Why Greater Firelands is the Club for Every Player: Interview with CEO Nico Samaniego
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With club tryouts around the corner, we sat down with Nico Samaniego, CEO of Greater Firelands Soccer Association, to talk about what sets the club apart and how it helps players reach their full potential.
Q: Nico, what makes Greater Firelands different from other regional clubs?
Nico: “Our focus is on individualized player pathways. Every player — no matter their age or ability — gets a clear development plan. We want players to grow at their own pace, whether they aim to play recreationally, make high school varsity teams, or pursue college and beyond. Everything we do is shaped around that.”
Q: Can you explain what you mean by individualized player pathways?
Nico: “We start by assessing a player’s technical skills, athletic profile, and personal goals. From there, we create a plan that includes targeted training sessions, position-specific coaching, strength and conditioning where needed, and competitive play that matches their current level. Communication between coaches, players, and families is built into every plan to make sure everyone is aligned.”
Q: How do you ensure players compete at the right level?
Nico: “We place teams into leagues and divisions that match both their ability and aspirations. Playing too easy or too hard can hinder growth. We make adjustments as needed so every player experiences the right challenge.”
Q: Greater Firelands is known for offering the highest level of competitive play in the region. How does that work?
Nico: “We work across three main leagues:
- OHTSL (Ohio Travel Soccer League): A strong regional league for U09–U15 travel and community teams, offering competitive local play.
- CASA (Central Alliance Soccer Association): Year-round play with competitive divisions to develop higher levels of competition.
- NPL (National Premier Leagues, US Club Soccer): Elite national-level competition designed for high-performance teams seeking consistent, top-level exposure.
We make sure each team and player competes in the league that best supports their growth — whether that’s OHTSL, CASA, or NPL.”
Q: Club culture is a big part of your mission. Can you describe it?
Nico: “Our culture is built on three pillars:
- Player-first development: Coaching decisions prioritize long-term growth, not short-term wins.
- Positive, accountable environment: Players, families, and coaches model sportsmanship and a growth mindset.
- Accessibility and affordability: Great soccer should be reachable. Scholarships, fundraising, and tiered programming help families access our programs without financial stress.”
Q: How does Greater Firelands balance quality and affordability?
Nico: “We use tiered programming so families can select the level that fits their goals and budget. We also negotiate league placements and travel schedules to maximize competitive experience while keeping costs reasonable. Scholarships and fundraising support ensure no player is left out.”
Q: Who should come to tryouts this year?
Nico: “Any player who wants to improve, be challenged appropriately, and be part of a club that values them as a person — not just a number. We’ll meet players where they are and help them move forward.”
Tryouts are on October 15th! Whether your child is interested in recreational, competitive, or elite-level play, Greater Firelands has a pathway to fit their goals. Visit our website to sign up and start your journey.
