Illinois Youth Soccer started the State Premiership Division in Spring 2013 with support from our competitive member leagues. This exclusive competition was designed to give elite teams that are registered with Illinois Youth Soccer competitive member leagues (Illinois Women’s Soccer League (IWSL), Young Sportsmen’s Soccer League (YSSL), Central lllinois Youth Soccer League (CIYSL), Southern Illinois Soccer League (SISL), and ILLOWA an opportunity to compete against the other top teams in the state.

Since its inception, the State Premiership division has boasted:

• 99 MRL Teams
• 16 MRL Champions
• 1 US Youth Soccer Regional Champion
• 4 State Cup Champions
• 8 State Cup Finalists,
• 5 State Cup Semifinalists
• 3 US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup Champions
• 5 Illinois Presidents Cup Champions

New starting 2015:

• Chicagoland Premiership Champions earn #8 seed in State Cup
  • U14-U17 champions earn (in Spring for Boys and Fall for Girls) U15-U18 seeds in 2016 State Cup
  • U12-U13 champions (in Fall) earn U13-U14 seeds in 2016 State Cup
• 2-Tiered Promotion and Regelgation system for Boys Divisions

Benefits for teams that participate include:

• Self scheduling
• Games can count toward State Cup/MRL
• Top referees
• Club pass system
• Marketing & advertising benefits

COMPLETE BOYS CHICAGOLAND STATE PREMIERSHIP DIVISION DETAILS

COMPLETE GIRLS CHICAGOLAND STATE PREMIERSHIP DIVISION DETAILS

COMPLETE CENTRAL/SOUTHERN STATE PREMIERSHIP DIVISION DETAILS

Each year Illinois Youth Soccer honors those that have made an impact both on and off the soccer field in the state of Illinois. The 2015 Illinois Youth Soccer Awards Banquet  will be held Friday, March 6 at the Stonegate Conference Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. Tickets are now available

Have someone that should be recognized for their efforts in the soccer world?

• Coach Of Year (Boys, Girls or Rec)
• Demosphere Administrator Of Year 
• Volunteer Of Year
• TOPSoccer Buddy Of Year
• TOPSoccer Community Partner Of Year

Illinois Youth Soccer is excited to welcome Caulbert Smith as the state association’s new Associate Director of Coaching. Smith joins Illinois Youth Soccer after serving as the Director of Coaching of Cary Soccer Association for the past eight years. Smith takes over for Jen Pfeiffer who was recently named Director of Coaching for Arkansas State Soccer Association.

“I am elated and excited, yet honored and humbled, about joining the Illinois Youth Soccer Association’s team,” Smith said. “I am looking forward to serving our members, while always seeking to bring out the best in soccer in all we do.”

Smith currently holds the USSF National "B" Coaching License and USSF National Youth Coaching License. He has been a very active member of the Illinois Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program and Illinois Youth Soccer Coaching Education staff for the past three years.

“I am fortunate to have Caulbert as my Associate, as he has a wealth of knowledge and will be a great asset and addition to our State Staff,” said Illinois Youth Soccer Director of Coaching, Rick Flores.  “His leadership, positive attitude, and enthusiastic demeanor are just a few of the many qualities he displays.  He has a good understanding of the importance of Coaching Education for both Competitive and Recreational Coaches and as a team we will continue to provide support to our membership across the state.”

Smith will begin in his new position on December 1.   

Jamie Martin of FC Lake County and Adam Stephan of Cary Defenders have been named the 2014 Illinois Youth Soccer Coaches of the Year. Both coaches were notified of their recognition at the quarterly Directors Of Coaching meeting on November 5 and they will be honored at the Illinois Youth Soccer Awards Banquet on March 6, 2015.

Jame Martin: Girls Coach Of The Year
Martin’s dedication to improving his coaching skills makes his coaching resume standout.  While earning the prestigious ‘A’ License this year, he also managed to win a US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup title with his U15 girls team, be actively involved in Illinois ODP and oversee the merger of his former club Warren United with Grayslake Galaxy to create FC Lake County providing more playing opportunities for players in the northwest suburbs. These achievements, along with his dedication to sportsmanship, player development, improving his and his staff’s coaching education and his loyalty to his community and players made his an exceptional choice for Girls Coach of the Year

“More important that winning, Jamie has done things the right way,” said Ken Carrano, former Presidents of Warren United.

