City In the community (Rec)
Our recreational pathway is designed to introduce young players and families to soccer in a fun, structured, and supportive way, while building a strong foundation for long-term development.
The journey begins with Lil’ Kickers for players ages 18 months to 5 years, where children are introduced to soccer through engaging, age-appropriate activities that develop confidence, coordination, and a love for the game.
As players grow, they move into MINI CITY, a structured training program that bridges the gap between introductory play and organized soccer. MINI CITY focuses on guided learning, age-appropriate coaching, and intentional skill development in a positive and inclusive environment.
Players then progress into Rec CITY, our Recreational Development Program delivered in partnership with Lil’ Kickers. Rec CITY offers a community-based soccer experience that balances learning and play, while continuing to support player growth and family engagement.
Together, Lil’ Kickers, MINI CITY, and Rec CITY form a clear and accessible pathway that prioritizes enjoyment, development, and progression, giving families a simple entry point into soccer and clear next steps within the CITY ecosystem across Chicagoland.
Club (6-19yrs)
CITY provides single age-group teams at multiple levels for both girls and boys, ensuring appropriate competition and development for every player. Each team is assigned a full-time, licensed coach who is background checked, SafeSport certified, and trained in concussion awareness and first aid.
High school players (ages 14-19) can continue representing their school teams—girls in the spring and boys in the fall—while also competing with the club. For those aspiring to play at the collegiate level, our College Player Pathway provides the support and guidance needed to navigate that journey. Additionally, we offer unique international opportunities for players interested in a gap year experience.
ACADEMY GIRLS (8-19yrs)
Players who are excelling within the club environment are selected through our ongoing evaluation process to step into the top level teams from U9+. CITY players and coaches are provided a full pathway from Grassroots into Academy all the way through to Pre Professional.
U13+ Girls teams compete in DPL which is aligned with the Girls Academy (GA) structure while also competing in State/Presidents Cup (Fall), USL Youth League and coming in 2026 WPSL (Summer).
ACADEMY BOYS (8-19yrs)
Players who are excelling within the club environment are selected through our ongoing evaluation process to step into the top level teams from U9+. CITY players and coaches are provided a full pathway from Grassroots into Academy all the way through to Pre Professional.
U12+ Boys teams compete in the Pre ECNL, ECNL RL and Elite 64 RL (Fall & Spring), State/Presidents Cup (Spring), USL Youth League and MWPL (Summer).
For 2025/26 our Boys teams will be pushing for ECNL National, while being confirmed in E64 National and EA League.
PRE PROFESSIONAL (16yrs+)
The Pre-Professional Program is a developmental platform that bridges the gap between youth, collegiate, and professional soccer.
Key Features of Pre-Pro:
- Pathway to Pro: Designed for top youth, collegiate, and amateur players aspiring to reach the professional level.
- High-Level Competition: Features elite players coming together to train and compete as we build out a competitive games program.
- Scouting & Exposure: Provides a platform for players to showcase their talent in front of professional scouts and college recruiters.
- Player Development: Offers a competitive training and match environment that mirrors the professional game.
- Shortened Season: Runs during the summer months to allow NCAA players to compete while maintaining college eligibility.
