Celebrating 40 Years of Blast FC Academy

Founded in 1986 by Lesh Shkreli, Blast FC Academy proudly marks its 40th anniversary in 2026. As the first youth soccer club in Central Ohio, Blast began with a simple belief that the game should develop people first, players second—and results would follow.

“Trophies come and go,” says founder Lesh Shkreli. “What lasts is the impact you have on players—the confidence they build, the lessons they carry forward, and the belief that they can achieve more than they thought possible.”

Over four decades, Blast teams have earned Ohio State Cups and competed at the highest levels nationally. But the club’s greatest source of pride is the thousands of players who have grown through the program—both on and off the field.

As the youth soccer landscape has evolved into a complex and crowded environment, Blast has remained steadfast in its mission: putting player development first. In 2026, we continue to invest in that mission—preparing driven athletes for top-tier competition, college recruitment, and international opportunities.

This year marks an exciting new chapter with the completion of our new training facility, featuring lighted outdoor turf and a state-of-the-art indoor training center. This investment will provide year-round training opportunities for our players and the local community—supporting dreams at every level, from varsity soccer to college and beyond.

Looking ahead, Blast FC Academy will continue to grow its elite coaching staff, expand international partnerships, and strengthen its college recruiting pathway. These efforts build on a proven 40-year track record that has helped hundreds of players advance to college soccer and dozens reach the professional ranks in the U.S. and abroad.

To honor this milestone, we will celebrate our alumni throughout the year with our “40 in 40” series—highlighting 40 standout players from the past 40 years—culminating in the announcement of the inaugural Blast FC Academy Hall of Fame at the grand opening of our new facility.

Forty years in, Blast FC Academy remains committed to what matters most—developing players, empowering people, and building a legacy that lasts.