“I am extremely grateful and honored to be recognized for this award,” Martin said. “Although it was quite a shock, as I knew nothing about the nomination, I am humbled to know that I have had a positive impact on the players and hopefully the game in Illinois. A big part of this honor and recognition goes to my players, who devote their time and effort to training and playing throughout the year.  The individual and collective growth, both on and off the field, is what makes each day enjoyable and rewarding for both the players and myself. Soccer is not only my passion, but has provided me with many numerous benefits and opportunities throughout the years.  It is my hope to continue to pass this excitement and love for the game to others.”

Adam Stephan: Boys Coach Of Year
While Adam Stephan has taught his players many things about the beautiful game and helped them to improve their skills on the pitch, it is the lesson he taught them off about perseverance, dedication and never giving up that make him one of the most impactful coaches in the state of Illinois and honoree as Boys Coach of the Year.

In February 2013, at the age of 24, Stephan was diagnosed with cancer.  As he began his own personal battle, his allegiance to his players on the four teams he coaches was unwavering;  never missing a league game, tournament or staff meeting while undergoing four treatments of chemotherapy and two surgeries.

“Adam has been a source of inspiration to not only his team and our club, but to the entire community in Cary,” said Caulbert Smith, Cary Director of Coaching.  “Adam is the type of coach you build a club around as he demonstrates the same level of commitment and dedication as we expect of each and every one of our players and parents. While being a young coach, he has gone about his duties and responsibilities with a level of maturity, which is usually seen in coaches twice his age and experience”

As a former player for the Cary Defenders, Stephan has shown a true commitment to his hometown club by volunteering wherever needed, helping with the recreational program and continuing to strengthen his coaching knowledge, recently earning his ‘C’ License.

“In receiving this honor, I am extremely humbled and proud,” Stephan said. “I have had the pleasure of working alongside many great coaches, but none more important than my mentors, Caulbert Smith and Phil Knorr, whom, without their guidance, knowledge, and support, I would not be the coach I am today. To know that my peers, colleagues, and friends believe in me to the point of handing me this award, makes it that much more special. Thank you to Illinois Youth Soccer for this award, to the players who make this job so enjoyable, and to everyone who has provided their support over the past year."

Both state winners have been nominated for the Region II Coach of the Year, still to be announced.

Crystal Lake Soccer Federation has become the third soccer organization in the state to be honored with BOTH the US Youth Soccer Region II 5-Star Recreation Award and the Illinois Youth Soccer 5-Star Competitive Club Recognition.  Crystal Lake Federation becomes the fourth program in Illinois to earn the Regional recreational honor and the competitive arm of the organization, Crystal Lake Force, becomes only the fourth competitive program to earn the competitive recognition.

“With both our rec and competitive programs being recognized as quality programs, it shows that the Crystal Lake Soccer Federation cares about providing a top-notch and enjoyable program for all soccer lovers,” Bob Hansen, Recreational League Administrator of Crystal Lake said. “I have always known we have an excellent program, but there is a special gratification in having your work recognized.”

“We are extremely grateful Illinois Youth Soccer has recognized our efforts as an organization to continually strive to become better in all that we do,” said Dan Quinn, Crystal Lake Director of Coaching and Player Development.  “The Force has experienced tremendous success on and off the field over the past seven years and earning the 5-Star award is a culmination of those efforts.  We are honored to be recognized as a 5-star club with both our competitive and recreational programs.  Between our tremendous staff and wonderful volunteers, the Crystal Lake Soccer Federation truly has a bright future in Illinois Youth Soccer.”

By earning both prestigious awards, Crystal Lake Soccer Federation shows its dedication to all players in their program from the newest player just learning to kick a soccer ball to their elite travel players.

“Our focus is on making our players better and instilling a life-long passion for the game,” Quinn said.  “Our growth and success have been tied to these values and continue to push our organization to new heights.”

“This is the first time one of our member organizations has earned both the Recreational and Competitive 5-Star recognitions at the same time,” said Mary Jane Bender, Illinois Youth Soccer Executive Director. “Crystal Lake Soccer Federation has shown that it is a truly well-rounded and dedicated organization for all of its  players, both recreational and competitive. I hope that the families understand how fortunate they are to be part of such a top-flight organization. We are proud to have them as members of Illinois Youth Soccer.”

