Storm partner with Illinois Youth Soccer Association
October 17, 2008 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
Chicago Storm News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - The Chicago Storm professional indoor soccer team always strives to pass along its soccer knowledge and educational values to the youth level. So it is with great pride that the Storm announce a partnership with the Illinois Youth Soccer Association. Per team policy, terms of the agreement are not disclosed.
"I think the Chicago Storm are an integral part of the soccer community, and I definitely feel this partnership is going to be mutually beneficial," IYSA executive director Mary Jane Bender said. "This gives players and coaches the opportunity to see talented professionals playing indoors, and I'm excited about this type of relationship. The fact that the Chicago Storm are located in the suburbs makes their games accessible to a large portion of our players and coaches."
A major aspect of the partnership is Illinois Youth Soccer hosting Coaching Education Programs before four of the Storm's Xtreme Soccer League games. As part of these beginning level coaching courses, Storm head coach Steve Morris will participate in pregame chalk talks and post-game question-and-answer sessions with the participants at the Sears Centre Arena. The courses will be held January 4, February 28, March 1 and April 5. For details about the classes, or to register, visit the Coaching Education Page of www.illinoisyouthsoccer.org.
"It will be an opportunity for them to pick my brain a little bit, whether it's about soccer in general or indoor specific," Morris said of the IYSA coaching courses. "I'm looking forward to working close with their director of coaching, Ian Mulliner. This will be a great experience for me. As a coach, it allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of the movement within youth soccer."
"It will be a unique coaching experience to have the course backed up by a professional game, with input from the head coach of the Chicago Storm," the IYSA's Mulliner said. "I'm sure coaches will pick up some valuable organizational tips from the way the game's managed, how players are moved in and out, when players stay in a little longer, and the reasons for quick shift turnarounds."
The Storm already reach out to the youth soccer community through a variety of functions, ranging from their summer camps program, to clinics, to the Storming Schools program and through other appearances.
"The soccer community must support each other. We have a strong commitment to having players watch the professional game," Bender said. "We look at this as a learning experience and we understand the value of the professional game as an educational resource. Coaches are the equivalent of teachers and this opportunity enhances everyone's education."
"It allows us to reach out to a greater scope, because their affiliation is not just with the immediate Chicago area, but beyond," Morris said. "I'm excited about the coaching education course and promoting what we're about. To do this in a professional arena, before a professional game, that will be a unique experience."
Brochures, banners and other information about the IYSA will be available at the Sears Centre Arena entrance during the IYSA coaching course dates.
The IYSA is the governing body for youth soccer in Illinois, and is a member of the United States Youth Soccer Association, United States Soccer Federation and the Federation International of Football Associations. The IYSA has provided youth soccer programs and services to soccer organizations and park districts since 1975.
Illinois Youth Soccer is located at 1655 S. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 201, in Arlington Heights, Ill. For more information about the IYSA, call its office at 1-847-290-1577, visit www.illinoisyouthsoccer.org, or e-mail info@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.
The Chicago Storm organization enters its fifth season of professional indoor soccer for 2008-2009. Chicago is a member of the newly created Xtreme Soccer League, which features the Storm, Detroit Ignition, Milwaukee Wave and New Jersey Ironmen. The Storm's 2008-2009 XSL season kicks off with a road game at New Jersey on Sunday, Dec. 14. Chicago's home opener takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, against Milwaukee, at the Sears Centre Arena.
Storm offices are located at 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., in Hoffman Estates. For more information on all aspects of Storm soccer, including season tickets, group outings, birthday parties and more, call 1-866-STORM-81 (1-866-786-7681), or visit www.ChicagoStorm.net.
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