MV Sting Soccer
BECOME PART OF A GREAT SOCCER TRADITION

About Sting

Mount Vernon Sting is a competitive club soccer league open to players in Knox County and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide quality coaching focused on individual player development, teamwork, and having fun while playing in a competitive environment. We pride ourselves on developing the skills and knowledge each player needs to succeed at the high school level and beyond.

Parent Info

PLAYERS: The Sting program is designed for boys and girls, ages 7–15. Players will try out for teams and be selected based on their skills and readiness for soccer development based on assessments by U.S. Soccer licensed coaches.  Tryouts for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 seasons will be held May 30 – June 1, 2023. 

COACHING STAFF: Sting assures quality certified coaches, knowledgeable in the game of soccer, who will enthusiastically teach the skills, rules and fundamentals of the game in a fun but competitive learning environment. Coaches hold practices at least twice a week (occasionally more prior to start of the season). U13–U15 teams may practice 4–5 times per week during the preseason. Most home and away games are held on Saturdays and Sundays. However, an occasional weeknight game is possible.

EXCELLENCE: We consider a prime benefit of  Sting to be our experienced soccer coaches who build fundamental skills and team dynamics at a competitive level that puts us on a par with much larger and more expensive clubs in suburban Columbus, against whom we have competed successfully and consistently for 25 years.

GAMES & TEAMS: Sting teams play in the Ohio Champions League and Central Ohio Premier League, with practice and home game fields at the intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue and Cougar Drive. We have 6–8 regular-season games per season in the Columbus area, with limited home games. We typically participate in two tournaments per season.

• U9–U10: 7v7, with goalie (no drop kick) and build-out line, 25-min halves, size 4 ball
  
• U11–12: 9v9, 30-min halves, size 4 ball, heading starts at U12, goalies may drop kick
  
• U13+: 11v11, 35- to 40-min halves, size 5 ball

FEES: Player fees are collected twice annually (in July for the fall season and in February for the spring season), and include: Coach certification, coach/volunteer background checks, league and carding fees, tournament and referee fees, insurance and administrative costs, equipment, and field maintenance.  Scholarships are available to offset a portion of season fees. The average all-in, per-season cost, including a uniform kit, is $325–$350.


Contact Us
Curtis Patrick
Sting President
[email protected]



FAQs for Current & Prospective Parents

What is Sting’s mission?

Our mission is to provide quality coaching focused on individual player development, teamwork, and having fun while playing in a competitive environment. We pride ourselves on developing the skills and knowledge each player needs to succeed at the high school level and beyond.  

Is this “travel” soccer? 

Sting is a competitive club soccer organization. We play home games in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and away games in Central Ohio communities, such as Newark, Hilliard, Westerville, Lancaster, etc. None of our typical games or tournaments require overnight lodging. Carpooling is always welcome!

Who is eligible to play for Sting?

All boys and girls in Knox County and the surrounding area are eligible to try out for Sting. We field teams from U8/9 through U15 (roughly age 7 through 15). This fall, Sting is accepting players with birth years 2016 through 2009. Sting’s teams typically are comprised of one birth year. For example, all kids on our U11 teams this fall will have 2013 birthdates. Some teams may need to combine two birth years, such as our U8/9 team. For Fall 2023, Sting aims to field all-girls and all-boys teams U8/9 – U13, and coed teams for U14 and U15.

In addition, we welcomed back Sting Academy this year, a 5-week, once-weekly, skill-based training for young players. This program is a great add-on opportunity for kids in area programs seeking additional development and — most importantly — FUN!

How do I sign up my child?

For Sting competitive club teams: Unlike rec programs, Sting creates teams through a competitive tryout process. We form teams in June each year who then play in the upcoming fall and spring seasons. We may also choose to hold a supplemental tryout in winter to add a few players to rosters with low numbers for the spring season. To sign up for tryouts, see our home page or the tryout tab.

For Sting Academy: No tryouts required. Signups will open 30–60 days before the first session.

What is the cost to play Sting soccer?

The cost for a year of Sting soccer (fall season and spring season) is $650–$700 and includes: uniforms, coach certification, coach/volunteer background checks, league and carding fees, tournament and referee fees, insurance and administrative costs, equipment, and field maintenance.

This fee is, on average, less than half the cost of other club soccer programs in Central Ohio (and sometimes 1/3 or 1/4 the cost!). We divide the cost into two equal payments due in July and February. Uniforms are factored into the total above, but are purchased separately. All tournaments are included within the season fee. Partial scholarships are available, as well as sibling and volunteer discounts. 

What equipment does my child need?

All players should have their own soccer ball, water bottle, shin guards and soccer cleats. U8–U12 players should use a size 4 soccer ball. U13+ players should use a size 5 soccer ball. Kids who play goalie frequently at U11 and up may also want to purchase their own pair of goalie gloves. Goalie jerseys are provided by Sting. 

