Wooster FC adds to Wayne County's already strong soccer scene
A week ago, the Northern Ohio Soccer League announced the membership of its 10th member, the Wooster Football Club. The club's leadership is headed by James Fox and the organization is rooted deep in the tradition of Wooster soccer.
"The access to the Wooster alumni, The College of Wooster, Ashland University and other area colleges, we realized this could be a decent squad," said Fox. "Wooster is such an amazingly supportive soccer community, that it was a no brainer."
Wooster FC will play their home games during the season spanning from May to June at Follis Field. Players playing with Wooster FC will have a chance to stay connected to the game past college and will also enable players to stay sharp and continue their development while in competing in college.
Both were traits that Fox enjoyed looking at as he looks to compile a roster, that could be as good as any in the league. That is just from compiling players that graduated or are a part of the Wooster program, as well as standouts from other nearby high-caliber programs like Norwayne and Central Christian, that could stockpile the roster quickly.
"We are definitely under the gun, so word of mouth and recommendation speak loudly," said Fox. "We are working directly with area college coaches, taking recommendations and requests to join. If additional players are needed, we will definitely coordinate a tryout."
One only has to look at the high level of soccer players coming out the Wooster High School ranks to understand why Fox is smiling. From Nate Monastra, Jaden Boucher, Simon Schonfeld, Drew Rader and his own son Aiden Strand-Fox, the glutton of high-level soccer players just from the Generals program speaks volumes in recent years. Wooster High School coach J.P. Lytle has the program trending in the right direction and has Fox and Wooster FC in a prime position to reap the rewards.
"It's something really good and hopefully we can keep it going," said Lytle. "Wooster is a great area for soccer, as it where the other teams in the league are from as well. We have great area players and there is a lot of talent.
"The competition is going to be high, most of these guys need touches, need more for their preseason and you know I love the grind. That's the stuff where it's fun and you get to see who is putting in the work and who is ready to go."
Those bonds, the community and the passion for soccer were what sealed it for the Wooster FC owner.
"This was everything," said Fox. "When you consider the storied history of our program, this seems like an amazing opportunity to keep our community connected, while gaining exposure in a broader market.
"For a town of Wooster's size to offer the spectrum of soccer, from recreation, travel, Graham Ford, Ohio Strikers United and now semi-pro, that's incredible. It also speaks to the support of this community and the idea that Wooster alumni who are in college and former college players can come back and join forces is amazing."
It's only fitting that Lytle has agreed to become the club's first coach, bringing experience, leadership and high IQ soccer to the table. Fox will look to mix that talent of Lytle with accessibility to local soccer coaches, Graham Ford and high-level clinics in addition to team practices.
"Schedules are tough for these guys," said Fox. "So, we will be flexible and creative about maximizing impact."
With an ultimate goal to make this a free experience for his players, Fox is compiling a list of sponsors that he hopes will cover any cost. Any sponsor looking to join may reach Fox at 330-347-7286 or woosterfc@gmail.com.
Ultimately the addition of Wooster FC gives Wayne County a program that is embedded into one of the most tradition-rich programs in the area. Combine that with high-level soccer players, coaches and staff, it will make for some fun battles on the pitch over the spring and summer as this fledgling program will look to take off.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Wooster FC adds to Wayne County's already strong soccer scene
