OHIO STORM FUTBOL CLUB COMING TO SPORTS FORCE PARKS

SPORTS FORCE PARKS AND BAY AREA SOCCER LEAGUE TEAM UP TO CREATE OHIO STORM FUTBOL CLUB

SANDUSKY, OH (July 17, 2019) -- Sports Force Parks and the Bay Area Soccer League (BASL) have joined together to move youth soccer forward in the North Central area of Ohio, as Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center becomes the new home for travel teams which will play under the newly formed Ohio Storm Futbol Club.

The change will allow Ohio Storm FC travel teams the opportunity to grow in the competitive soccer arena and transition to professional licensed coaches, with a focus on player development and expanded training, while becoming one of the top programs in Ohio. Teams will continue to play their travel schedules during the fall and spring seasons and will also have the opportunity for training during the winter season. Additional tournament play will also be part of the training and development regimen for registered players.

“This is a great opportunity for Sports Force Parks to help grow the sport of soccer in this region,” said Brian Storm, Sports Force Parks President and CEO. “By building upon the great foundation started by the Bay Area Soccer League, we will further our commitment to the community by taking over the operations of the current program, while making improvements to the organization that will help participants continue to succeed in the sport.”

BASL Director of Coaching and Training, Paul Lea, will continue in his current role with the Ohio Storm FC, overseeing the travel program and coach development for the recreation league. Lea grew up in England, playing soccer competitively for more than 25 years, including at University in the UK. He has been coaching soccer for more than 18 years, including the last seven years in the United States. Lea also serves as the head varsity boys coach at Perkins (Ohio) High School. Holding licenses and certifications in both Europe and United States, Lea brings a passion for the game and a dedication to teach and develop player’s skills both on and off the pitch.

In addition to taking over operations of the travel program, Sports Force Parks will support and manage the recreational Bay Area Soccer League which has been a main stay in Erie County for more than 35 years. The BASL recreation program will continue to practice and play at Osborn Park in Sandusky, Ohio. Combining Sports Force Parks’ commitment to youth sports, along with the passion and knowledge of the park’s staff, Ohio Storm FC and BASL will continue to grow the soccer landscape in the North Central Ohio area for years to come.

Registration for the Ohio Storm FC and BASL recreation program, which runs from August through October, is currently open and is scheduled to close July 31, 2019 for the travel program and August 10, 2019 for the recreation leagues.