Chicago Stars and Boys and Girls Club of Chicago Present Third Annual Youth Soccer Tournament at ComEd Recreation Center, Addams Park

In a spirited display of community and sportsmanship, young Chicagoans are getting a taste of the beautiful game, courtesy of the Chicago Stars. These budding athletes recently took part in a soccer clinic spearheaded by the Stars in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. This initiative, now in its third year, aims to inspire and train the city’s youth through an annual soccer tournament.

For many of the kids involved, the experience is about more than just the game. “I like that you can meet more people and you can be more active,” shared Julisza Villalobos, a participant who has embraced the opportunity to engage with her peers and stay active.

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Over the past two months, boys and girls from various neighborhoods in Chicago have been honing their soccer skills. Their dedication culminated in an exciting tournament held at the ComEd Recreation Center in Addams Park, a fitting venue for such an energetic event.

Noelle Schmitt, the Director of Community and Government Relations for Chicago Stars FC, explained the program’s focus. “We work primarily with children aged 7 to 13,” she noted. “Starting them young is key because the earlier they begin, the more likely they are to continue playing. Our goal is for them to feel comfortable with fundamental skills like ball handling, toe tapping, dribbling, shooting, and even goalkeeping.”

“We work with kids, primarily through the ages of 7 to 13,” said Chicago Stars FC Director of Community and Government Relations Noelle Schmitt. “We are starting younger, because we know that when kids start playing younger, they are more inclined to continue to play. We’re hoping that they feel comfortable with some ball handling, some basic toe tapping, some dribbling, being able to shoot into the goal. And, if they’re more interested in being a goalie.”

Throughout the year, the Chicago Stars also host soccer clinics with the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago as the team looks to continue exposing young girls to sports and advocating for women.

“We’re hoping to continue to grow and get more kids excited about it, specifically girls in sports,” Schmitt said.

The sport allows children to learn skills that they can also apply off the field.

“First of all, the skill of cooperation, sportsmanship, making new friends, thinking under pressure and handling yourself when there’s conflict on the field, those are all things that they’re all learning in our clubs, especially when they’re playing sports like soccer,” said Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago Director of Sports and Youth Leadership Rollie Jones.