CHALLENGER CREW JRS

A West Ham United International Academy Partner Club

Home of 2011 State Cup Champions (U12) and State Cup Finalist (U13 and U10)
Established in 2007, the leader in player development and the most successful club in Northeast Ohio with 3 National Championships, 4 Regional Championships, 2 State Cup Titles, 3 State Cup Finalists, 38 League Titles, 41 Tournament Titles and 19 Tournament Finals

*Based on comparison of clubs in Northeast Ohio since 2007.
Team Challenger FC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to provide quality soccer 
programming for talented and committed players

While you are here make yourself at home. As a guest to our site you will have limited access. To gain ull access you must be a registered member.

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Dec 7, 2011

Challenger Gives Back to the Community

Challenger U13 Boys are one of the best teams in the Region, but that doesn't hold a candle to also being one of  the most community responsible teams also.  This past holiday season the team decided to the best way to give thanks was to give back to the community and those less fortunate.  The undelying foundation that built Challenger Crew is the spirit of unselfishness and willingness to help others, and the boys took that to heart by adopting a family through Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services and sponsored the family for the holidays.  The boys took the time to realized that although soccer is important, it is just a game and there are many out there who are less fortunate who struggle daily with basic necessities and are thankful for kids like them who assist them.   It is the basic principles in which Challenger Crew was founded and will always maintain.  And there are many others in the Challenger family that donate their time, services and funding to well deserved charities, but we are taking the time to highlight just one group of kids who not only are talented on the pitch but in the heart too.  Well done Black and Gold U13s.

Nov 26, 2011

Challenger Has Top 4 Teams in Northern Ohio

In a short time Challenger Crew has become one of the top clubs in Ohio.  The club has the dubious distinction of having three number one teams in the Ohio North as well as the number 3 team in the same age group.  Challenger U15 Black (#10 in Region), Challenger U14s (#12 in Region) and Challenger U13s (#2 in Region) are ranked number 1 in Ohio North as ranked by GotSoccer.com.  As an added bonus, Challenger U15 Gold are ranked 3rd.  Well done boys!  Black and Gold!

Nov 24, 2011

Two Challenger Teams Make Premier Division in Midwest Regional League and one in Division I

Challenger Crew sent two teams to the Premier Division of the MRL and one to Division I.  The U15 Boys Crew Black and U14 Boys both played their way into the top division while the U15 Boys Gold just missed out landing in Division I.  All outstanding achievements for the young men as they take their next step forward to securing a spot in the USYSA Regional championships.  Challenger has also become one of a handful of clubs in recent years to put TWO teams in the MRL in same age division, joining the likes of Chicago Fire, Scott Gallagher, Vardar, MI Wolves and some of the other top top clubs in the region to do so. 

Nov 22, 2011

Challenger Crew Gold U12 Boys Invade Maryland and Capture Prestigious Bethesda Thanksgiving Tournament Championship

It took three years and three runner up trophies, but Challenger Crew Juniors finally got the monkey off their backs and won the top bracket at the Bethesda Thanksgiving Tournament.  The tournament which pits some of the top clubs on the East Coast and Region I, was attended by over 600 teams.  This year The U12 boys dominated the top teams in the region, to include Prince William Soccer (VA), SYC (VA)  and Frederick Soccer (MD) overwhelming them by a margin of 19-4.  The team is coached by Angelo Finelli and Joe Parente.  With the win, Challenger U12 Boys will move up to No. 1 team in Northeast Ohio.

Nov 21, 2011

Another Challenger Crew Coach Earns HS Coaching Honors

Another Challenger coach recieved honors last week as Staff Coach Wally Senk was selected as Greater Akron High Soccer Coaches Association Dvivision I Coach of the Year.  Wally lead the Copley HS Girls to a District Semi-Final run and paramount in rebuilding the program in the last few years.  Challenger's consistent strive for quality coaching and development yields big dividends, and it is an honor that we have two coaches on our staff that are recognized by their peers as outstanding teachers, coaches and mentors.  Congratualtions Wally.

Nov 13, 2011

Challenger Crew Director of Coaching Named HS Division I Coach of the Year

Congratulations go out to Challenger Crew North Director of Coaching Chris Dore for being named the High School Division I Coach of the Year.  Dore, head boys coach of the Avon HS, lead the Avon Eagles to a District Title and Regional semi-final run.  From the entire staff, players and parents, Congratulations Chris job well done!

