CHICAGO(Sept. 18, 2015) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with the Illinois Youth Soccer Association, will celebrate Youth Soccer Month in September as part of the long-term strategic goal to support the growth of grassroots soccer throughout Illinois.
“We’re excited to join Illinois Youth Soccer in celebrating Youth Soccer Month,” said Chicago Fire Director of Youth Development Paul Cadwell. “As an MLS club, we have a responsibility to support the growth of the game at the youth levels and Illinois Youth Soccer is the ideal partner to connect thousands of players and coaches with the resources necessary to elevate the youth soccer experience.”
One of the largest youth sports organizations in the state, Illinois Youth Soccer currently reaches over 75,000 players, 10,000 coaches and 5,000 referees through its development programs. Serving the Illinois community since 1975, Illinois Youth Soccer focuses on the development of players at all levels: recreational, competitive and Olympic Development. The IYSA entered a long-term partnership with the Fire in April 2014 to enhance its player development programs.
Through the partnership, Illinois Youth Soccer Directors of Coaching were provided Chicago Fire season passes as part of the coaching education program. Both organizations are also providing clinics and courses to recreational programs across the state.
The Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City match presented by AT&T at Toyota Park on Sept. 19 will serve as Illinois Youth Soccer Night. Illinois ODP Regional Pool players will take part in a special pregame training session on the main Toyota Park stadium field. Illinois Youth Soccer will also host a tailgate event prior to the match with free food and live musical entertainment.
Illinois Youth Soccer Marketing and Communications Director Chris Jamrozy will join the Chicago Fire’s ESPN1000 radio show, Fire Weekly presented by The PrivateBank, on Saturday morning before joining the Fire broadcast team of Dan Kelly and Kevin Egan during halftime on Comcast SportsNet Chicago to discuss the partnership and Youth Soccer Month.
“We’re very proud of the one-of-a-kind partnership that has been built with the Fire and Illinois Youth Soccer,” Mary Jane Bender, Illinois Youth Soccer Executive Director said. “The Fire is an important presence in the soccer community and critical to the development of the sport. Our initiatives benefit our members by enhancing coaching education and player development throughout Illinois. We’re working together to inspire the next generation of players.”
