The CYSA Red Star Select and Academy programs are dedicated to developing not only the highest quality players, but also the finest young individuals. There is no doubt that at the highest level of any sport, as in soccer, there is no achieving expected results without a carefully planned and thoughtful organization with a positively motivated sports environment. This will, in the long run, significantly contribute to the development of top-level soccer in our community.

An individual player's talent, on it's own, is a very important prerequisite for success, but not a guarantee for the highest level. The Red Star soccer program is offering professional training to it's players and is helping them become the best that they can be in this sport that they choose to specialize in. Red Star is an institution that will help our talented kids develop and maximize their own personal creativity in all aspects of educational, sporting and cultural activities. Red Star will not, in any shape, fashion or form, neglect our CYSA recreational program and it's goals. Red Star will work with Rec to help them achieve their goals. Red Star is certain of it's goals which will be repeated over and over again and that is the development of the very best and finest "final product"; pro players or college level players. The foundation of this goal is the focus on the individual, professional approach to training, which at the same time is our own concept and appropriation.

It takes a lot of determination and self-discipline to live up to the demands and achieve the complex objectives of today's soccer. Young players have to start early to develop the will power and strength of character necessary to realize the dream of becoming a professional or college soccer player. Naturally, few players make the leap to professional status. However, character training will last a lifetime on and off the field. The ability to pursue your personal goals with determination, will power and passion is especially helpful in this day and age. Attitude is perhaps the most important factor in development and our players will be taught to approach practice and match play, as well as their everyday social encounters, with honesty, integrity and fairness.

Overall, the Red Star's goal is to form a talented player, a strong player, and an outstanding person (in speech, action and conduct) by teaching permanent values.

Red Star prominent players college and pro:

Harold Urquijo (B 88 Crystal Palace FC Pro player);Leonard Marshall (B, 80, University of Virginia, Men’s U17 US National team World Cup in Egypt, New England Revolution professional palyer) Ryan Messner (B, 83, University of Tampa, NCAA Division II National Champions) Kerry Obleton (G 83, University of Mississippi) William Walker (B, 84, College of the Holy Cross) Gamal Baker (B, 84, College of Holy Cross, Region 3 ODP) Richard Whipple (B, 84, College of the Holy Cross) Bernadette Sikes (G, 84, Wofford University, Region 3 ODP). P.J. Oliver (B, 85, Citadel, Georgia State ODP) Ben Link (B, 84, Region 3 ODP, University of South Carolina, Georgia State University) Brel Clark (B, 84, Atlanta Christian College) Jeff Hicks (B, 84, Berry College) Chris Hemphil (B, 84, Darton College) Hooper Elliot (B, 85, Mercer University) Clay Watkins (B, 86, Ga.SW.U, Georgia State ODP) Chris Hetland (B, 84, University of Florida starting kicker) Kerr McGowan (B, 85, Mercer University) Josh Frankilin (B, 85, Atlanta Christian College) Lauren Brabson (G, 85, Auburn University, Georgia State ODP) Lauren Eklund (G, 85, Columbus State University) Devon Paris (G, 86, Samford University) Alex Andone (B, 86, Thomas University) William Bentley (B, 86, Shorter College) Davis Campbell (B, 86, Shorter College) Graham Montgomery (B, 86, Atlanta Christian College) Jason Therrien (B, 86, Darton College) Melissa Gamble (G, 86, Darton College All American) Sean Fernandez (B, 86, Oglethorpe University) Matt Gourie (B, 86, Francis Marion University, Georgia State ODP) Hiroki Kariya (B, 86, Georgia Southwestern University) Yuki Kariya (B, 88, AUM, Georgia State ODP) Richard Wells (B, 83, Georgia State University) Stevenson Gravlee (B, 87, Presbyterian University, Georgia State ODP) Emir Mizdrak (B, 87, Lees Mc Rae College) Chris Greer (B, 87, Georgia Southwestern University) Edberg Miranda (B, 88, Darton College) Bandon Robinson (B, 88, Presbyterian College) Colin Byrne (B, 88, Georgia Southern University) Nick Taylor (B, 88, Midland Lutheran College) J.T. Hull (B, 87, Brewton Parker College) Amanda Reynolds (G, 87, Armstrong)) Tiffany Julien (G, 87, Jackson St. University, Georgia State ODP) Jackie DeNova (G, 88, University of Mississippi, Washington State & Georgia State ODP) Sam Dupont (G, 87, Georgia Southwestern University) Utibe Akpaninyie (G, 88, Louisiana Technological University, Georgia State ODP) Haley Pope and Jessie Larson (G, 86, Reinhardt College) Natalie Alverson (G, 87, West Georgia College) Ashlee Day (G, 87, Georgia Southwestern University);Sharaya Davis (G, 87, Wofford University);Lily Crabtree (G 88 Ole Miss); Shane MC Dougall (B 88 Georgia St. University); Chris Toelle (Central Ga);Derek Wilson (Central GA); Kyndal Schaaf (Armstrong) ; Ashli Julien (Middle Tennessee St.); Matt Paris (Stetson University);Allan Page ( Davidson) ;Bo Adams ( Southern Polytechnic St. University); Ely Newland (Oglethorpe University); Melinda Bush(CSU)