Nov 9, 2011

                     U12 Gold Boys                                                  U10 Black Boys

                      U9 Black Boys                                                   U8 Black Boys

Challenger Crew Juniors dominated the COSA Team Ohio Fall Classic, sending four teams to the finals of the tournament and bringing home two championships.  U12 Gold  and U10 Black Boys came back home champions, while the U8 Black and U9 Black were finalist.  Congratulations to all the the teams.  U12 boys are coached by Angelo Finelli, U10 and U9 coached by Chris Dore and U8 coached by Attila Csiszar.

Nov1, 2011

Challenger Crew Gold U10 Boys Capture Kalahari Cup Championship

The Challenger Crew Juniors Gold U10 team went undefeated to win their division at the Kalahari Cup held Oct. 29-30 in Sandusky, outscoring their opponents 21-2.  The team is coached by Tony Csiszar and assistant coach Antal Csiszar.

Oct 28, 2011

Challenger Crew to Hold Try Outs for HS Aged Girls

Challenger Crew Juniors will be holding an open training sessions for high school Aged girls where players will be seen by our staff on Monday, October 31st, from 8 to 10 PM, at the North Royalton Fieldhouse - 10701 Royalton Rd. Back Unit North Royalton, Ohio 44133 and Wed Nov 2  from 5-6:30pm at MultiPlex, 18909 South Miles Rd, Warrensville Hts., OH 44128.  more informations here.

Oct 27, 2011

Challenger  Crew Gold U11 Girls and U9 Boys Win OYSAN State League Championship

The Challenger Crew Juniors Gold U11 Girls and U9 Boys conquered their first season of play together by adding another league championship to the Crew's already impressive history by winning their inaugural league season in the OYSAN State League.  The girls team is coached by Matt Safar the boys by Tony Csiszar.  Congratulations Challenger, well done.  Challenger Crew

Oct 21, 2011

Challenger Crew Congratulates University of Akron Men's Coach Caleb Porter on Being Named US Olympic Team (U23) Coach 

Challenger Crew Congratulates Caleb Porter, coach of defending NCAA Division I champion Akron, who has been named head coach of the U.S. men’s U-23 national team, which aims to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in Concacaf qualifying next March. Read rest of story here:

http://www.socceramerica.com/article/44308/akron-coach-caleb-porter-to-head-mens-olympic-que.html

Oct 15, 2011

Challenger Crew and Cleveland/Akron Soccer Community Coming Together

It has come to our attention, that on Sunday at the GAASA Tournament in Akron, a 13 year old boy called Boo Lee, from Inner City Soccer Club (http://www.inner-citysoccer.or g/about.html), was accidently kicked in the head. He suffered some convulsions, was in and out of consiousness, and was taken to Children's Hospital. Surgery was performed on the 11th, with the plan to have the eye surgeons go in first and repair whatever they found. Then the plastic surgeons go in to repair the face bones. They were hoping to do one surgery if all went well, and not have to do another one next week. We have no update yet, as to whether they were successful in their efforts, or on Boo Lee's condition.

Boo Lee's family is a refuge from Burma, and we don’t know what type of insurance they have, if any. I would imagine any financial assistance would help this family very much. Boo Lee has one older and one younger brother, and attends Jennings Middle School. It's unknown if the parents work, but they are without transportation. As their banking situation is not known, cash would be the preferred choice, for anyone who feels they would like to help them. Any amount would help! I am in the process of finding out who the money needs to be given to, and if cheques can be made payable to someone also. If you would like this information, please email Natalie Taylor at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Even if you can not donate at this time, PLEASE keep this family in your prayers ~ This type of accident could happen to any one of our players.

Oct 10, 2011

U10 Challenger Crew Juniors Gold

U9 Challenger Crew Juniors Gold

U9 and U10 Gold Boys Capture Columbus Day Tournament

The Challenger Crew Juniors Gold U9 and U10 Boys teams from traveled to the Columbus Day tournament in Hudson and came home the Champions.  The team recorded a record of 3-0 while outscoring their opponents 14-2. The U10 Gold team won the tournament going 4-0, outscoring the opponents 22-7

Sep 28, 2011

Challenger Crew To Hold Evaluations for High School Age Ladies (U15-U18)

Challenger Crew Juniors will at the conclusion of the High School season, hold High School age girls' player evaluation (U15-U18) to properly place each individual within the club. The purpose of course being to surround each individual with players of equal or greater talent so they can improve their skills.  If you are interested in checking the club out, and attending some of our indoor sessions once the High School season concludes, please contact Matt Safar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  We fully expect our High School teams to be very competitive within the Region. It will take some time to get the pieces into place, but we are confident in our system and know you'll have a positive experience with our club!  Formal evaluations dates will be posted upcoming.

