September 2025 Newsletter
OTSC Fall Academy
September 2025 Newsletter
A message from President Ryan Merrill
Dear OTSC Families,
The Fall 2025 season is officially underway. Our fields have been freshly lined, and our coaches and players have been putting in the work during training and matches. All teams have now begun league play, and we are proud to report that we opened the season with our now-traditional friendlies against LSSA, where our teams competed extremely well.
We are excited to watch each team grow throughout the season. It is our sincere hope that every family enjoys a fall filled with great memories, wholesome development, and lifelong friendships.
As always, we want to remind our families that soccer starts at home. The love of the game is fostered through positive, supportive experiences outside of formal practice, from passing the ball in the backyard to cheering each other on during games. These are the moments that shape our players both on and off the field.
Thank you to all of our players and families for your commitment to OTSC. Your dedication upholds our mission and philosophy, and your sportsmanship continues to reflect our community in a positive and inspiring light.
Academy Launch & Fall Programming
We’re thrilled to announce that our Fall Academy will begin this month on Sunday evenings, led by Coach Don Miller. This program is specially designed for our youngest players and provides a strong technical foundation in a fun, structured environment. Registration is still open on our website for those interested in joining.
Our Fall T-shirt and Hoodie Sale wrapped up this past Friday. Thank you to everyone who placed an order. Proceeds from this sale will go directly toward field maintenance and equipment costs, supporting the continued improvement of our facilities.
Thank you again to all our families, volunteers, and sponsors who make OTSC such a special place to play, grow, and connect.
We look forward to an exciting season ahead.
Sincerely,
Ryan Merrill
President, Old Town Soccer Club
Fall Academy
Fall Academy has begun. You can join the action at any point. Please share this link below with any young players that would like to learn the sport.
Supplemental 2025-2026 Tryouts
Yearly tryouts for the 2025-26 Season happen in the month of May. We will be offering supplemental tryouts from October 6th to the 10th for U14 and younger players not currently playing fall school soccer. U15 and above currently playing school soccer will have a single tryout day on October 26th. Please check the Tryouts page or subscribe to our email list below for more details.
Player Spotlights
Our U14 team has a leader who wears the captain’s armband with pride, but what makes him truly special goes far beyond the strip of fabric. Our striker is a force on the pitch—deadly in front of goal, yet graceful and selfless in every part of the game. In just three matches, he has already scored 12 goals, a remarkable record that speaks to his sharp eye, blistering pace, and natural finishing instinct.
He has a way of making defenders nervous. With quick feet and clever dribbles, he slips through tight spaces as if the ball is tied to his boots. When it looks impossible, he creates magic, either by scoring himself or setting up a teammate with an unselfish pass. His movement off the ball is just as impressive—always looking for the right space, always one step ahead of the defense.
But what sets him apart is that he is not just a striker. He tracks back, tackles hard, and supports the defense when the team is under pressure. His versatility makes him invaluable; whether leading the attack, dropping deep to link play, or helping defend a corner, he gives everything for the badge.
Off the pitch, he is humble, respectful, and a role model for the entire squad. Despite his incredible scoring record, he never brags. He celebrates his teammates’ goals as much as his own, reminding everyone that football is a team sport. That is why he is not just our top scorer but also our general captain—the heart and soul of the team.
With players like him, the future of our team looks very bright.
How long have you been playing soccer?
10 years
How many years have you played for Old Town?
5 years
Please share a memorable moment in your soccer career.
When my team and I won a tournament in penalty shootouts, but just before that we were down 0-3. We ended up tying it up right before the ref blew his whistle by a corner kick. Then we went into a penalty shootout and won with one of my personal favorite coaches Olawtobi Ojo.
Why do you enjoy playing for Old Town Soccer Club?
I enjoy playing for Old Town Soccer club because of my wonderful friends which help me get better every day. Also I’ve had many great coaches. I want to shout out Coach Brent, Coach Oluwotobi, Coach Ian, and Coach Johnny.
Do you have a favorite soccer team or player?
My favorite soccer team is the Columbus Crew and my favorite player is Cucho Hernandez which he used to be on the crew but now he plays on Real Betis.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I like to ride roller coasters
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Gabby is on OTSC Girls U11 team. She has mainly played defense for our team and is currently in the center back position. She has helped create one of the strongest defenses that we have seen so far this season in our division. Gabby has become more vocal on and off the field this season. She has a positive attitude, and encourages her fellows teammates. Gabby is becoming a great leader on our team!
How long have you been playing soccer?
4 years
How many years have you played for Old Town?
2.5 years
Please share a memorable moment in your soccer career.
Hanging out with my friends between games at tournaments.
Why do you enjoy playing for Old Town Soccer Club?
I get to play with my best friends and I have learned so much about soccer!
Do you have a favorite soccer team or player?
My brother and his varsity team- Fisher Catholic Irish!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am the youngest of 6 children and they all played for OTSC and went on to play throughout high school. There is a 20 year age difference between me and my oldest brother. My oldest 2 brothers played on the original OTSC teams in 2007!
Easton Thomas has never played goalie, and stepped up in a big way for team, made multiple saves to keep us in game to beat Worthington United’s top team 8-4. He is a Vocal leader and always celebrating/paraising teammates! His hustle is outmatched by none, and always has a can do attitude! He is a great teammate and builds up others around him. When things get tough, he doesn’t shy away, he runs towards it!
How long have you been playing soccer?
5 years
How many years have you played for Old Town?
3 years
Please share a memorable moment in your soccer career.
When I scored in the championship game at the Haunted Classic.
Why do you enjoy playing for Old Town Soccer Club?
I like the competition and playing with my friends.
Do you have a favorite soccer team or player?
My favorite player is my Uncle, Lane Farley. He played Old Town when he was my age and then played High School soccer for Coach Riddelbarger. In high school he was number 13 too.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have a farm and know how to drive tractors.
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Crosby Barry has built an impressive soccer career at Old Town, always standing out as a key player despite often being one of the smallest on the field. From an early age, he consistently played up a year, proving his skill, grit, and determination against older competition. Crosby never missed an opportunity to improve—whether through extra camps, additional training, or playing in any extra game he could find—showing a relentless commitment to the sport and a passion that set him apart as both a competitor and a teammate.
How long have you been playing soccer?
6 Years.
How many years have you played for Old Town?
5 Years
Please share a memorable moment in your soccer career.
Winning the Haunted Classic
Why do you enjoy playing for Old Town Soccer Club?
All the friendships I have made.
Do you have a favorite soccer team or player?
Columbus Crew / Messi
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My dogs name is Messi