?
Fall & Spring (Outdoor): CASA League: All games in Lodi/Seville
GLA/GLC League: Wooster, Cleveland, Western PA, Western NY, Southern OH
Winter (Indoor): CASA League: Mostly in Lodi, including other Cleveland indoor soccer locations Geneva League: Geneva, OH for some older teams and players.
Tournaments: Ohio mostly, Kentucky, Pennsylvania. Not limited to these states College
Showcases: Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina. Not limited to these states
What days will we play games?
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Non High School Players:
- CASA League - most games on Saturdays. 1 to 2 weeknight and 1 to 2 Sunday games possible
- CASA League - minimum 6 and maximum 8 league games
- Regional League - Saturdays or Sundays. Weeknights are seldom
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High School Players:
- CASA League - Saturdays and some Sundays. 2 possible weeknight games
- CASA League - minimum 6 and maximum 8 league games
- Regional League - Saturdays or Sundays. Weeknights are seldom
When will we know the game schedule for the season?
- Outdoor Fall & Spring Season: 2 to 3 weeks before the first game
- Indoor CASA Season: 6 to 8 days before each game
- Indoor Geneva Indoor Season: 3 weeks before the first game
- GLA/GLC (Regional Leagues) - 3 weeks before the first game
Do we attend tournaments and are they mandatory?
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Yes, we do attend tournaments. We try to invite teams to at least 1 tournament. Players are encouraged to attend but they are not mandatory. We understand that conflicts can occur and a player may not be able to participate.
Are higher level events such as Showcases & State Cup offered?
Yes. Some players can be invited to attend events such as Showcases and State Cup tournaments. These events are typically an additional fee.
Showcases are elite events mainly for high school age players hoping to play soccer beyond high school, or elevate their game to a higher level. A Showcase event is an opportunity for players to play against competitive opponents and to be observed by college coaches. Whether you are hoping to be a “recruited walk-on”, a “scholarship athlete”, or simply play in a competitive atmosphere, Showcases are excellent for your exposure and personal growth.
Showcases are optional and fees range from $90 to $130 for each player. Showcase participants can be Strikers members, or guest players from other programs
When will we stay in hotels?
Hotel stay is dependent on the distance of the event. Hotel costs are the responsibility of the player, and families have the convenient option to choose the hotel block organized by the tournament. In some instances, players are allowed to stay with family if it is more convenient for them. For tournaments or regional games, we schedule to avoid overnight stays whenever possible.
TRAINING:
What days and where will we train?
- We practice two days a week Monday through Thursday
- Up to 3 Friday practices are possible each outdoor season
- Practice days depend on the coach availability and will typically be shared 2 weeks prior to the start of the season
- We train in Wooster for both outdoor and indoor season
- A player may attend additional practices with another age group or gender at no additional cost
Does the club provide opportunities to play all year round?
Yes. The club provides the opportunity to participate all year round. It is definitely beneficial and strongly recommended. Players are encouraged to at least train during the season they are unavailable for games.
Club Fees / Refunds
What are all the club fees?
Fees vary by age and league. CLICK THIS LINK TO REVIEW THE FEE CHART
Compare our fees. We are over 60% less than other premier level clubs
How do I pay my fees?
- Invoices are sent via email from SportsEngine app to the email you use to create your SE account.
- Payment may be made online, by cash or check.
- An additional fee is charged by SportsEngine if you choose to pay by credit card
- There is a fee associated with each event you accept
Is there a payment plan available for club fees?
Yes. OSU will work with families to create payment schedules if needed. Contact the Billing department directly at: ohiostrikersbilling@gmail.com
UNIFORMS:
Will I need a new uniform?
Yes. A uniform must be worn to participate. Uniforms are purchased every 2 years. Players who join late in the season and do not have their uniform must contact the director for options while waiting for the arrival of their uniform.
How often are new uniforms purchased?
Uniforms are purchased every 2 years so they can be worn for 6 seasons. Uniforms are changed because manufacturers guarantee product availability only for limited periods.
Will I still need to purchase a uniform if there is 1 YEAR left in the uniform cycle?
Yes. A player entering the club in the Fall season will need to purchase a new uniform for that year. At the end of the year, your next uniform purchase will last 2 years.
Will I still need to purchase a uniform if there is 1 season left?
If the uniform is in its final season and you are a senior, we will work with you to find a more practical option. If you are not a senior, you are expected to purchase the uniform as the team you will join already has a complete uniform kit. Please speak with the Club Director regarding this situation.
Where can I find the full uniform details?
Additional Information
How does the club advise and help prepare players who are interested in playing in college?
The director and coaches will communicate with college coaches on your behalf. College coaches connected to the club are always willing to advise players. The club sends college communication templates for players to use. We follow up with players and inquire about their interactions with college coaches as well as provide recommended responses when communicating with college coaches. Also, we encourage ID camps at your college of interest and we attend showcases.
May I still participate in the club if I have personal commitments or conflicts on certain days?
Yes. We understand that a player may have particular days they may be unavailable. Knowing in advance helps us to plan accordingly so that the team has a replacement if needed.
Can I play another sport while I am with the club?
Yes. Have a discussion with the director, Ian Holford, regarding your primary and secondary team so that we know what decisions will be made when conflicts arise. Knowing in advance helps us to plan accordingly so that the team has a replacement if needed.
Contacts
General Contact Information & Directors
- Club Director: Ian Holford - ianholfordosu@gmail.com / 330-202-2255 (Text/Call)
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For All Strikers Info: ohiostrikersinfo@gmail.com
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Registrars: ohiostrikersregistrar@gmail.com
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For Billing: ohiostrikersbilling@gmail.com
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Uniform Coordinators: ohiostrikersuniform@gmail.com
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Hotels for Events: ohiostrikershotels@gmail.com
Become A striker
What steps must I complete to become an official member of the club?
- Attend a tryout June (for 8th grade and below) or November (players in high school)
- Attend a practice to evaluate our club
- Contact us at both: ianholfordosu@gmail.com AND ohiostrikersinfo@gmail.com
- Receive a formal invitation
- Next: Deposit - Fees - Forms