A New Chapter in Player Development: QTSD™ Partners to Open International Pathways for Central Ohio Players

International Partnership Connects Columbus Soccer Talent with International Development Pathways

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbus, Ohio | October 2026

International Players Pathway Group (IPPG), Quick Touch Soccer Development (QTSD™), and Athletic Sports Group have formalized a strategic partnership designed to connect local player development in the United States with potential international soccer opportunities.

Following a successful scouting showcase hosted in Columbus earlier this year, the organizations are already planning for an expanded event in 2027. The long-term vision is to establish a premier regional showcase for male and female players, with plans to explore expansion into additional U.S. markets in the future.

The partnership brings together three organizations with complementary areas of expertise in player development, talent identification, and international relationship building. Together, they aim to identify promising players, help families better understand international pathways, and facilitate connections with relevant organizations overseas when appropriate.

A Collaborative Approach to Player Development and International Pathways

Quick Touch Soccer Development (QTSD™):

Exclusive Player Development Partner

As the exclusive player development partner for Ohio, QTSD™ will lead player development at the ground level, working directly with athletes in the Columbus region. With more than a decade of experience in supplemental soccer development, QTSD™ provides a professional training environment focused on technical ability, tactical decision-making, confidence, and long-term individual development.

QTSD™ will serve as the local development foundation of the partnership, helping prepare athletes and identify players whose abilities and potential may align with international opportunities.

Athletic Sports Group: Local Talent Identification and Connection

Athletic Sports Group will help bridge the gap between the Columbus youth soccer community and international soccer opportunities. Working alongside QTSD™ and IPPG, Athletic Sports Group will contribute to identifying players who demonstrate the potential to pursue opportunities beyond the domestic soccer landscape.

The partnership aims to identify talent that may have been overlooked by traditional scouting methods, as well as players and families who may lack awareness of the steps, guidance, or connections needed to explore an international pathway.

By combining local relationships, player development, and international connections, the organizations aim to broaden the pool of players who can be considered for potential opportunities abroad.

International Players Pathway Group (IPPG): International Network and Pathway Coordination

IPPG will coordinate international relationships and facilitate introductions, when appropriate, between identified players and relevant professional clubs, academies, soccer schools, and other international development organizations.

The objective is to help bridge the gap between a player's demonstrated potential and access to the international soccer network. For some players, this may mean connecting with organizations they would not otherwise have the opportunity to reach. For families, it may also mean gaining a better understanding of the steps, expectations, and standards involved in pursuing an overseas opportunity.

An international pathway is not guaranteed, and participation in a showcase does not automatically result in a trial or placement. Overseas opportunities must be earned through a player's ability, readiness, and suitability for a particular environment. The partnership is designed to help identify potential, provide appropriate connections, and create opportunities for qualified players to take the next step.

Deutsches Fußball Internat (DFI): International Education and Development Connections

Deutsches Fußball Internat (DFI), a German soccer and education institution, is an important partner within IPPG's international network. Its involvement supports the partnership's broader focus on connecting soccer development with educational opportunities and potential pathways within the German and European soccer environments.

These relationships contribute to a broader framework designed to connect local player development with international networks while recognizing that every athlete's pathway will depend on individual ability, readiness, and available opportunities.

Building on Success in Columbus

The successful talent identification event held in Columbus in 2026 established an initial foundation for the partnership. Planning is now underway for the 2027 event (Summer - June), with the goal of expanding its reach, strengthening its impact, and establishing a recurring opportunity for male and female players to be identified and considered for potential international pathways.

Looking further ahead, the organizations intend to explore opportunities to bring similar showcases to additional states, extending the partnership's reach and connecting more American players with international soccer networks.

The shared vision is to build a sustainable model that combines consistent local development, informed talent identification, and meaningful international connections.

Rather than treating a showcase as an isolated event, the partnership is designed to connect the stages that can matter in a player's journey: development, identification, and access to potential opportunities.

About the Organizations

Quick Touch Soccer Development (QTSD™) is a Central Ohio-based soccer development organization specializing in supplemental individual player development. QTSD™ works with youth, collegiate, and advanced players in a club-neutral environment focused on helping athletes become quicker, more creative, and more confident players.

Athletic Sports Group contributes to connecting the local soccer landscape with broader opportunities through talent identification, relationships, and connections that can help players explore international pathways.

International Players Pathway Group (IPPG) develops and coordinates international relationships intended to connect identified players with potential opportunities across the global soccer landscape.

Deutsches Fußball Internat (DFI) is a German soccer and education institution that contributes to the international network, particularly in relation to education and soccer development pathways.

Additional details regarding the 2027 showcase and future expansion plans will be announced as planning progresses.

Media and Partnership Inquiries

For further information regarding the partnership, upcoming showcases, or player development opportunities, please contact the participating organizations directly.