MARION — FooteOhio SC needed a home, and Marion City Schools provided it.
The men's semi-professional soccer team will be comfortable at Harding Stadium during the spring season.
“It's pretty cool and people should come see it,” said Marion Harding Athletic Director Sean Kearns. “We're doing radio broadcasts in Spanish. The games will be live streamed. It's very serious. ” he said.
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Why Marion?
The Marion Group rents the stadium for Sunday games throughout the year, and in the past Foot-Ohio SC officials have visited for games. When clubs were unable to use the field for their own games, Harding Stadium was remembered and the call was made.
“We were able to work with the central office and prepare for a few nights, which is great,” Kearns said. “They’re really excited to get to know the young people in the area.”
What is Foot Ohio SC?
The Columbus-based soccer club competes in the United Premier Soccer League, North America's largest professional development league, with approximately 400 clubs across the United States.
This is the fourth division, three spots below the Columbus Crew and Major League Soccer. According to its website, the average age of its players is 22 to 23 years old, bridging the gap between youth and true professional football. Fut Ohio SC participates in the 10-team Ohio League sponsored by the UPSL.
Kearns said the group made its debut at Harding Stadium two weeks ago and started the year with a 1-0 win over Indy Gladiators SC, but lost 5-1 to FC Cincinnati Academy. This is high-level soccer.
Who are the players?
Footy Ohio SC's roster is truly international. Eight countries listed are from the United States, and the rest are from 12 countries: Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Haiti, Algeria, Egypt, Venezuela, United Kingdom, Honduras, Tanzania, and Togo.
When do they play in Marion?
The next game will be Saturday at 7 p.m., when the club hosts Ohio League leader InterColumbus FC, which they won 3-0. Other games scheduled for Saturday night at Harding Stadium at 7 p.m. are May 11 against Greater Columbus Football Club, June 1 against Lions Football Club and June 22 against Columbus.・It will be a match against Wolves FC. Postseason matches could be held later in the summer.
What is admission?
All games are free and seating is general admission. Children will be allowed on the field with the players for the national anthem, and Kearns said he is looking for as many ballgirls and ballboys to work the sidelines as possible.
“I emailed everyone around the surrounding schools and leagues to let them know. It's there, it's available, and it's great for football. It's growing like crazy,” Kearns said.
Kearns said there were between 250 and 300 fans at the game for the opening game, and he expects that number to increase as the season progresses.
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