Sep 12, 2011

Challenger Crew U15 Leah Rauscher, Freshman Keeper at St. VIncent St. Mary's is Making a Name For Herself

http://www.ohio.com/sports/high-school/st-v-copley-end-in-2-2-tie-1.234781

Sep 8, 2011

Challenger Crew Juniors Black U10 Boys

Challenger Crew Juniors U14 Boys

Challenger Crew Show Style in Dayton at Mead Cup

Challenger Crew Juniors sent 7 teams down to the prestigious Mead Cup in Dayton, OH over the Labor day weekend and came back a huge success.  Having all team but one compete in the highest divsions, Challenger Crew came back being the ONLY Northeast Ohio club bringing back a Five Star Championship, three teams in the semi-finals and two in the final.  More than any club iin NE Ohio.

Challenger Boys Black won the U10 Division defeating some of the best clubs in the region including MI Wolves, OP Eagles and Cincinatti United going undefeated throughout the tournament outscoring their opponents 18-5 to capture the crown in blazing fashion. 

Challenger U14 Boys prepared for their foray into the Midwest Regional League by posting a 3-1-1 record making it to the finals and losing to Chicago Blast in the championship match.  Good showing for the Challenger Crew Juniors!

Aug 16, 2011

Interested in Challenger Crew ? U12 and U14 Girls looking for a few quality players for the upcoming fall/spring season.

Challenger Crew are still looking for a few quality young ladies for the upcoming fall season. If interested please contact Matt Safar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 330-323-3504

Aug 14, 2011

THIS SAYS IT ALL!!!

Challenger Crew Buckeye Battle Friendlies a Success

The 2nd Annual Buckeye Battle Friendlies were held at Buckeye Woods and turned out to be a fun and highly competitive event featuring 5 of the top teams in the region and some outstanding footballing!  Want to thank all those who partcipated in the Friendlies and hope to see you again next year.  Clubs participating this year were CUP Crew Jrs, Michigan Wolves, Columbus Blast FC, Soccer Vision Academy, PFC and Challenger Crew Jrs.  Thanks again for the support!

Aug 1, 2011

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Challenger Boys Help Columbus Crew Pre Academy to National Championship Finals

Challenger Crew Juniors members Hayden Parente, Stephen Milhoan and Devyn Etling flew out to Boise, Idaho and participated in the US Club Soccer National Championship with the Columbus Crew Pre Academy Team.  In the preliminaries the boys deefeated LWS Barcelona (FL), Arsenal (OR) and Redwood Juventus Heat (CA-N) enroute to the semi finals.  In the semi-finals they defeated Mass Premier Soccer to earn their finals spot.  Unfortunately the ride came to a close against a stubborn Real Tuzos out of Arizona.  The boys showed that Challenger can produce some great talent and what opportunities that can be had.  Well done lads.  Black and Gold

July 31, 2011

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Challenger Girls Bring Home Regional 3v3 Crown

Challenger Crew Juniors girls finished off their summer on a high note by winning the Kick It 3v3 Regional Crown held in Buffalo, NY.    In exciting finals, U15 Extreme put on an exciting display of talent as they defeated Simmons Soccer Club in the HS finals after losing to them in the preliminaries.  Not to be undone, Challenger Crew Junior U11s put on a show, dominating their opponents throughout the brackets with amazing display of footskills ocutscoring the #1, #2 and #3 teams in the regions from CT, MA and PA ,26-7 enroute to their Regional Crown.  Both teams will be representing Ohio at the Disney World Championships in January.

July 24, 2011

Busy Summer for Challenger Crew U10 Girls -  Capturing Cleveland 3v3 Championship, a  3rd place and a Westlake Finals

 Challenger Crew Juniors Gold U10 girls, based in Medina, OH captured the U11 girls Championship in the Cleveland Kick It 3v3 Qualifiers July 9th held in North Olmsted, OH.  Their first time competing together Crew Juniors went undefeated in seven matches on the way to the championship.  The Challenger Crew Juniors White U10 Girls took third place in the U10 division barely be nudged in the semi-finals by one goal. By winning the tournament title and placing third, both teams qualified for the Regional Championships to be held July 30 - 31 in Buffalo, NY.  A top three finish there sends the girls to the World Championship at the Disney Sports Complex in Kissimmee, FL in Jan.  This past weekend  July 23rd, in Westlake, the U10 Girls placed 2nd losing in the finals by one goal.  The teams are coached by Matt Safar and Kellyn Flanagan.