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Illinois Youth
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Soccer For Success Inner City Programs

Soccer For Success Inner City Programs

 

Since 1994, Illinois Youth Soccer has been providing free soccer programs to nearly 1000 children annually that live in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Chicago including the Chicago Housing Authority developments.  We have conducted nationally recognized coaching and referee courses for the Chicago Public Schools, After School Matters and UNO charter schools.

Illinois Youth Soccer is grateful to the US Soccer Foundation and proud to partner with the Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District and World Sports Chicago to provide a quality, fun, skill-based, after-school soccer development program for elementary school children. This program is funded by the U.S. Soccer Foundation and is free to all participants.

 

This program will impact approximately 1000 children and families living in Chicago's underserved urban communities. 95% are Hispanic or African American and live in disadvantaged communities. 49% are overweight and 25% are considered obese. 55% are girls for whom there are few sport-based team activities.


Children attend weekly training sessions taught by skilled US Soccer certified program coaches that know how to conduct fun, age-specific activities and that understand, respect and reside in the urban communities. The program involves parents and community volunteers.

In the Program, children learn skills that make the game more enjoyable, participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, and learn unstructured activities to do at home. Children learn the nutritional value of food and increase consumption of healthy items. Children gain self-esteem by working with caring mentors and coaches. Families are engaged in team-building activities and small sided games.

 

Program involves parents and community volunteers and teaches players how to coach and referee games.

 

The Soccer for Success Program includes:

  • Physical Activity – This program will provide 24 weeks of soccer activities conducted by US Soccer certified Illinois Youth Soccer coaches.   Twelve weeks in Fall and twelve weeks in Spring
    • The Program will be offered three (3) days a week and will consist of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous training sessions each day.
    • Illinois Youth Soccer will conduct health and behavior surveys and collect Body Mass Index (BMI) data.
  • Nutrition – This program will teach the children the nutritional value of food and beverage choices to increase consumption of healthy items.
  • Mentorship & Academic Improvement – Each site is staffed by caring mentors and coaches who are totally invested in the successful development of children.  Activities focus on developing skills through the themes of leadership, teamwork, respect, dedication, commitment and hard work with emphasis on grades. 
  • Family Engagement – Families play an essential role in the education and personal development of a child.  Parents and family members are invited to actively participate in collaborative warm-up exercises and team building activities.  Families are provided with information on nutrition, health and public services to help families become advocates for a healthier lifestyle.

 

Illinois Youth Soccer is an educational organization that empowers children to lead a healthy lifestyle, value education and learn social and life skills.  We also provide job training by offering nationally recognized coaching and referee courses.  Our Olympic Development Program provides children with the opportunity to reach their potential.

 

Illinois Youth Soccer is an Illinois non-profit 501c3 tax exempt corporation established in 1975 and the official State Association and charter member of the US Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer authorized to administer and conduct coaching courses, referee courses and the Olympic Development Program in Illinois. 

Here is a look at the IYSA Soccer For Success Programs: