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Join Columbus Sports: Baseball, Soccer, High School Teams Need You

With a new baseball franchise, a growing soccer club, and powerhouse high school programs, there are more ways than ever to play, watch, and volunteer in the local sports scene.

By Columbus Sport Desk · Published July 24, 2026

How we reported this

This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Columbus is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

COLUMBUS, If you've been thinking about getting into the local sports scene, whether as a fan, a volunteer, or a player, there has never been a better time to start. The city's athletic landscape is expanding at nearly every level, from professional baseball to community soccer to high school football.

Pro and Semipro Options for Fans and Players

The Columbus Clingstones, the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, drew more than 235,000 fans during their inaugural 2025 season at Synovus Park [1]. That kind of turnout shows there is real appetite for professional baseball here. If you haven't been yet, games run from spring through early fall, and tickets are generally available on the team's website. For those looking to get involved beyond just watching, the Clingstones employ local staff for game-day operations, concessions, and merchandise.

On the soccer side, Columbus United FC joined USL League Two in 2025 [2]. The club operates on a community-based model, meaning local players and supporters have a direct stake in building the team's identity. For soccer players aged roughly 16 to 23, USL League Two rosters are typically filled through open tryouts and college connections, a path worth investigating if you have competitive experience.

High School Sports: Where the Next Generation Competes

For families, high school athletics remain the most accessible entry point. Columbus High School's men's soccer program holds a 61-4-1 record against local opponents since 2016, including dominant winning records against Pacelli and Northside [5]. That dominance means matches at Columbus High are often high-quality affairs worth catching. The team typically plays its home games on the school's campus fields, and schedules are posted on the athletic department's website.

On the gridiron, the Columbus High Blue Devils broke a five-year season-opening losing streak in 2025 with a 35-17 win over Miller County [4]. They are preparing for their next matchup against Greenville, so this fall is a good time to start following their progress. Over at Hardaway High School, the Hawks are coming off their 2024 season under head coach Ryan McKenzie, who is entering his second year leading the program, with the team ranked in the state [3]. Games are typically Friday nights at the respective school stadiums.

Getting Started: Practical Steps

The simplest way to dive in is to pick a team and show up. For pro baseball, visit Synovus Park for a Clingstones game [1]. For soccer, check Columbus United FC's social media for tryout and match announcements [2]. For high school sports, each school's athletic website posts schedules, and most programs welcome parent volunteers for concessions, ticket sales, and booster clubs.

No matter your age or experience level, Columbus offers a clear on-ramp. The Clingstones proved the city will support a winner. United FC is building a grassroots identity. And the local high schools are producing teams worth rooting for. The only thing missing is you.