Early Years – Columbus United at Bibb Fields

Columbus Youth Soccer Association formed its first select division many, many years ago, which was called Columbus United. This club yielded many great soccer players who went on to play college and professional level soccer. Much gratitude is due to the many Columbus soccer coaches who developed these players out at the Bibb Fields.

New Name & New Fields – Red Star and Woodruff Farm Road

Columbus United took the new name of Red Star Soccer Club. Red Star hired their first Director of Training and appointed a full training staff. Red Star began traveling to club tournaments and to many more out of state tournaments. The number of teams had increased, the training was more formalized and the club progressed during this time. In 1999, Red Star hired Tony Frankovich as Director of Coaching. With an internationally trained staff of 3 A license, and many other highly certified coaches and trainers, the Red Star players are receiving the best soccer training in the area. Red Star is managed by a seasoned select committee, 14 trained team managers and a full volunteer base. Red Star is currently comprised of 13 select teams at Challenge, Classic, Athena and Junior levels, totaling 250 soccer players. Red Star Soccer Club will continue to develop soccer players, host several annual high-quality tournaments and promote college scholarship opportunities for the players achieving that level.

Club Reaches To Higher Levels - Columbus Futbol Club (CFC) Red Star

In 2003, CYSA decided to branch off into several different various clubs in order to meet their growth needs and potential.  In doing this, commitment and strategy can be applied specifically to each area of soccer development in the area.  With this change, CYSA Red Star Soccer Club has become Columbus Futbol Club (CFC) Red Star.  Our Technical Director, Tony Frankovich, continues to lead the club in a positive direction of growth and development.  Our coaching staff continues to grow and develop.  We are currently comprised of fourteen select teams, at all levels, including two Super Y teams.  We also have a strong developmental program in place to assure we are developing the younger age groups.  The Tournament attendance schedule for CFC Red Star for 2003-2004 is set to participate in competitive tournaments with increased exposure for the players.  CFC Red Star will continue to host tournaments this year at our state-of-the-art complex.

CYSA History

CYSA has had many accomplishments over the years including:

- Offering Many Seasons Of Recreational Soccer To Thousands Of Soccer Players
- Developing A Strong Select Soccer League
- Building One Of The Finest Soccer Complexes In The Southeast, Woodruff Farm Road Soccer Complex
- Hosting The 1998 Snickers Southern Regional Tournament
- Becoming One Of The Leading Sites For Hosting Georgia Tournaments
- The Ongoing Construction Of A Dedicated Championship Field

CYSA has a strong vision for continued growth and development of soccer players for years to come. Click here to visit Columbus Youth Soccer Association online.