ABOUT OUR LITTLE SPARKS PROGRAM
Little Sparks is the Chicago Fire's introduction to soccer program where children and parents can take their first steps in soccer together!
Specifically designed for children aged 2 to 5 years old and using the fun of play and imaginative stories, Little Sparks facilitates a child's physical, mental, social and emotional development through the game of soccer!
Little Sparks uses three key principles (experiential play, creative learning, holistic activity) to build an environment for children to learn and explore different outcomes associated with soccer and self-development.
PARENTS PLAY TOO!
Little Sparks is unique in that it incorporates mom and dad into the child’s learning experience.
With the support of mom and dad, children are able to truly be comfortable and express themselves in order to maximize each session. This experience will not only strengthen the parent-child bond, but also elevate each child’s enjoyment and development.
CHILDREN WILL EXPLORE THEIR CAPABILITIES TO:
- Learn fundamental soccer skills (dribbling, passing, catching and throwing)
- Develop fundamental movement skills (agility, balance, coordination and speed)
- Experience key social and emotional attributes (listening, communication, self-esteem, awareness and teamwork)
LOCATIONS
LOCATIONS BEING ADDED DAILY!
WINTER
| Location | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Ages | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Sports Academy | Sundays | March 7 – May 2 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 2 – 3 years | $80 for 4 weeks; $140 for 8 weeks | Click here |
| Chicago Sports Academy | Sundays | March 7 – May 2 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 4 – 5 years | $80 for 4 weeks; $140 for 8 weeks | Click here |
SPRING
| Location | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Ages | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northbrook Park District | Wednesdays | March 31 – April 28 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 4 – 5 years | $99 | Coming soon! |
| Elgin Sports Complex | Thursdays | April 8 – 29 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 4 – 5 years | $78 | Coming soon! |
| Ottawa Soccer Club | Sundays | April 11 – May 2 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 4 – 5 years | $60 | Coming soon! |
| Northbrook Park District | Wednesdays | May 5 – June 2 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 4 – 5 years | $99 | Coming soon! |
| Elgin Sports Complex | Thursdays | May 6 – 27 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 4 – 5 years | $78 | Coming soon! |
| Ottawa Soccer Club | Sundays | May 9 – 30 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 4 – 5 years | $60 | Coming soon! |
SUMMER
| Location | Date(s) | Time | Ages | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park District of Oak Park | June 21 – 25 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| St. Charles Park District | June 21 – 25 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Naperville Park District | June 28 – July 2 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Park District of Oak Park | July 12 – 16 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Northbrook Park District | July 12 – 16 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $99 | Coming soon! |
| South Barrington Park District | July 12 – 16 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Naperville Park District | July 19 – 23 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Park District of Oak Park | July 19 – 23 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Ottawa Soccer Club | July 19 – 23 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $75 | Coming soon! |
| Park District of Oak Park | July 26 – 30 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Elgin Park District | July 26 – 30 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Gurnee Park District | July 26 – 30 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Park District of Oak Park | August 2 – 6 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| St. Charles Park District | August 2 – 6 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Joliet Park District | August 2 – 6 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $75 | Coming soon! |
| Park District of Oak Park | August 9 – 13 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
| Northbrook Park District | August 9 – 13 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $99 | Coming soon! |
| Glen Ellyn Park District | August 9 – 13 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3 – 5 years | $97.50 | Coming soon! |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LITTLE SPARKS FAQS
How do I sign-up?
Why Little Sparks?
What should I expect at a Little Sparks session?
Who are the coaches for Little Sparks?
What does my child need for class?
How many children are in each class?
Can I drop my child off for class and leave?
Who can I contact if I have more questions about Little Sparks?
Click here to see a list of available programs. Payment is required at the time of booking and a registration form must also be completed. You will receive confirmation of your payment and your enrollment within your selected Little Sparks session.
Little Sparks is Chicago Fire FC’s official intro to football program, led by trained and certified Chicago Fire FC coaches. Little Sparks delivers a specially and appropriately designed, football curriculum, working towards key learning and development outcomes while providing a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn and grow through the game of football.
Parents play too!
Little Sparks is unique in that it incorporates mom and dad into the child’s learning. With the support of mom and dad, children are able to be truly comfortable and express themselves in order to maximize each session. This experience will not only strengthen the parent-child bond, but also elevate each child’s enjoyment and development.
What should I expect at a Little Sparks session?
A Little Sparks session will follow these core guidelines:
- Kick Start (10 min) – Introduction to key movement objectives
- Imaginative Story (10 min) – A themed story will lead children through activities using the ball
- Imaginative Play (10 min) – Children play and interact freely in a safe and inclusive environment
- Goals, Goals, Goals (10 min) – Coach provides a wide variety of scoring opportunities
- Final Whistle (10 min) – Opportunity to reflect on experiences and leave with a smile
Who are the coaches for Little Sparks?
All of our coaches are internationally qualified and experienced with specialist knowledge in working and teaching younger children through football. Every soccer is carefully selected and goes through a comprehensive background check to ensure child safety.
What does my child need for class?
We ask that all participants wear comfortable clothes and some form of closed toe shoe, including tennis shoes, indoor soccer shoes, or cleats. In addition, we ask that each participant has a filled water bottle to hydrate.
Children are more than welcome to wear shin guards if they wish. We also ask that every participant bring their own soccer ball, as those are not provided by our coaches.
How many children are in each class?
We do our best to maintain a 10:1 player to coach ratio in all classes, however this number may go up to 12 in special scenarios.
Can I drop my child off for class and leave?
The Little Sparks experience is heavily influenced by the parent being at their child’s side, which is why we require parent participation.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about Little Sparks?
Please email us at fitc@chicagofirefc.com or call (872) 710-0771