SPIRE FC Cleveland, the dynamic soccer club affiliated with SPIRE Academy, has made a dramatic entrance to the Northeast elite soccer scene. Established in May 2022, SPIRE FC Cleveland is on a mission to develop the next generation of young soccer stars.

SPIRE FC is not just another community club. It’s a competitive soccer program dedicated to nurturing talent, character and a genuine love for the sport. Director of Coaching Michael McLaughlin proudly explained that they have had more kids join college soccer teams than any other club in Ohio. Their players have gone on to top institutions including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Xavier, Penn and Washington University in St. Louis.

Thanks to their close partnership with Columbus Crew, talented SPIRE FC players have a clear path to MLS. Players have consistent training with Columbus Crew, and an extensive list of opportunities with professional clubs worldwide for those with both talent and ambition.

While SPIRE FC has quickly risen in the ranks, they are eager to spread the word about their Cleveland roots. Coach McLaughlin explained, “We have an incredible coaching staff. We’ve got amazing facilities, and so now we’re trying to spread who we are and what we’re doing.” The club wants its community to know that they are Cleveland-first.

In its inaugural season in 2023, SPIRE FC exceeded all expectations. The 04 team clinched the Ohio State Cup, won the Regional Championships in St. Louis and made it to the semi-finals of the Nationals in Orlando. Notably, four players received All-American honors, two players made the USYS team of the year and 13 players were offered scholarships to prestigious universities, including Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State. The 07 group also reached the Nationals in Orlando, and the 2011 team secured numerous tournament victories.

Uniquely positioned to help young athletes excel academically and athletically, SPIRE FC Cleveland has strong ties both to SPIRE Academy and to local St. Ignatius High School. The club is also focused on actively recruiting talented young players who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game. Coach McLaughlin highlighted, “We’re excited that SPIRE FC has this holistic approach to help young men and women grow in a healthy goal-oriented way that will help them to be really successful in life.”

SPIRE FC recently achieved a significant milestone by partnering with the Donauschwaben German American Cultural Center and establishing a “home” where all of its teams can practice at the same facility. This fosters unity and a sense of family among players and helps coaches communicate more effectively.

SPIRE FC offers opportunities for players aged 8-18, and the Residential Academy offers accommodations for players aged 14-19. Younger players aged 5 -12 can join the inaugural SPIRE Junior Academy program in Geneva, with plans in preparation to open a similar junior program in Cleveland. SPIRE FC aims to provide young talents with a fun and nurturing environment to develop their skills, with a strong focus on ball mastery and technique.

Further diversifying its offerings, SPIRE FC also plans to introduce a girls’ program to both its FC and Academy teams next year.

SPIRE FC is not only about soccer. Education is also a top priority. Many FC players are students attending SPIRE Academy this year and will be playing on FC teams. This integration offers more opportunities for both the football club and the academy to introduce SPIRE FC to talented players from all over the world. This allows team members to learn from and socialize with individuals from different countries and cultures, enriching their education. Cleveland area FC players also have the opportunity to attend SPIRE Academy, board at the school during the week and go home for the weekends. Area students who wish to commute can also attend as day students and receive a comprehensive education with the advantage of many training sessions complete with daily access to the school’s sports psychology coaches.

As SPIRE FC Cleveland continues to flourish, the club invites the Cleveland community to come and discover this team’s commitment to developing top-tier soccer talent while staying true to local Cleveland roots. Join SPIRE FC Cleveland in their journey to accomplishment.