Young Columbus Soccer Stars Get Shot at MLS Dream Through Crew Academy Tryouts

For young soccer players across Central Ohio, the dream of one day wearing the black and gold of the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer starts long before they ever set foot on a professional pitch. It starts at the Columbus Crew Academy — and for many aspiring players, it all begins with a tryout.

The Columbus Crew Academy is the official youth development program of the Columbus Crew, one of MLS's founding clubs. The academy serves as a pipeline for talented young players aged 9 through 18, organized across multiple age groups that mirror the structure of elite youth soccer development. From the youngest U-9 and U-10 players just learning the game at a high level, all the way up to the U-17 and U-18/19 squads where professional futures begin to take shape, the academy provides a structured, professional environment for growth at every stage.

Kids who earn a spot on an academy roster gain access to resources that go far beyond what most youth clubs can offer. Players train at top-tier facilities alongside Crew coaching staff and development personnel, receiving instruction rooted in the same tactical philosophy used by the first team. The program emphasizes technical skill, soccer IQ, physical development, and the mental demands of competing at a high level.

"This is about giving the best young players in our region a real pathway," said a Crew Academy spokesperson. "We want kids who have the talent and the drive to see what it looks like to train like a professional — and to understand what it takes to get there."

Beyond the training itself, academy players benefit from exposure to the Crew's professional environment, including opportunities to attend first-team matches, interact with players, and in some cases, train alongside the senior squad. For the most elite prospects, the academy serves as a direct stepping stone to the Crew's reserve and first-team structures, and ultimately to a professional career in MLS.

Tryouts are held seasonally and are open to players who meet the age requirements for each respective age group. Families interested in having their child participate are encouraged to visit the Columbus Crew's official website for tryout schedules, registration details, and eligibility requirements.

For the kids lacing up their cleats and dreaming of the big stage, the Crew Academy represents more than just a team — it's the first real step on the road to MLS.