Pause. Take a breath.
Find the right fit for you and your family.
National age group alignment is moving to an August 1 – July 31 cutoff next season. Most players will continue to train and compete at the appropriate age and level, with placement guided by our technical staff and focused on long-term development.
Players will be placed in environments where challenge and confidence work together, supporting meaningful growth over time. Through this approach, CITY develops the whole person, using sport to build resilience, character, accountability, and confidence that extend far beyond the field.
If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us to help with navigating the whole process. We remain committed to clear communication and supporting families throughout this transition.
Current CITY members do not need to tryout as their assessment and evaluation is ongoing throughout the year.
Players guaranteed a place within the club as long as registration deadlines are met. This reflects our commitment to player care and long-term development.
New Players
CITY operates across multiple locations throughout Chicagoland, offering new players a variety of opportunities to connect with our programs and community. Tryouts are designed to help our staff get to know each player and identify the environment where they can grow, learn, and succeed. Evaluations are holistic and focused on long-term development, ensuring each player is supported at the right stage of their journey.
We Are CITY
Why the Right Environment Matters
Choosing a club goes beyond schedules or league names. Youth sports impact the entire family. At CITY, we support the whole child and the people around them, because care, communication, and trust matter just as much as what happens on the field. Everything we do is intentional, from our customer-service driven approach to the development environments we create.
This commitment is recognized through our designation as an Illinois Youth Soccer Premier Club, reflecting our standards in player development, coach education, parent engagement, competition, and safeguarding.
LEAGUES WHERE WE COMPETE
PRIDE OF CHICAGO
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
CITY’s growth is defined not simply by geography, but by the strength and depth of our player pool across Chicagoland. We believe players should represent and develop within their local club environment—training consistently within their community—while also having access to clearly defined, high-level competitive platforms.
Through our integrated model, players can progress from their local CITY teams into top national league environments including Pre-ECNL, ECNL, EA, and E64, with DPL anchoring the pathway on the girls’ side. This structure preserves community identity while creating meaningful exposure, standards-based development, and elite competition within one unified club framework.
City & LOOP tryouts
Main locations along the Lakefront, Old Town Roscoe Village, North Park, Old Irving, West Loop, South Loop, Pilsen, Bronzeville.
Southern Suburbs
Our main location for South is Bridgeview Sports Complex while also working with clubs in Midway, La Grange, and Orland Park.
FAQ's
What does the right environment look like for my child?
Our Player First approach is rooted in meeting each player where they are. Our professional staff continually assess and evaluate players throughout the year to ensure they are in environments that best support their development. Player growth is not linear, and meaningful development comes from the right balance of challenge and confidence.
How are teams labelled to distinguish their level?
CITY teams are labeled as below with NO academy level until U9.
Academy I
Academy II
Team I
Team II
Team III
Team IV
Team V
How will my child develop both on and off the field?
Your child’s development is guided by qualified, continuously educated coaches who follow a player-first, long-term philosophy. Training is age-appropriate, intentional, and focused on skill, decision-making, and confidence rather than short-term results. Players receive ongoing evaluation, feedback, and support to ensure they are challenged, supported, and progressing at the right pace.
What is the time commitment for my family?
Time commitment varies by age and program and is communicated clearly in advance. Club teams typically train twice per week, while Academy teams train three times per week, with games played on weekends. Travel is local or regional depending on level. For families seeking additional development, a la carte programming is available to provide extra training opportunities. Seasonal expectations are shared early so families can plan confidently and balance soccer with school, family, and other activities.
What do club dues cover?
Club dues help create the environment, resources, and support systems that allow players to thrive over time. This includes professional leadership and coaching, structured training sessions, league registration, facility usage, insurance, and comprehensive program administration. Players also benefit from athletic training services, mental sports coaching, college pathway support, and access to performance and feedback tools that help guide development.
Families are supported by a high level of customer service, with experienced club leadership available for in-person meetings at HQ to ensure clear communication and ongoing support throughout the year.
Who will coach my child?
Your child will be coached by a qualified, experienced coach who is supported by a Phase Lead, the Academy Director, and the Director of Soccer. This group works collaboratively on all soccer-related decisions to continuously evolve our development program, ensuring consistency, alignment, and thoughtful support for each player’s long-term growth.
How are teams formed and players assessed?
Team placement at CITY is guided by a thoughtful, ongoing evaluation process centered on long-term development. Current CITY players remain part of the club when registration deadlines are met, reinforcing continuity and care throughout their journey. New players are welcomed into a multi-step assessment process that allows our staff to truly get to know them through video review, on-field evaluations, and invitations into team training. This extended window, running from January through April, allows for meaningful observation and ensures each player is placed in an environment where they can grow with confidence and purpose.
What league level will my child play?
League placement at CITY is guided by development, not by chasing results. We do not place teams in environments below their ability to manufacture wins. We believe winning is a byproduct of the right development, built through appropriate challenge, where players are tested, stretched, and sometimes face setbacks that become powerful learning moments. By competing in leagues that balance quality, competitiveness, and challenge, players experience both success and adversity, building confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the game.
What leagues does CITY play in?
Club teams compete locally in the IWSL for girls and the YSSL or NISL for boys. Each league offers multiple divisions and is organized geographically to minimize travel, especially for younger teams. As teams progress into higher divisions and older age groups, travel may increase to support appropriate competitive challenges.
Our Academy teams play in national elite leagues, in the regional divisions. These league platforms are - Pre ECNL, ECNL RL, EA, DPL, NPL, and E64 National League.
Can my child play other sports or high school soccer?
We fully support multi-sport athletes and encourage balanced development. We believe participating in other sports helps reduce burnout, build athleticism, and support long-term growth. CITY also supports high school soccer, with girls typically playing in the spring and boys in the fall, while competing with the club in the opposite season. Our staff works with families and players to manage schedules and ensure a healthy, sustainable approach to development.