How are teams selected?

Sting holds free tryouts in late May or early June each year to select players for teams for the following year, based on their readiness for soccer development. The same players will participate in the fall and spring seasons. Sting may hold a supplemental tryout over the winter to add a few players to rosters with low numbers for spring season. Not all players who try out will be selected for teams. Sting’s goal is to make the most competitive team possible while following league rules regarding the minimum and maximum number of kids allowed per roster. We encourage kids who do not make a team to continue developing their soccer ability through local programs, such as the YMCA of Mount Vernon, and by getting in plenty of touches at home with friends and family.

Where does Sting practice, and how are practices structured?

Sting’s practice and game fields are located at the intersection of Mount Vernon Ave and Cougar Drive on the Knox County Foundation Community Fields. Practices are always coach-led. Our youngest age groups (U8/9 & U10) will practice twice a week, typically 75–90 minutes. Our middle age groups (U11/U12) practice 2–3 times per week, 75–90 minutes, and our oldest teams practice 3–4 times per week, 75–90 minutes. Practices are held in the evenings. Days and times are determined by the coach’s schedule, and will be announced to parents at least 14 days before the start of practices. Players are expected to attend every practice and game. Players may be excused for illness, school events, family events, etc., but parents should communicate with coaches about conflicts in advance. Players should wear athletic clothes to practice, along with cleats and shin guards. They should bring a ball, their practice pinnie, and plenty of water.

Where and when are games played?

Sting’s home fields are the Knox County Foundation Community Fields at the intersection of Mount Vernon Ave and Cougar Drive. Teams can expect 1–4 home games per season. Away games are played at Central Ohio soccer fields, such as Newark, Westerville, Hilliard, New Albany, Lancaster, etc. Most Sting games are played on Saturday and Sunday (Sunday mornings are rare — typically only two occurrences per season). Occasionally Sting will play on a weeknight if the game is a reasonable drive. Schedules are published 2–3 weeks before the start of games.

What is the game structure for teams?

• U9–U10: 7v7, with goalie and build-out line, 25-min halves, size 4 ball
• U11–U12: 9v9, 30-min halves, size 4 ball, heading starts at U12
• U13+: 11v11, 35 to 40-min halves, size 5 ball

What does a typical season look like?

Sting plays two seasons per year: Fall (August through October) and Spring (March through May). Each season averages 6–8 regular-season games (1–4 home, the rest away) and two Central Ohio-area tournament weekends. Practice begins one month before games.

What leagues does Sting play in?

League participation can vary by year. In 2022/23, Sting played in the Ohio Champions League and the Central Ohio Premier League.

Who coaches the teams?

All Sting coaches are U.S. Soccer-licensed coaches. They are instructed in Safe Sport and concussion protocols, Lindsay’s Law, and pass background checks. Many of them played soccer at the high school or college level. Almost all Sting coaches are parents of players who volunteer countless hours each year to prepare and develop players for club soccer-level competition. 

Do players get equal playing time? And how are field positions chosen?

Sting is a competitive club soccer organization, committed to developing each child’s skill level through practice and game time. That doesn't guarantee equal playing time during matches, however. It is our goal that our youngest players each play at least half of each game, but time will vary as players grow older and develop skills at different rates. 

Players will be trained on all field positions (with the exception of keeper). Coaches will determine field position strategies that best develop players and set up the team for successful outcomes. 

What are the policies for the care and use of Sting uniforms?

Each player must purchase: 1 home jersey, 1 away jersey, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of socks, 1 practice pinnie. Some years we also have generous sponsors who donate warmup jerseys. Uniforms for the current year should be worn only on game days, or for special Sting occasions. On game days, players should wear their complete kit.

Does Sting have offseason training?

Sting encourages all kids who need a break from soccer to take one in the offseason. For players who are eager for more training, there are a number of opportunities in partnership with area universities and community organizations:

• Local soccer camps (summer)
• Area futsal leagues (winter)
• Sting open fields (July)
• Winter training (January/February)

Does Sting have goalkeeper training?

Goalkeeper training is integrated with regular practices. We also aim to hold keeper training sessions when possible. 

What is carding, and why do I have to do it?

Carding is a league-mandated process that helps ensure kids are playing at the appropriate age level and have completed all the required league paperwork. When you register for your team’s league, you’ll submit a birth certificate to verify your child’s age. You’ll complete a number of health and safety forms, then submit a picture of your child that will be used for their player card. The coach takes the cards to each game for the referee to review before the game begins.

I’d like to volunteer. How do I sign up?

Great! Please send an email to [email protected] for a list of opportunities.

Are there sponsorship opportunities? 

Yes! Please email [email protected] to be connected to our sponsor sales representative.

Who do I talk to if I have concerns?

If you are part of a team, you should always start with your coach. Sting board members will also take questions via [email protected].