Grasshoppers FC

Passion.

Fearlessness.

Respect.

Why are we different?

Exceptional Coaches

Elite Player Selection

Premier Facilities

Academy Style Program

Emphasis on Player Development

Compete Against the Best

Use of Technology

Non-profit Status

What Our Players & Families Are Saying

Discover what makes our club special through the voices of our players, parents, and community members. From game-day excitement to personal growth, these stories highlight the passion, teamwork, and positive impact our club brings to the field and beyond.

Jeff F. - 2015 Dad

"Our son has been a Grasshopper since the 2015 team was founded 3 years ago, and a big part of what’s kept us here is Coach Jamie and the incredible environment he’s built. We deeply value the kind of team Jamie has fostered—one that emphasizes character, resilience, and growth both on and off the field. The mission of the club including fearless play, learning through failure by consistently playing against the best of the best, and learning life lessons through sport has been prevalent throughout our entire time with Jamie as our leader. Jamie spends countless hours developing our kids, the right way, and we couldn’t be prouder of Grasshopper FC and its future."

Nicole B. - 2015 Mom

"Our son joined the Grasshoppers in 2022 after playing rec soccer. As uneducated soccer parents, we did not know what to expect. We were blown away by the skill development and ability to identify each player’s strengths and opportunities in an effort to make them well rounded. This is no cookie-cutter approach…each player is both valued for their individual contribution as well as what they bring to the total team.

Winning was a bonus, only followed by learning, working hard and having fun! The players and their parents have become like a second family to us. The culture built with these Grasshopper teams is truly unmatched and the dedication of our coach-you won’t find it elsewhere! Jamie looks for every opportunity to provide the boys with competition that will challenge them to be their best!"

Dana R. - 2012 & 2014 Mom

"As a family, we have had the privilege of being part of this soccer program for multiple years (both boys & girls). These are an amazing group of coaches that show up with knowledge and passion. They care about the development of each player. Not only are the players physically and technically challenged, but they are also pushed through the mental game. They are taught to fight and not give up, despite the score. Whether a player continues with the game or moves on, I know that these coaches’ influence will have a lasting positive effect on our children to do well in life."

Adam W. - 2017 & 2018 Dad

"As a parent, I am very pleased with our experience with Grasshoppers FC. Our boys’ soccer skills have improved significantly, along with their knowledge and love for the game. The dedicated and supportive coaches have created a positive team dynamic setting them up for success. I would recommend this club to any family looking for a nurturing environment balanced with a high level of play."

Jean B. - 2017 Mom

"Coach Ryan and the Grasshoppers organization have had a tremendous impact on our son—not just in developing his skills on the field, but in deepening his love for the game. Coach Ryan blends high-level instruction with a positive, structured environment that motivates our son to improve both as a player and a teammate. We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and quality of this program."

Kyle H. - Former 2014 & Current 2017 Dad

"Our son Titus joined the 2014 Grasshoppers at U8… Matt and Jamie made him feel valued—not just as a player, but as a young man. The training environment was competitive, fun, and focused on skill and character.

When it came time for our 2017 twins, the choice was easy… Under Ryan Miller’s leadership, they’ve grown tremendously. Ryan brings energy, care, and a training intensity that challenges the boys to grow quickly and confidently.

The coaches’ dedication to youth and growing the game in Columbus is unmatched… The Grasshoppers have provided a first-class experience for our family. We’re grateful and excited for the launch of Grasshoppers FC. Let’s go Hoppers!"

At Grasshoppers FC, our mission is simple:

To provide an unparalleled youth soccer experience where young athletes are challenged, supported, and empowered to grow—as players and as people.

We believe in:

Fearless play that encourages creativity and taking risks.
Learning through failure, because development comes from pushing limits.
Life lessons through sport, teaching resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence.

We aim to compete at the highest levels across Ohio, the region, and the nation—not for trophies, but for the experiences and growth that come from facing top-tier competition.

We also believe in educating and partnering with parents. In the ever-evolving landscape of youth soccer, we recognize the need to bridge the information gap and provide clarity. An aligned team—coach, parent, and player—creates the most powerful environment for development.

We are driven by a few key principles that guide everything we do:

Passion – A love for the game that fuels hard work and joy.

Fearlessness – Encouraging players to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from them.

Respect – For teammates, opponents, coaches, and the game itself.

Development over results – Winning is great, but player growth always comes first.

Selflessness – We teach players to put the team first and support each other.

Authenticity – Coaches bring their personal playing and coaching experiences with humility, openness, and dedication.

Our Story

Grasshoppers FC was born from a chance encounter in 2020, when two of our founding members—Jamie Chiero and Matt Salmon—crossed paths on a recreational soccer field while coaching their young sons. Though they had competed against each other in high school, they hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years. That unexpected meeting led to a conversation rooted in their shared love of soccer and a desire to pass that passion on to their kids.

From that connection, the first Grasshoppers team was formed—a group of young players who thrived in an environment built on fearless play, risk-taking, and learning through mistakes. Wins and losses were never the focus; instead, the emphasis was on development, enjoyment, and the growth of each player within a supportive and challenging setting.

The success of that first team led to the natural formation of more teams, each built with the same foundational values. The second Grasshoppers team, like the first, was led by a parent-coach who brought both personal investment and a strong soccer background. Year after year, the club grew organically, with new teams added—the 2016s led by Marc D’Auteuil and Lindsey Williams, the 2017s led by founding member Ryan Miller, and the 2018s formed more recently by Marc.

Each new team carried forward the tradition of excellence while forging its own identity and success. Today, Grasshoppers FC has earned a reputation across Central Ohio for developing competitive, skillful, and confident players—all while remaining a volunteer-run club, led by parent-coaches who have played at the collegiate or professional level and bring years of coaching experience in club, high school, and college soccer.

What started as a single team of young boys with potential has grown into a community of passionate families, talented players, and dedicated coaches. The foundation remains the same: a love for the game, a commitment to the kids, and a belief in the power of soccer to teach life’s most important lessons.