Partners on the Pitch

In every newsletter we look to tell our members more about our fantastic partners. In this edition, we focus on our relationships with various and multiple college programs and coaches, whose attendance at two of our premier events—The College Boys ID Camp and the Girls Buckeye Showcase—allows us to create opportunities for players to grow, compete, and explore pathways to college soccer.

Read on to hear the story behind these 2 events and how our partners' cooperation means we were able to deliver both of them again recently, to both our members and non-members.

Creating Pathways to College Soccer at CUSC

At Cincinnati United Soccer Club, providing opportunities for young athletes is at the heart of what we do. While this article highlights two of our high-profile college exposure events—the College Boys ID Camp and the Girls Buckeye Showcase—they are just part of a broader ecosystem of programming and pathways we offer throughout the year. The connection with our college partners is never too far away on a year-round basis, and we are grateful for that.

Building Connections with College Coaches

Both the College Boys ID Camp and the Girls Buckeye Showcase are designed to connect players directly with college programs, but each approaches it slightly differently. The boys event allows individual player sign-ups, giving participants a chance to form new combinations and experience a competitive, small-sided game format that mirrors traditional college ID Camp settings. As Nedim Gracanin, MLS NEXT HD & AD U16-U19 Director, explains: 

"College programs were doing their own ID Camps, and kids had to travel to these, which required time off school or stays at hotels. We decided we would try to bring the coaches to us to make it easier for our players. We also wanted to keep the level of the ID Camp high because we know the level of our own players." 

The Girls Buckeye Showcase, on the other hand, is a team-based, one-day event featuring both CUSC teams and invited clubs. Katrin Kaarna, Girls Academy Director, notes: "The showcase provides a competitive platform for elite female players and allows college coaches to see multiple teams in one day. It’s efficient for both players and coaches and ensures a high concentration of competition." 

What unites both events is the emphasis on coaching involvement and education. College coaches don’t just watch—they engage in presentations, small group discussions, and offer feedback to help players better understand the recruiting process. Nedim adds: 

"Players often hear us talk about recruiting, but when they hear it from the coaches themselves, it really puts them at ease. It helps them build confidence and understand how to navigate the process." 

Gonzalo Carranza, Bowling Green University, highlights the value of the Boys ID Camp format: 

"In a game, players might touch the ball less often. The small-sided format allows more reps and more actions. You can see how locked in they are from start to finish and how they compete in every activity." 

Similarly, on the girls side, Darren Gallagher, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Mount St. Joseph University, emphasizes the Buckeye Showcase’s effectiveness: 

"The Buckeye Showcase continues to be a premier recruiting event, and that’s evident by the 50+ college coaches in attendance. The CUP Girls Academy & Aspire teams compete against the top clubs in the Midwest, and for recruiting exposure, it goes a long way in the evaluation process!" 

Preparing Players for Success

Both events prioritize more than just visibility—they are educational and developmental experiences. At the Boys ID Camp, small-sided games and observation periods allow college coaches to see players frequently involved with the ball, their decision-making under pressure, and their ability to communicate with teammates. Niko Malobabi, Otterbein University, explains: 

"The setting gets kids out of their comfort zone so you can see who is truly comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. Body language and interaction with teammates stand out more in this environment." 

Seth Owings, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Ohio Northern University, echoed the importance of evaluating the full player experience beyond just match play:

“ID Camps are valuable because it allows us as coaches to not only see the soccer side, but also how players interact in classroom sessions, with coaches, and with each other. Finding talent is important, but it’s more important to know what kind of person they are.”

He also emphasized the impact of the event format:

“Small-sided is important because players cannot hide. It makes them make quicker decisions and really show off their technical ability in a tighter space, which is a big factor in recruiting.”

The Buckeye Showcase provides a similar experience for girls, compressing meaningful competition into a single day so coaches can compare players across positions and teams efficiently. Hugh Seyfarth, CUSC Director of Coaching, notes: 

"Recruiting has changed drastically since the Buckeye Showcase began. Roster limits and transfer portal rules, amongst others, have changed the landscape. Our showcase prepares players for this environment." 

In both cases, the events are structured to allow personal connections. College coaches can interact with players during presentations, breaks, and informal conversations, building relationships that last beyond the field. As Nedim points out: “It’s about relationships and networking as much as it is about the soccer.” 

Even professional programs get involved. David Kerr from FC Cincinnati Academy attended the boys’ ID Camp, scouting older players and building long-term connections with the club, demonstrating the breadth of exposure our players receive.

Event Planning and Execution

Behind the scenes, planning these events is an exercise in precision. The Boys ID Camp begins about six to seven months ahead, ensuring coaches receive schedules and player information in time. Similarly, the Buckeye Showcase’s planning begins almost immediately after the previous year’s event concludes, with six months dedicated to finalizing schedules, confirming referees, and managing coach invitations. Katrin Kaarna says: 

"When teams and college coaches arrive, everything feels professional, efficient, and intentional. The quality of competition is the foundation of the showcase." 

Event day is fast-paced. Coordinators move between players, coaches, and games, while making sure every logistical detail—from field preparation to hospitality—is in place. This combination of operational excellence and soccer evaluation ensures that players, coaches, and families all benefit from a well-organized experience.

Player Outcomes and Club Advantage

For players, these events offer more than a chance to be seen. They help participants understand the recruiting process, build confidence, and learn to perform in high-pressure environments. At the Boys ID Camp, roughly 75% of attendees come from within CUSC, giving internal players priority while still allowing select external talent to enhance competition. 

Both events have already had tangible results. Nedim recalls: “Last year, we had 2 players commit after our ID Camp—Aiden Faber (Wooster) and Xavier Michael Stocks (Otterbein). Both players had successful freshman seasons. This shows the event can directly impact players’ opportunities.” 

On the girls side, college coaches regularly highlight the level of competition and efficiency. Katrin shares: “We intentionally invite clubs with strong competitive records to ensure every match presents meaningful challenges. This gives players the best opportunity to showcase their skills and stand out.” 

The impact extends beyond technical skills. Coaches evaluate leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship—qualities that distinguish players on and off the field. Gonzalo Carranza advises players at the ID Camp: “The work starts before the event. Being a well-rounded player every day will naturally show when being watched at these events.” Niko Malobabi adds: “Don’t worry about winning or losing. Focus on how you interact with teammates and respond to situations on the field.”

Looking Ahead

CUSC’s focus on these two events demonstrates our commitment to creating clear pathways for players to reach the next level, whether that is college, professional, or simply maximizing their youth soccer experience. Both Nedim and Katrin emphasize the importance of relationships, preparation, and consistent competition in shaping players’ futures: 

"We want to make the Boys ID Camp an annual event, especially as seniors are making decisions about their future," Nedim says. 

"Our goal with the Buckeye Showcase is to continue refining the experience so players leave better equipped for the next level," Katrin adds. 

Ultimately, these events reflect the club’s broader philosophy: providing opportunities for development, exposure, and education year-round. While this article highlights two marquee events, CUSC offers programming across all age groups and ability levels to ensure every player has access to pathways that match their goals. Indeed, just recently, the club has announced that the girls side too will be hosting their own College ID Camp on May 3rd this spring. [Families can check their email or speak to their coach or Technical Director to find out more]

Whether through individual evaluation, high-level showcases, or daily training, CUSC continues to prepare players for the challenges and opportunities ahead, giving them the tools, connections, and confidence to pursue soccer at the highest level possible. And to bring it full circle, none of that would be possible without the partnership of the college programs and coaches who participate, and for that, everyone at CUSC is truly thankful.