Welcome to the Kings Hammer New Albany April Newsletter! This edition features, Tryout Registration Open, Program Pricing, Columbus Launches Elite Platform with NAL & DPL, Nine Teams Reach Finals Across MASC Tournament & Nike Challenge Cup, KHA B07/08-1 Clinches Playoff Spot, Featured Education: “A Letter from the Technical Desk: Tryouts”, GK Union Save of the Month, and more! If you have a player, coach, or team to be highlighted in future newsletters, please send photos and stories to dfry@kingshammer.com. Each newsletter will be posted on our website as well as our social pages.

Kings Hammer Opens Tryout Registration for 2026–2027 Season

Registration for the 2026–2027 season is now open at Kings Hammer New Albany, marking the start of another year of development, competition, and opportunity for players across the club.

With upcoming age group changes, the club has aligned its player pathway to support a seamless transition at every level. From early development to high-level competition, Kings Hammer New Albany provides a clear structure for player growth:

Juniors (U5–U8) introduces the game in a fun, engaging environment focused on building confidence and foundational skills. Click here to learn more and register for Summer Juniors.
Academy (U8–U19) emphasizes long-term development, technical growth, and enjoyment of the game. Click here to learn more and register for Academy Tryouts.
Elite (U11–U19) offers the highest level of competition, connecting top players to Kings Hammer Columbus and providing a pathway to compete at the regional, national, and collegiate levels. Click here to learn more and register for Elite Tryouts.

All players are encouraged to register for Academy tryouts, which serve as the entry point for both Academy and Elite pathways. Families are also encouraged to share this opportunity with others looking for a place to grow, compete, and be part of something special.

Program Pricing & “The Kings Standard” 

Elite & Academy program pricing for the 2026/2027 season are now officially live on our website. Now is the time to lock in your spot and get registered!  

With prices now live we want to highlight “The Kings Standard” and what will all be included in each programs price.  

Please check out the program pages on our website for more information!

Kings Hammer Columbus Launches Elite Platform with NAL and DPL Memberships

Kings Hammer Columbus is officially set to elevate the competitive landscape in Central Ohio, announcing its entry into two of the nation’s top platforms beginning Fall 2026. Boys teams will compete in the National Academy League (NAL), while girls teams will join the Development Player League (DPL).

This milestone marks the full launch of the club’s Elite platform, creating expanded opportunities, increased exposure, and a clearly defined pathway for top players across the region.

“The next step starts now,” said Bronson Gambale, National Technical Director for Kings Hammer. “Columbus has incredible talent, and this city deserves a club built to compete at the highest level. With the leadership, directors, and coaching staff we have in place, we’re ready for that challenge.”

The addition of both leagues reinforces Kings Hammer Columbus’ commitment to providing high-level competition and long-term player development. Competing in the NAL and DPL will offer players consistent exposure to top opponents, college recruiting opportunities, and a structured pathway designed to prepare them for success at the next level.

As the Elite platform launches this fall, players from across Kings Hammer New Albany, Polaris, Barcelona, and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to be identified and placed into an environment built for ambition, growth, and performance.

Nine Teams Reach Finals Across MASC Tournament & Nike Challenge Cup

It was a standout month for Kings Hammer New Albany, as nine teams advanced to championship matches at the Mid-American Soccer Classic and Nike Challenge Cup, showcasing the club’s depth and competitiveness across age groups.

Across both events, Kings Hammer teams demonstrated strong character, quality play, and a commitment to competing at a high level.

All–Kings Hammer Final Highlights Battle in the Bubble

It was a memorable championship moment for Kings Hammer New Albany as two club teams faced off in the final at the Battle in the Bubble, hosted by Columbus Crew.

KHJR B17-1 and KHPA B16-2—undisputedly the top two teams in the division—met in a highly competitive final that delivered on expectations. In a tightly contested match, the championship was decided by a single goal, with KHJR B17-1 earning a 1–0 victory.

The all–Kings Hammer final reflects the strength and depth of the club, as well as the high standard of play across teams. It was a proud moment for players, coaches, and families to see two teams from the same club competing for a title on a big stage.

KHA B07/08-1 Delivers Undefeated Season, Clinches Playoff Spot

Kings Hammer New Albany KHA B07/08-1 has completed a dominant regular season, finishing undefeated at 9–0–0 and securing the best National Premier League (NPL) finish in club history.

The group compiled 27 total points while conceding just 2 goals across the entire campaign, showcasing both attacking consistency and defensive discipline. Their performance earned them a first-place finish and a confirmed playoff berth.

With momentum on their side, the team now turns its focus to postseason competition, where they will compete in the NPL Playoffs and continue their pursuit in the State Cup.

