RECREATION
Recreation Program
Heart of the City's recreation league is a non-competitive instructional program designed for children to have fun while developing their soccer skills. Our recreation league is a volunteer coached league, providing opportunities for boys and girls ages 5-16 years old.
Because the true power of the sport of soccer is its capacity to make a different in a young person’s life, this league provides the benefits of mentorship and team-building experiences that instill invaluable life lessons along with teaching children important athletic skills.
We work to provide every child with plenty of playing time and experience in each position: rotating the kids through forward, defense, and keeper positions to provide them with maximum exposure to the entire game.
Goals of Heart of the City's recreation league include:
- Having fun!
- Learning the rules and skills of soccer
- Good sportsmanship & teamwork
- Respect for teammates, opponents, and referees
- The concepts of always trying your hardest and doing your best
Players in this league are divided by age onto teams to maintain alignment with Illinois Youth soccer and US Soccer Federation standards. This also helps our young athletes to develop faster while increasing safety conditions and decreasing the potential for injury.
League practices run throughout the week with games on Saturdays. These experiences foster a greater sense of connection and belonging in the local community by bringing friends, families, and neighborhoods together.
In addition to this value, the Heart of the City soccer model places a significant emphasis on preparing young people in our recreational league academically. Homework completion is monitored and regular report card checks and off-the-field academic and extracurricular enrichment opportunities are afforded to every player.