Player Evaluations for the 2026–2027 Soccer Season
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Mark your calendars! Player evaluations will be held on:
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May 4, 2026
May 5, 2026
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Evaluation times and the registration link will be available soon. Stay tuned for more details!
Important Update: Age Group Changes for the 2026–2027 Season
Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, U.S. Soccer is adjusting how youth age groups are formed. Instead of organizing teams strictly by birth year, the age group cutoff date will move to August 1-July 31, aligning more closely with the academic school year.
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Use the tools below to see where your child is placed now compared to next season for the 2026–2027 soccer year.
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Because the age group cutoff date is shifting from December to July, player placement will move by approximately six months. As a result, some players may be placed in a different age group than they were in previous seasons.
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What this means for players and families
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New Age Group Placement: Some players may move into a different age bracket than in past seasons.
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Team Changes: Players may be grouped with different teammates or compete in a different division than before.
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These changes are intended to better align youth soccer age groups with school grade levels and support long-term player development.
Use the tools below to compare your child’s current placement with their placement for the 2026–2027 season.
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Welcome to Ocala Premier Soccer
Where Passion Meets Excellence
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Ocala Premier is the premier destination for high-level soccer development in the region. With our expert coaching staff, top-quality training venues, and commitment to success, we offer the ideal environment for players to grow and reach their full potential.
Why Choose Ocala Premier?
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Elite Coaching: Learn from experienced coaches some of who are former college and professional athletes.
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Top-Level Competition: Compete in the most competitive tournaments and leagues across the Southeast.
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Comprehensive Development: Our programs focus on technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth.
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Various Age Brackets: We offer a wide range of age groups and teams (U10 – U19), including our newest and most exciting opportunity for younger age groups — The Academy: Bridging the Fun of Rec with the Thrill of Competition
Ocala Premier Player Guide for more information:
Jay Fratello- Director of Coaching
Jay Fratello brings a deep, well-rounded soccer background with extensive coaching education, competitive success, and club leadership experience at both the grassroots and elite levels. His approach blends modern methodology, long-term player development, and proven results.
Coaching & Federation Licenses
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US Soccer Federation B License
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US Soccer Federation C License
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US Soccer Federation D License
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USSF Grassroots Coaching License
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USSF 11v11, 9v9, 7v7, and 4v4 Certifications
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USSF Grassroots Referee Licenses
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PSV Coaching Academy Graduate
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Blind Soccer Level 1 Diploma
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United Soccer Coaches – Special Topics Diploma
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Goalkeeping Level 1
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Coaching Experience & Leadership
Director of Coaching
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One year serving in a club-wide leadership role, overseeing curriculum, standards, and coach development
Ocala Premier Soccer Club (2018 – Present)
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Eight years of competitive coaching experience
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Head Coach and senior staff member within the competitive program
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Oversight of long-term player development pathways
Vanguard Girls Program – Head Coach
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Led the program for four consecutive years
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3x District Champions
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2× County Champions
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2× County Runner-Up
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4× Regional Qualifier
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4x State Finals
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Multiple Coach of the Year nominations (FACA)
High School Coaching – St. John Lutheran, Ocala, FL
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Assistant Coach (1 year)
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Varsity Head Coach (1 year)
Competitive Board President
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Five years overseeing competitive soccer operations, governance, and strategic planning
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Email: doc.ocalapremier@gmail.com
Owen “Mac” McCarthy- Technical Director
Coach Mac brings elite-level experience across ODP, collegiate, professional, and elite club soccer, combining advanced sports science, modern technology, and proven player development systems. His background reflects a commitment to high-performance standards and long-term athlete development.