From The National Technical Desk: Tryouts

As we move through the spring season, our focus begins to shift toward something that carries real weight — the opportunity to prove yourself, push your limits, and take the next step in your soccer journey. Tryout season is approaching, and with it comes one of the most important challenges you’ll face as a developing player. The question isn’t whether you’re ready. The question is whether you’re willing to go after it.

Being part of Kings Hammer means you are already ahead. You train in one of the best environments in the region, one built with intention, with structure, and with each individual player in mind. Our program exists to give you the clearest possible pathway forward, from where you are today to where you are capable of going. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of the people around you, the standards we hold, and the culture we build together every day on that training field.

When you walk into tryouts, you carry that with you. You carry the reps, the lessons, the feedback, and the habits built inside this program. That is your foundation. Don’t take it for granted. Lean into it.

Here’s what we want to challenge you with as tryout season approaches:

• Go after it with everything you have. Spring is your opportunity to make a statement. Every session, every match, every rep between now and tryouts is a chance to sharpen your game and show what kind of player you are becoming. Don’t coast. Don’t wait. Attack this stretch of the season with urgency and intention.
• Trust the process you’ve been a part of. You have been coached, challenged, and developed inside a program that cares deeply about your growth. The knowledge you’ve built here is real. The connections you’ve made are real. Walk into every opportunity this spring knowing that the work has been done. Now it’s time to show it.
• Use the resources around you. Your Directors of Coaching and your Head Coaches are here for you. Ask questions. Seek feedback. Have the conversations that help you understand what areas to sharpen and where your game can grow. That’s what they are here for. Great players don’t wait to be coached. They seek it out.

Kings Hammer is built on three things: the best environment, the clearest pathway, and a genuine commitment to serving every player who comes through this program. As tryouts approach, know that you are not doing this alone. You have a staff, a club, and a community behind you. Trust the preparation, embrace the challenge, and go compete.

The spring is yours. Go take it.

Go out there and bring the Relentless Action.

– Bronson Gambale, KH National Technical Director

GK Union Save of the Month

Our March GK Union Save of the Month winners sure know how to stop a counter attack! A leaping save from Henry in Middle Tennessee and breakaway stops from Lily in Cincinnati stole the show! Congratulations Henry and Lily!!

Did you make an incredible save or a game-saving block? We want to see them! Post your best saves in the Kings Hammer GK Union Facebook group. Be sure to share throughout the upcoming season and YOU could be selected for our Kings Hammer Save of the Month! GK Save of the Month winners will be announced the Friday of the first full week of the following month.

Monthly winners will be posted on the Kings Hammer social pages and on the GK Union page.

Spring Break Fest Brings Together Kings Hammer Clubs for Night of Open Play

Kings Hammer New Albany hosted a successful Spring Break Fest at Capital University, welcoming players, families, and coaches for an evening of open play and community connection.

The event featured strong participation across all age groups, with players from Kings Hammer Barcelona and Kings Hammer Polaris joining New Albany athletes to create a vibrant, club-wide experience.

Across the night, players enjoyed a fun, relaxed environment focused on simply playing the game, building relationships, and celebrating the broader Kings Hammer community. The energy and turnout highlighted the strength and unity across all Kings Hammer Columbus locations.

Club leadership extended appreciation to all players, families, and coaches who helped make the event a success, and looks forward to continuing to grow Spring Break Fest in the years ahead.

Spring Townhall Brings Club Together for Key Updates and Season Outlook

Kings Hammer New Albany hosted its Spring Townhall this week, bringing together players, families, and coaches for an important evening of club updates and discussion.

The meeting covered expectations for the spring season, details around 2026–2027 tryouts, and upcoming changes to age groupings designed to support long-term player development and a smooth pathway through each stage of the club.

Leadership also shared updates on the continued growth of the club and what families can expect heading into the new season, reinforcing alignment across programs and locations.

Club staff thanked everyone who attended for their engagement and support, noting strong excitement for what’s ahead as the club continues to build toward the 2026–2027 season.

Check Out the Kings Hammer New Albany Photo Gallery

Kings Hammer New Albany has updated its photo gallery with the latest game-day action and behind-the-scenes moments from across the club.

From big plays to candid sideline shots, families can relive the season as new images are added regularly at no cost.

Click here to explore the photo gallery and stay connected to the moments happening on and off the field.

Kings Hammer Columbus Hiring Part-Time Marketing Coordinator Role

Our marketing team is growing in Columbus! Kings Hammer is adding a part-time Marketing Coordinator to help tell our story, elevate our brand, and support the continued growth of the club.

We’re looking for someone creative, driven, and ready to make an impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit, we encourage you to share this opportunity. Click here to apply.

Stay connected with all the latest updates, news, and behind-the-scenes moments from across the club by following our social pages:

Kings Hammer Columbus
Facebook | Instagram | X

Kings Hammer New Albany
Facebook | Instagram | X

Thank You to Our Club Sponsors!