The Crystal Lake Soccer Federation boasts nearly 2000 players in their programs which run both fall and spring seasons. The goal of their program is to ensure that players experience the ENJOYMENT of soccer while learning and developing an appreciation for the game by teaching teamwork, skills, tactics and the rules of the game.

“The most important reason rec players play soccer is to enjoy themselves,” Hansen said.  “As our slogan says, ‘Be a Part of the Fun.’  Children today have a lot of options for recreational activities, so if they are not having fun they’ll move on to something new.  For kids to enjoy a program they have to feel safe, experience a sense of accomplishment, be treated fairly, be praised when they do well, and be shown how to improve in a way that encourages growth and positive self-esteem.  The more our coaches are educated, the more they will be able to help the players reach their goals and enjoy soccer.  Our goal safety and kid safe programs may not be specifically noticed by our families, but when parents don’t have to worry about their children’s safety, it speaks volumes.  As for game time behavior, one of the most embarrassing feelings for kids comes when their parents are constantly screaming at them, the refs, or other players.  Our constant reinforcement of appropriate sideline behavior eliminates that embarrassment.  Finally, the quality training our referees receive helps to ensure the players are being treated fairly.  Because we use so many youth referees, many of our young players aspire to become referees when they are older, and many stay with our program after they grow up.  Attention to all five points works to provide a positive and fulfilling soccer experience.”

On the competitive side, Crystal Lake Force have been active participants in the Illinois Women’s Soccer League (IWSL), Young Sportsmen’s Soccer League (YSSL), Midwest Regional League (MRL), State Premiership Division, Chipotle State Cup and Sports Authority Presidents Cup. In Spring 2014, the Under-14 Crystal Lake Force Elite Girls team won the Spring State Premiership Division. In 2013, the club hoisted its first National Championship trophy when the Under-14 Boys squad won the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup.

“Our focus as a staff is to push our players to the next level, said Quinn. “Our expectation is that our players success is tied to them working hard and building a love for the game.  When both of those ideals are instilled in a player, winning is merely a byproduct.”

Crystal Lake Soccer Federation now joins Reed Custer Soccer Club, Barrington Area Soccer Association and Ela Soccer Club as recipients of the US Youth Soccer Region II 5-Star Recreational Award and Ela Soccer Club, FC Barrington/FCX and Spartan FC as those that have earned the Illinois Youth Soccer 5-Star Competitive Club Recognition.

To earn the US Youth Soccer 5-Star Regional Recreational Award, a recreation program must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Coaching Education: To receive recognition, 30% of the coaches in the Recreational Program must have one of the following US Soccer coaching certificates or licenses: Youth Module Certificate, ‘E’ Certificate, ‘D’ License, ‘C’ License, ‘B’ License, ‘A” License.
2. Referee Development or Mentoring: To receive recognition, 90% of the referees that work in the Recreational Program must have at minimum a US Soccer Grade 9 license.
3. Risk Management: Full participation in Kid-Safe (background checks) & goal safety (inspections and anchoring)
4. Concussion Awareness: To receive recognition, the Recreational Program must be in compliance with the State Association’s Concussion Awareness Policy including all the coaches in the Recreational Program having  successfully completed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Heads Up Concussion test?
5. Sideline and Parent Behavior and Education: To receive recognition, the Recreational Program must have a parent behavior program.

To earn the 5-Star Competitive Club recognition, a club must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Illinois Youth Soccer Membership & Support

All of the Club’s competitive teams/players and recreational program teams/players, with the exception of the Club’s US Soccer Academy primary teams that are excluded from participating in any other program, must be registered with an Illinois Youth Soccer member league.

The Club must actively support Illinois Youth Soccer programs and encourage their players to participate in the Illinois Olympic Development Program.

The Club must place Illinois Youth Soccer logo and link on its website.

2. Coaching Education

All the Club’s competitive coaches must have the following US Soccer Federation licenses:

•All U9-U12 coaches must have at least an ‘E’ License

•All U13 and up coaches must have at least a ‘D’ License

•All Directors of Coaching must have at least a ‘C’ License AND a National Youth License

3. Referee Development

All referees including assistant referees that the Club assigns must have a US Soccer license.

4. Risk Management

The Club must meet all of the following Illinois Youth Soccer risk management criteria:

•All goals used by the Club, whether they are in use or not, must be anchored and stored according to the goal manufacturer’s safety standards.  All fields, nets and equipment must be safe.

