About Hammer FC 

Hammer FC is a non-profit organization affiliated with Ohio South Youth Soccer Association through its participation in the Cincinnati United Soccer League (CUSL), the Midwest Regional League (MRL), and Buckeye/MOSSL Premier League (BPYSL). Ohio South Youth Soccer lies within the boundaries of Region 2 and is a member of US Youth Soccer, the world largest youth sports organization in the world. US Youth Soccer is the largest affiliate of US Soccer, a member of FIFA, the governing body of world soccer.

The Hammer FC organization has long been a soccer pioneer in Cincinnati. We were the first to introduce paid, professional coaches to work with our players. We were also the first Club to hire a Director of Coaching and the first Club to develop a structured training curriculum for our players and teams. Hammer is the first and only club in Cincinnati to have a full-time Director of Goalkeeping. Per our bylaws, all coaches in Hammer FC are paid-professional staff, none are parent coaches.  Hammer is funded primarily by player fees. 

Hammer FC Staffing

The Directors/ Technical staff reports to the Board of Directors and are responsible for all soccer-related decisions of the club, including the identification and selection of coaches, curriculum and training methods/structure.   The Club Administrator reports to the General Manager.

The Director of Goalkeeping is responsible for all aspects within the club relating to goalkeeping.

The Director of Coaching-Youth is responsible for all aspects of the U9-U11 boys and girls’ age groups, the Youth Academy.

The Director of Coaching- Juniors is responsible for all aspects of the u12 and U13 boys’ and girls’ age groups, the Junior Academy.

The Director of Coaching-Boys is responsible for all aspects of the U14-U18 boys’ age groups, the Senior Boys’ Academy.

The Director of Coaching-Girls is responsible for all aspects of the U14-U18 girls’ age groups, the Senior Girls’ Academy.

Our Approach

Hammer FC is a college-preparatory program. All soccer-related decisions are made with the end goal of providing our players with the best possible opportunities at the collegiate level. Our organization promotes the physical, mental, and social development of youth in the team sport of soccer and endeavors to develop outstanding players who will excel at the higher levels of soccer and continue to have a lifelong enjoyment of the world’s greatest game.

Hammer FC offers a team camp and the most advanced and inclusive winter training program to further aid in each player achieving their full potential. In addition, all players receive a player evaluation at the end of each season.

Youth Development Academy 

Started in Fall 2005, The Youth Development Academy was a natural progression from our fall U8/U9/U10 training methods. Players that participate in the YDA are encouraged to participate with their community or school-based rec programs and join us for one day/week of training. Teams are not formed in the YDA.

To read a more detailed explanation of the Youth Development Academy, go to the Youth Development Academy from the Programs menu. 

The YDA is overseen by the Youth Director.

U9-U13 Youth and Junior Academy 

The U9-U13 Junior Academy is the foundation of Hammer FC with a curriculum aimed at instilling a "Passion for the Game" and developing each child’s technical, psychomotor and psycho-social skills. 

Training is based on instilling a foundation of technical proficiency for future successes. While a majority of training still emphasizes skill development, at the U11 & U13 age groups small group tactical concepts become part of the curriculum.  Players will be exposed to various positions at this age group and all teams will play using zonal principles along the backline. 

While Classics Hammer FC has a proven record of tournament and league success, our goal in these age groups are long-term. Our decisions related to player development are directly affected by this goal.

U14 to U18 Senior Academy

The Senior Academy is focused on preparing players for high school, college, ODP and beyond.  While training continues to be our number one priority, we believe that competition is a vital component player development. To that end, all league and tournament play is determined by how it helps us reach our goals of player development and collegiate exposure. 

Developing the athlete becomes an integral part of the individual player development process. Through out partnership with Ignition Athletic Performance Group, we provide each player the opportunity to development their soccer-related speed and conditioning. Winning and the pursuit of State, Regional, and National Championships is much more important at these age groups.