Soccer Mom Recap: Divide, Conquer, and a Futsal Championship

A Week of Divide-and-Conquer, Futsal Finals, and Full Soccer Hearts

Last week was one of our busier weeks as a family of six—and a perfect example of how much divide and conquer is required when soccer is a major part of your life.

Between trainings, travel, tournaments, and professional commitments, we leaned heavily on our village to make everything work.

The Week That Was

Early in the week, our U9 had team training while our U14 balanced both supplemental training and team sessions. At the same time, our U14 was preparing to head north for the US Youth Futsal Regional Tournament in Akron.

Because my husband and I were scheduled to attend the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, logistics became… creative. My mother-in-law came into town on Thursday, and our U14 traveled to Akron with a friend to ensure he could compete while we were away. It truly took a team effort.

United Soccer Coaches Convention: Work, Community, and a Little Magic

This year’s convention was one of the best we’ve attended in a while. It marked the fourth time we’ve gone as guests of Great Lakes Alliance, an organization I’ve supported for several years as a marketing consultant.

At convention, I help design and distribute collateral, support the booth while meetings are happening, and take meetings of my own—connecting with Ohio Soccer Moms and Dads Insiders, learning what’s new across the youth soccer landscape, and simply being present in the community.

If you’ve ever attended a convention, you know some of the most valuable moments happen after hours. Vendor-hosted events create space for real conversations, relationship-building, and shared learning. That time matters.

I also want to extend a genuine thank you to BYGA, US Club Soccer, Great Lakes Alliance, GotSport, Ohio Soccer Association, and Soccer Village for hosting and supporting us throughout the week.

The Moment That Always Gets Me

In case you don’t know this about me—I love this game deeply, and yes, I cry. Every single year at the convention, watching the All-Americans be recognized gets me. But the past two years have hit especially hard.

With that honor comes the reminder that the youth soccer journey does end. The time we have with our little soccer players is fleeting, and that realization hits my soccer-mom heart every time. I’m usually wiping away tears while everyone around me laughs—and honestly, that’s okay.

Back to Akron: Futsal Takes Center Stage

We returned home Saturday, did a quick load of laundry, and I headed to Akron to finish out the futsal tournament my son had been playing in all weekend.

Over the years, my kids have played in this regional event, and both Heart & Sole Futsal and Great Lakes Futsal have been OSMD Insiders for several seasons. Ironically, despite all that, this was my first time attending the event in person.

I’ll admit it: indoor sports—and futsal especially—make me nervous. The enclosed space, the speed, the energy—it’s intense. But one thing I loved about this event was how separated the parents were from the courts. It changed the atmosphere entirely. The energy felt different in a good way, and it allowed us to actually enjoy watching.

If you’ve never been to this event, it’s worth checking out. It’s massive and spans multiple venues.

College Campuses and Big Dreams

On Sunday, we were at the University of Akron. Being on a college campus is always fun—especially with an eighth grader who is starting to think about high school, recruitment, and what kind of school might be a good fit someday. Akron is a solid-sized university with impressive facilities, and it’s helpful for kids to see what’s out there.

Monday’s final took place at Goodyear Arena, which is a fascinating facility. Three full-size futsal courts, stadium-style seating, great lighting—and a theater space in the back where awards are presented. The entire setup makes kids feel like they’re part of something special.

Why the People Matter

Awards were presented by Otto Orf, a huge personality who brought big energy. Otto is a former professional futsal and soccer goalkeeper who has competed at the highest levels, including international play: Futsal World Cup and a CONCACAF championship.

Side Note: He was incredibly generous with his time—especially with my son. Because my son is lactose intolerant, finding food can be tricky. We ran into Otto at a restaurant that primarily served pizza. We realized there wasn't much my son could choose from and without hesitation, he went out of his way to make sure my son had something he could eat, taking us to the tournament HQ and sharing their referee and volunteer meal with him.

He talked with him, shared his story, and connected with him as a fellow futsal goalkeeper. Otto even gave us a pack of MSL cards which when we got back to the hotel had an Otto card inside. We brought it back with us this afternoon and Otto signed it and took a photo.

Full Circle Moments and Familiar Faces

Saturday brought two more reminders of why I love this game so much.

While sitting in the recreation center at Akron, I saw a little girl walking down the stairs toward the futsal courts. I recognized her face instantly—even though I had never met her. I asked her name, and she was exactly who I thought she was: the daughter of a friend from high school I hadn’t seen in nearly 20 years. We had recently reconnected through Ohio Soccer Moms and Dads. I told her to tell her mom I said hello, sent a quick text—and moments later, there she was. We chatted briefly and went on our way. Soccer has a funny way of reconnecting people.

Later, during my son’s semifinal, I posted a “Guess Where I Am” photo on Facebook. Shortly after, a coach found me and introduced himself. I interact with so many soccer families and professionals online but don’t always get the chance to meet them in person. It was great to finally connect. Thanks, Nick, for stopping by to say hello.

The Result—and What’s Ahead

My son’s futsal team faced another Columbus-based team made up of familiar players and coaches. It was a tight, competitive match—and incredibly fun. Coming away as champions was the icing on the cake.

We came home, did another quick load of laundry, and headed straight back to supplemental training.

Looking ahead, it’s more of the same in the best way: team training, supplemental sessions, tennis practice, and an indoor game as we continue gearing up for the spring season.

On the Ohio Soccer Moms and Dads side, we’re still collecting submissions for our Recreational Guide and beginning to shift focus toward our Summer Training and Camp Guide.

Busy? Always.

Tired? Usually.

Grateful? Every single day.

I really do love this game.