•All coaches, assistant coaches, administrative staff, board members, referees and all affected persons 18 or older must submit a background check.

•All coaches must submit a certificate to the Club showing that they have successfully completed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Heads Up Concussion test.

•All coaches must use the Illinois Youth Soccer Concussion Notification Form.

5.) Parent Education and Sideline Behavior

The Club must certify and document that it has a parent behavior program in place.

For more details on the Crystal Lake Soccer Federation go to www.clsf.org . For details on the US Youth Soccer Region II 5-Star Recreational Award and Illinois Youth Soccer 5-Star Competitive Club Recognition go to www.illinoisyouthsoccer.org

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS . . . since August teams have been competing to hoist the trophy of the most prestigious tournaments in Illinois, the Chipotle State Cup & Sports Authority Presidents Cup. Congratulations to the following teams who proved to be the best in their age groups and now move on to represent Illinois Youth Soccer at US Youth Soccer Regional events.

State Cup champions advance to the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championship, June 20-25, in Beavercreek, OH. Presidents Cup champions will compete in the US Youth Soccer Midwest Presidents Cup in St Charles, MO from June 11-14.  Regional champions in both
competitions advance to play for a US Youth Soccer National Championship or Presidents Cup National Championship.

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Spartan FC of Northbrook has become the third competitive club in the state to earn the prestigious Illinois Youth Soccer 5-Star Competitive Club Recognition.  Since 2008, Spartan FC has provided club soccer, camps, and community events to thousands of Northbrook area families.

"Spartan FC is honored to be a recipient of Illinois Youth Soccer’s prestigious 5-Star award," said Yianny Caparos, Director of Soccer Operations at Spartan FC. "We strive every day to be a leading youth soccer club in Illinois, and this recognition reinforces that we are moving in the right direction. We are proud of the culture we have created at Spartan FC, and look forward to continuing to grow the club by implementing progressive strategies, while keeping our primary focus on the continuing education of our outstanding coaching staff, and the proper development of our youth soccer players."

"Our tremendous leadership at the board level, and the dedication of our coaches and member families are responsible for creating and embracing a winning culture on and off the field," said Spartan FC Director of Coaching, Chris Berena. "This 'seal of approval' from Illinois Youth Soccer confirms that the Spartan FC experience is about much more than just playing soccer."

"Spartan FC is a very progressive club that emphasizes quality coaching, risk management, referee development and parent education," said Mary Jane Bender, Illinois Youth Soccer Executive Director  "They take coaching education and player safety seriously and the direct beneficiaries are the players. We congratulate the Spartans FC for achieving the 5-Star Competitive Club Recognition."

“It is an honor for our young club to receive this award,” John Soltani, Assistant Director of Coaching and Administrator for Spartan FC said.  “It validates our commitment to excellence and a place where player development is the staple of our success.  We appreciate that our leagues, our state, and our peers in this industry acknowledge our progressive growth and seriousness to player development.”

With a focus on the U8-U11 age groups, Spartan FC brings a competitive soccer environment focused on the development of technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and the physical well-being of their players in a constructive atmosphere.  The organization is passionate about being a community driven program to increase the love for the sport within the community, and provide players with opportunities to play together throughout their youth and high school soccer careers. 

“The leaders at Spartan FC care about each player within its system,” Soltani said.  “It is important to us that we have quality coaches at each team teaching the game.  We acknowledge every human being matures and develops at different times on their life.  Our objective is to assure each child is provided the tools to learn and succeed in this beautiful game.”

Clubs that have also earned the 5-Star Recognition are Ela Soccer Club & FC Barrington/FCX

To earn the 5-Star Competitive Club recognition, a club must meet all of the requirements showcasing their dedication both on and off the field. The 5-Star Competitive Club Recognition requirements are:

Illinois Youth Soccer Membership & Support
All of the Club’s competitive teams/players and recreational program teams/players, with the exception of the Club’s US Soccer Academy primary teams that are excluded from participating in any other program, must be registered with an Illinois Youth Soccer member league.

The Club must actively support Illinois Youth Soccer programs and encourage their players to participate in the Illinois Olympic Development Program.

The Club must place Illinois Youth Soccer logo and link on its website.