Coaching & Federation Licenses
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US Soccer Federation D License
Coaching Experience & Leadership
Club Technical Director / Head Coach
Ocala Premier Soccer Club (2021 – Present)
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Head Coach for competitive teams within the club
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Design and implementation of club-wide player development curriculum
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Oversight of long-term development for boys’ and girls’ programs
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Establishment of technical standards and unified training methodology across all teams
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Olympic Development Program (ODP) Staff Coach
Florida Youth Soccer Association (2022 – 2024)
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Staff Coach for FYSA ODP State Team Coaching Staff
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Lead and assisted ODP training sessions for elite youth players
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Scouted and evaluated players across the state of Florida for ODP selection
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Implemented U.S. Soccer and FYSA curriculum standards and best practices
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Assistant Coach / Head Fitness Coach
Southeastern University Men’s Soccer (2015 – 2017)
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Managed recruitment communication programs, including marketing, outreach, and budgeting
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Led an innovative athletic development and sports science program
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Designed and implemented injury prevention, recovery, and return-to-play protocols
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Utilized PlayerTek GPS Technology to monitor training loads and customize performance plans
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Conference Champions
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Sun Conference Tournament Champions
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NAIA National Tournament Qualifier
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Head Fitness Coach / Assistant Coach
Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 (NPSL) (Summer 2016)
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Led athletic development and sports science initiatives
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Oversaw return-to-play, recovery, and injury prevention programs
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Planned and led technical and tactical training sessions
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Utilized PlayerTek GPS Technology to analyze training and player workloads
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Assistant Coach / Performance Director
VSI Tampa Bay FC (USL Pro) / West Florida Flames (ECNL) (2011 – 2013)
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Assistant Coach and Director of Sports Performance for USL Pro First Team
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Assistant Director of ECNL Program (U13–U18)
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Planned and led first-team training sessions within head coach methodology and team philosophy
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Directed all areas of athletic performance, including strength & conditioning, speed, power, agility, reaction, endurance, regeneration, flexibility, and sports nutrition
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Email: td.ocalapremier@gmail.com
Learn more about the Ocala Premier Academy — a developmental soccer program for U6–U10 players focused on building technical skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game through expert coaching and a positive, growth-driven environment
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Missed Tryouts? We’re Still Evaluating Players!
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Although our official tryouts take place in May of each year, we understand that circumstances change. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area, had a schedule conflict, or are now ready to commit to a more competitive level of play — we’re still holding player evaluations throughout the season.
We’re always looking for dedicated athletes who are ready to grow and compete. If you believe your player has what it takes or is ready for the next step in their development, we encourage you to reach out.
👉 If you are interested, please email us at opsinfobigsun@gmail.com.
Leagues & Competitions
Ocala Premier Soccer competes in a variety of competitive leagues that align with our commitment to player development and high-level competition. Our teams participate in:
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USYS Sunshine Conference
The US Youth Soccer (USYS) Sunshine Conference is part of the prestigious USYS National League structure, which represents one of the highest levels of competition in youth soccer in the United States. The Sunshine Conference features elite teams from across Florida and provides a direct pathway to regional and national championships. It challenges our top teams through high-level competition, requiring consistent performance and tactical excellence. Participation in this league also offers visibility to college scouts and access to top showcases.
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Florida State Premier League (FSPL)
Administered by the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), the FSPL is designed for the most competitive teams in the state. It bridges the gap between local competition and national exposure, featuring strong opponents from top clubs across Florida. FSPL promotes advanced player development by emphasizing tactical awareness, team strategy, and consistency against quality opposition. Performance in FSPL can qualify teams for regional and national-level events.
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EDP Florida
Elite Development Program (EDP) Florida is part of a nationally recognized league system that supports club and player development while offering exposure opportunities through showcase events and college recruitment channels. EDP is known for its well-managed structure and flexible scheduling, making it ideal for clubs looking to balance development and competition. It offers a tiered approach, allowing teams to compete at appropriate levels while still aiming for advancement within the system.
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Greater Central Florida (GCF) Soccer League
The GCF Soccer League serves the Central Florida region and is sanctioned by FYSA. It offers a structured and competitive environment for both developmental and competitive-level teams. GCF is ideal for younger teams or those in the early stages of competitive play, as it provides consistent match play, a wide range of opponents, and a geographically manageable schedule. It also serves as a foundational stepping stone for players progressing to higher-level leagues.
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