The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Friday the formation of their new Youth Academy program for boys. Elite players will be trained by Chicago Fire coaches and will train and play at TOYOTA PARK as part of the Midwest Developmental League, a part of U.S. Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues, and in events for MLS youth programs.
“Bringing the Developmental Academy to TOYOTA PARK is a natural evolution for the Fire,” said the club’s Director of Player Personnel Mike Jeffries. “It allows us the opportunity to provide these players the synergy of working with the same high quality staff and great training facilities across all Chicago Fire teams, including the first team and the Academy.”
A leader in player development, the Fire’s desire to launch an expanded Youth Academy setup centers around the ability to provide four key aspects for youth players:
· A professional environment where players can learn, grow and develop
· The best youth facilities available including fields, weight and locker rooms as well as training staff
· The right ratio of practices to games combined with proper scheduling to maximize performance
· A quality coaching environment with exposure to some of the most knowledgeable soccer minds in the sport
“When athletes are in a situation where all the training elements come together, players make incredible strides,” said Fire Academy Director Larry Sunderland. “We are committed to developing all boys accepted into this program with a focus on these essentials.”
Players will be selected through open tryouts and from local Chicago Fire Junior affiliates in the North, West, South and Northwest Indiana.
As part of the evolution of the club’s Academy program, the Chicago Fire Youth Academy will begin play in Fall 2011. Tryout dates for all age groups will be announced in the near future.
For more information email youthacademy@chicago-fire.com or call 708-496-6580.