Coaching Education
All the Club’s competitive coaches must have the following US Soccer Federation licenses:

• All U9-U12 coaches must have at least an ‘E’ License
• All U13 and up coaches must have at least a ‘D’ License
• All Directors of Coaching must have at least a ‘C’ License AND a National Youth License

Referee Development
All referees including assistant referees that the Club assigns must have a US Soccer license

Risk Management
The Club must meet all of the following Illinois Youth Soccer risk management criteria:

• All goals used by the Club, whether they are in use or not, must be anchored and stored according to the goal manufacturer’s safety standards.  All fields, nets and equipment must be safe.
• All coaches, assistant coaches, administrative staff, board members, referees and all affected persons 18 or older must submit a background check.
• All coaches must submit a certificate to the Club showing that they have successfully completed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Heads Up Concussion test.
• All coaches must use the Illinois Youth Soccer Concussion Notification Form.

Parent Education and Sideline Behavior
The Club must certify and document that it has a parent behavior program in place.

To learn move about the 5-Star Competitve Club Recognition click here

Zayn Akbik, Rudy Bieglmeier, Mateo Blair, Jonathan Chavez, Isaac Diop, Noah Dolan, Theodore Dove, Deniz Gundogdu, Simon Jillson, Niko Kapetan, Jonathan Meneses, Luis Molina, Nathan Pollack, Zachary Rogers, Reed Schaefer, Colin Thompson, Aidan Tobin; Coach: Issac Moushi

After impressive runs through the Illinois Presidents Cup & Midwest Presidents Cup, Team Evanston Premier finalized their post-season adventure by winning the Under-14 Boys US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup, bringing a national championship back to Evanston.

“It's a great feeling to be National Champions,” Issac Moushi, Team Evanston Head Coach said.  “The players did not know what to expect, however once the ball rolled they blocked the nature of the competition and played the game the way they have been trained. “

Team Evanston took home the U-14 Boys title after defeating Montgomery Arsenal from Eastern Pennsylvania in a match that went all the way to kicks from the mark after regulation and overtime ended  0-0.  These two teams had met in the opening match of the tournament, which also resulted in a 0-0 draw.

“We played Montgomery  in the first game of the competition and we created chances however their goalkeeper was always at the correct position collecting every shot we took and the final was no different as he played well again,” said Moushi.  “The Arsenal players were bigger and very aggressive. We kept possession and we were trying to link our passes to get to their attacking third and we came up without scoring again and again.  I did have a good feeling regarding PK's. As a coach I don't like it when we get to penalty kicks, however I had confidence in my players.”

Although Montgomery’s Vincent Scialla was awarded the Best Goalie honor as the top U14 goalkeeper at the tournament, it was Evanston’s 6’2” keeper Simon Jillson that stood out in the PK shootout. And it was for more than just his size.

“Simone was a key in the PK's,” Moushi said. “He intimidated their players and was moving on his line to confuse the shooters.  Forced them to miss the goal twice and stopped the fourth shooter. He was great throughout the tournament.”

While Jillson handled the Montgomery shooters, Team Evanston’s Nathan Pollack, Deniz Gundogdu and Jonathan Meneses each converted their attempt clinch the National title 3-1 on PK’s.

“It was an all team effort,” said Moushi. “I thought the entire defending line played well, Mateo Blair and Isaac Diop were key players in midfield.  Jonathan Meneses created many chances and also scored the only goal to win our third game that put us in the championship game.”

Although it was an entire team effort, Meneses did earn recognition for his individual efforts, winning the tournament ‘s U14 Boys MVP Award.

SASA finishes as National Finalists

Caleb Cheung, Devin Compton, Mitch Curry, Blake Dannehold, Nicolas Farris, Eric Heumann, Elias Hopkins, Grant Meckes, Derek Miller, Zachary Mizera, Alec Paoni, Vincent Raby, Luke Reiser,  Ty Rogers, Colin Sprague, Collin Tierney, AJ Underwood, Tyler Vogel, Mark Wilson; Coach: James Paoni

In a rematch of the final group play match SASA Spirits looked to avenge their only loss of the tournament against LV Neon from Nevada. Unfortunately scores in the 27^th and 83^rd minute would secure the win for the Nevada squad.

Ty Rogers was awarded the U17 Boys MVP for his impressive play throughout the tournament

Central Illinois Youth Soccer League – North, a division of the CIYSL that operates in the greater-Chicagoland area, has launched a new website: www.ciysl-north.com