Ohio Premier Soccer Club
Overview
Founded approximately 1995 in Dublin, Ohio (Columbus metro). Nonprofit 501(c)(3), EIN 31-1284756. One of the two dominant independent clubs in the Columbus market alongside Club Ohio. US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer member.
Financials
| Metric | FY2024 | FY2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $3,563,130 | $3,125,104 |
| Expenses | $3,820,380 | $3,399,921 |
| Net Income | -$257,250 | -$274,817 |
| Net Assets | $1,094,933 | $1,352,183 |
| Total Assets | $3,659,715 | — |
| Total Liabilities | $2,564,782 | — |
Revenue is 98.3% program services. Executive compensation: 195,500 (FY2024). Other salaries & wages: 1,074,240 (28.1% of expenses). Running operating losses in both FY2023 and FY2024 — a potential signal of financial stress or aggressive investment. (HIGH confidence — 990 filing)
Teams & Players
Approximately 1,500+ boys and girls in a season (per club website reference to growth “from a handful of girls to more than 1,500 boys and girls”). Programs span Juniors, Academy, Competitive, and ECNL tiers. U8-U19 age groups.
League Affiliations
- ECNL Boys — Ohio Valley Conference
- ECNL Girls — Ohio Valley Conference
- Ohio Valley Premier League
- OSPL / COPL / OCL (state league system)
Facilities
Primary training at Soccer First @ SportsOhio in Dublin. The club has been on a 20-year quest to build a dedicated field complex (BYGA.net) — suggesting facility ownership remains an unmet need. No club-owned facility identified.
Leadership
- Chris Baer — Executive Director (since 2014; 20+ years with club). Compensation: $92,000 (FY2024 990)
- Gus Teren — Sporting Director. Former DC United and Columbus Crew (11 years combined)
- Kevin Dougherty — Girls Formation Director. Compensation: $61,500
- Sveti Matejic — Boys Formation Director. Compensation: $42,000
- Aly Johnston — Board President (first OP alumna on board)
- Dr. Obi Moneme — Board Vice President (physician; former US U-23 National Team / Columbus Crew inaugural season)
- Jonathan Campolo — Board Treasurer
- Chad Prickett — Goalkeeping Director
College Placement
Active college recruiting support. Hosts annual Ohio Premier Invitational (26th year in 2025) as a showcase event.
Competitive Position
One of two elite-tier independents in Columbus (with Club Ohio). ECNL affiliation positions them above Club Ohio in the traditional pathway hierarchy, but Club Ohio’s MLS NEXT Homegrown promotion (2026-27) may shift that dynamic. Ohio Premier’s 30-year brand history and coaching depth are strengths; operating losses and lack of owned facilities are weaknesses.
SYNRGY Relevance
High-priority acquisition target. Combination of ECNL affiliation, 30-year brand, $3.6M revenue, operating losses (suggesting need for capital), and unmet facility need creates a compelling case. The Sporting Director’s MLS pedigree adds coaching credibility. A SYNRGY acquisition could provide the capital for the long-sought facility while integrating Ohio Premier into a broader Ohio/Midwest platform.
Open Questions
- What is the current facility development plan status?
- What is driving the operating losses — increasing coaching costs, facility lease inflation, or declining enrollment?
- How does the club view the Club Ohio MLS NEXT promotion as competitive threat?