Columbus Futsal Summer 2025 Recap: Growing the Game, Making Moves

Sept. 22, 2025 - The summer of 2025 was one for the books.

Across Columbus and beyond, the Columbus Futsal family—Club, Academy, and Foundation—continued to grow the game, create opportunities, and celebrate milestones together. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished this summer and a preview of what’s next.

From neighborhood parks in Franklinton, to schools on the Southside, and to international courts in Orlando, Columbus Futsal was everywhere—building players, celebrating culture, and bringing people together. This summer was a powerful reminder of what futsal can do for our city.

Columbus Futsal Academy (CFA): Players Rising

The Academy had one of its busiest summers yet.

We kicked things off with the Founder’s Cup Street Tournament, where the community filled Tuttle Park to celebrate the game and each other. It wasn’t just about who won or lost—it was about music, laughter and players staying out until the lights came on, playing the game they love. Founder's Cup '25 showcased 36 teams including some from Marion, Cincinnati, and even Kentucky, as well as, local vendors El Lider Barber, DJ Gio, Tazita Coffee, Ohio360, Justice Sports Media, and Cazuelas food truck.

Then came the international stage. Our Columbus Futsal Academy teams competed at the United Futsal World Championships in Orlando, taking on some of the best teams in the world. The 2015 boys brought home bronze, the 2007/09 boys battled to become silver medalists, and our youngest group—the 2016/17 boys—gained experience they’ll never forget against teams from as far away as Australia and Brazil. Those games reminded us that futsal doesn’t just build skills—it builds memories and unforgettable experiences.

Here in Columbus, CFA partnered with Columbus City Schools Summer Enrichment program for the second summer in a row, bringing futsal to students at Southwood Elementary and Starling Middle School. For many kids, this was their first time trying futsal. By the end of the program, they weren’t just learning a sport—they were building teamwork, discipline, and finding joy within the game.

Meanwhile, the CFA Player Development Program for U7 and U8, kept players working on their fundamentals all summer long, our teams tested themselves in Cincinnati’s Futsal Fiesta, and nearly 180 players registered for tryouts—a new high that shows the excitement around CFA in Central Ohio.

Behind the scenes, we saw incredible growth in player commitments to bigger stages.

• Former CFA players now signed with 2025/26 Crew Academy U18–U15 teams include: Lincoln Justice, Luka Yaykin, Riyad Elaissami, Jayden Gandu, Kian Chea, and Jonah Lentz
  

• Additionally more than a dozen CFA U11–U14 are currently within the Crew Academy pre-formation stage, such as, Damian Orellana-Jones, Tyler Burkart and so many more
  

• CFA players earning spots with the newly formed MLS Next and Pre-MLS Next teams through Club Ohio include: Holden Fitzwater, Joel Barson, Taylor Wolf, Alessio Malave-Ulloa, Leonardo Malave-Ulloa, Sharief Shaheen, Porter McCutcheon, Sergio Davis, Braedyn Amankwaah, and Griffin Williams

Proof that the pathway is real! Columbus Futsal Academy is supporting and fueling soccer dreams in Columbus.

Columbus Futsal Foundation (CFF): Futsal for All

While the Academy is about elite development, the Foundation is about access. This summer, Columbus Futsal Foundation stayed true to its mission: making sure futsal belongs to everyone.

Supported by Nationwide Children's Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative, the Columbus Futsal Foundation (CFF) organized weekly free play sessions at locations like the Hardy Center in Linden, the Dodge Recreation Center in Franklinton, and Tuttle Park near Ohio State University. These sessions became vibrant hubs for diverse local youth, fostering inclusivity and safety without the pressures of competitive sports. The focus was on the joy of play, allowing every child to participate regardless of background or skill level, promoting friendships and physical activity.

CFF also partnered with OSU LiFESports to conduct one of its biannual futsal clinics at the Adams Community Center. These clinics provided structured opportunities for children to learn futsal, emphasizing on the fundamentals and play. Participants received expert instruction, engaged in skill-building drills, and enjoyed small-sided play, enhancing their understanding of the game and instilling teamwork.

Additionally, CFF managed the futsal portion of the sports-sampling at the annual Columbus Community Youth Camp at KIPP Columbus, introducing more children to futsal. Through engaging activities and demonstrations, children learned the fundamentals of the game, fostering a love for physical activity and encouraging lifelong engagement in sports.

Every ball rolled across those courts is another story of opportunity.

Columbus Futsal Club (CFC): Competing for the City

On the competitive side, Columbus Futsal Club traveled north to Akron, OH and returned home as Champions of the Futsal Champions Series (FCS) Akron Tour. The Columbus Futsal men continue to show what it looks like to compete at a high level while carrying the spirit of Columbus with them.

What’s Next

The summer has come and gone—but the next chapter is already here.

• Columbus Futsal Academy: Evaluations and enrollment are open—new players are welcome to join the journey. Explore CFA programs here.
  

• Columbus Futsal League (CFL): Registrations for winter futsal leagues are live! Register here.
  

• Columbus Futsal Foundation: Is looking to work with corporate donors to raise $25,000 for our scholarship fund—so kids who are limited by cost barriers still get the chance to develop their skills and broaden their dreams. Reach out to give@columbusfutsal.us.
  

• Community Events: Look for us hosting Calcetto at the Columbus Italian Festival Oct. 10-12th and a one-day street tournament at Dick’s House of Sport Polaris on Oct. 25th. Register here.
  

• Special Moments Ahead: Futsal Feminino SuperCopa and the countdown to Columbus Futsal's 20 year anniversary celebration at Founder’s Cup in 2026. View tournaments here.

Closing: Why We Do This

The summer of 2025 reminded us that futsal is bigger than what's on the court. It’s kids finding their voice in a new sport. It’s families gathering at community parks. It’s Columbus players taking the world stage. And it’s a city rallying around the belief that every young person deserves access to opportunity.

We’re proud of what we’ve built together—and we’re even more excited about where we’re going. The future of futsal in Columbus is bright, and the best is yet to come.