USL Player Pathway With Cleveland Force SC
Comprehensive USL Player Pathway
Cleveland Force is proud to offer a complete, clearly defined player pathway in partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) — creating one of the most structured and ambitious development models in the region for both boys and girls. This pathway is designed to support players at every stage of their journey, from early youth development through pre-professional competition, while emphasizing long-term growth, high-level competition, and meaningful opportunity.
A Clear Route From Youth to Pre-Professional Soccer
The Cleveland Force x USL Player Pathway provides athletes with a progressive environment that aligns training, competition, and exposure across multiple age groups and levels. Each phase of the pathway is purpose-built to prepare players for the next step — technically, tactically, physically, and mentally — while keeping development at the center of the experience.
Pathway Overview
USL Youth (U10–U14)
The foundation of the pathway begins at the youth level, where players are introduced to a club-neutral training and competition model.
- ID Clinics and summer competition opportunities
- Emphasis on technical development, creativity, and confidence
- Pathway culminates with qualification to the USL Youth Finals
USL Futures (U13–U15)
The Futures level serves as a bridge between youth soccer and the high-performance environment.
- Invitation-based training program
- Focused on preparing players for elite youth and pre-professional demands
- Players are evaluated and positioned for advancement within the club’s professional pathway
USL Academy (Boys U15–U20)
W League Reserves (Girls U15–U17)
Within the USL Academy for boys and the USL W League Reserves for girls, players enter a highly competitive, long-term development structure.
- Clear alignment with USL standards
- Emphasis on tactical understanding, physical development, and game intelligence
- Designed to prepare players for the transition to pre-professional soccer
USL League Two & USL W League (U23)
The top of the pathway provides a pre-professional platform for emerging players.
- Compete against top regional and national talent
- Opportunity to showcase ability while maintaining collegiate eligibility
- Direct exposure to the professional soccer environment
A Unified Vision for Player Development
The Cleveland Force x USL partnership ensures that players remain within a single, connected pathway, supported by experienced coaches, consistent methodology, and nationally recognized competition. Whether a player’s goal is college soccer, pre-professional competition, or beyond, Cleveland Force provides a structured environment that allows ambition to meet opportunity.
Take the Next Step
Cleveland Force is committed to developing players, not just teams. The USL Player Pathway reflects that commitment — offering clarity, continuity, and opportunity at every stage of the game.
2026 Season Tryouts
Take your shot at competing in the nation’s premier pre-professional pathway while representing Cleveland Force and the Northeast Ohio soccer community.
🗓️ December 22 & 23
📍 TOCA Rocky River
Women’s & Girls Pathway
⚽ USL W League — U23 Women | 12:00–1:30 PM
⚽ USL W League Reserves — U15-U20 Girls | 10:00–11:30 AM
Men’s & Boys Pathway
⚽ USL League Two — U23 Men | 4:00–5:30 PM
⚽ USL Academy — U15-U20 Boys | 2:00–3:30 PM
Secure your spot and begin your USL journey today:
www.clevelandforcesc.com/usl
USL Youth ID Clinics
The USL Youth Program is first and foremost a training program.
Players will be selected via the ID Clinics to participate in the training groups during the summer, and will have the opportunity to compete for roster spots during USL Youth league games and events. Teams will be competing to qualify for the 2026 USL Youth Finals in December (Tampa, Florida).
Cleveland Force Soccer Club will be offering Summer USL Youth Programs for boys & girls of the following ages:
- U10 - born between Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
- U11 - born between Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
- U12 - born between Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
- U13 - born between Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
- U14 - born between Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
Secure your spot and begin your USL journey today:
www.clevelandforcesc.com/USL-Y
USL YOUTH BOYS 2026 ID CLINICS
@ TOCA ROCKY RIVER
Sunday, January 11, 2026 l U13 - U14 Boys
2:00-3:15 PM Boys U13 l Born between Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
3:30-4:45 PM Boys U14 l Born between Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U13 - U14 USL Youth Boys Director, Chris Green
Saturday, February 7, 2026 l U10 - U12 Boys
5:00-6:00 PM Boys U10 l Born between Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
6:00-7:00 PM Boys U11 l Born between Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
7:00-8:00 PM Boys U12 l Born between Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U10 - U12 USL Youth Boys Director, Nick Howitt
USL YOUTH GIRLS 2026 ID CLINICS
@ TOCA ROCKY RIVER
Saturday, January 17, 2026 l U10 - U12 Girls
3:00-4:15 PM Girls U10 l Born between Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
4:30-5:45 PM Girls U12 l Born between Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2016
Sunday, January 18, 2026 l U13 - U14 Girls
2:00 - 3:15 PM Girls U13 l Born between Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
3:30 - 4:45 PM Girls U14 l Born between Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U10 - U14 USL Youth Girls Director, Toby Frohlich
