Another Fall season in the books! As we look back on a season where the weather didn t always cooperate as we had hoped, I m pleased to see how well the club coped. From recreational teams to travel teams we all have some new memories of playing in the rain, the cold and the mud. It s part of what makes Chicago soccer players so tough! This November we look back on some wonderful accomplishments by our players. Our U17 Girls made it to the semi-finals of the Illinois President s Cup, our youth teams produced at least one champion at each tournament we entered this year and our recreational players continued to showcase their skills at our All-Star game. Ela soccer continues to showcase the talent of our community at all ages and levels. As we head into our Winter sessions I look forward to the exploits of our players as they participate in the Illinois Olympic Development Program and other showcase programs that confirm what we already know. The best play here! Doug Anderson, President Our u17 girls made it to the semi-finals of the Illinois President s Cup. Well done, ladies! Upcoming Events January 8 Competitive Practice Begins December 13 Total Skills Winter 1 Ends January 8 Academy Practice Begins December 14 Junior Academy Winter 1 Ends January 9 Junior Academy Winter 2 Begins December 15 Academy Winter 1 Practice Ends January 17 Total Skills Academy Winter 2 Begins December 15 5v5 League Ends January 19 5v5 League Starts December 16 Winter 1 Rec Indoor League Ends January 21 Winter 2 Rec Indoor League Begins FOLLOW US AT &
The Elite 2001 girls had a great run in the Illinois President's Cup, ending the tournament as semi-finalists. Highlights of their cup run include a 7-5 win over last year's champions Vernon Hills and a 10 back-to-the-wall win against Strikers Fox Valley to secure first place in their group. The team was then matched up against Chicago City for a closely competitive Semi Final game and fell short with a 2-1 defeat. Special Mention... 2009 Girls Red place first at Celtic Cup and win a trophy taller than anyone on the team including Coach Bridget! 2006 Boys Blue end the fall season as YSSL Division Champs! To be in the final four is an outstanding President's Cup run and credit to all of the girls who showed great desire and commitment throughout the competition and played hard throughout the tournament. Well done ladies! FOLLOW US AT &
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! Each season we are fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteer coaches. The time and dedication each and every person gives each season is truly appreciated by all. Without this vast volunteer support, the fun experienced by our players would not be possible, so THANK YOU. #elavolunteersrock! Fall Recreation All Stars Despite Mother Nature's best efforts, it was another great day for the Recreational All Star games! From 1st grade through 8th, it was great to see the players out and competing against each other. The All Stars were nominated by their season coach as a player who displayed talent, hard work and a commitment to learning the game. Our coaching staff was impressed by the amount of talent displayed. Congratulations to everyone keep it up! FOLLOW US AT &
November Drive Update Goal Achieved! New Player Spotlight It s never too late to discover a love for soccer! Meet Alec Stewart, he started playing soccer at recess with his 4th grade friends just one year ago! Thanks to your response we will be able to outfit TWO teams in Costs Rica with full uniforms and goalie attire! Donations will be delivered in January! Alec came home and asked if he could play soccer over the summer. We found Ela had a weekly camp, signed him up for 8 weeks and he loved it! During this he met coach Jose and the Ela coaches and Alec knew he wanted to keep playing. He played his first games this fall season and is now starting the winter indoor league and skills sessions. Soccer is new to us and we really enjoy watching him play! says mom Julie. FOLLOW US AT & For more information on Kick It Forward and the Shoe Exchange progam visit: elasoccer.com/kickitforward
Get to know Coach Adam Coach Adam Hughes joined the coaching staff this Summer! Growing up as an Ela player, Adam moved on to play and coach at Carthage college. We are extremely proud of his accomplishments and thrilled that he has come back to us as a coach. He is an example of the fine players that have progressed through our ranks. Meet coach Adam! 1) What do you love about being a coach? I love being able to translate my ideas of how the game should be played into various training drills and methods, and of course when a player utilizes those ideas to correct or improve themselves. 2) What position did you play growing up? Growing up I played outside back and center midfield 3) Who is your favorite coach and why? This is tough question but I would have to say my original ELA coach, Gary Anderson. We were a very successful team which included a State Cup Finals runners up in 93. He was good at getting the basics drilled into us..."get the ball outside Son!" "Go to the ball!" 4) What club did you play for growing up? I only played from one club, ELA! I played from '91-01. Being a 3 sport athlete in Jr High and High School with basketball and Tennis, there was no other club as supportive of multi-sport athletes like ELA. 5) If you could go on vacation to anywhere in the world, where would it be? Brazil. In particular, the beach cities of Natal and Recife. Had a blast there during the 2014 World Cup 6) Any advice for players hoping to play in college? Be realistic about your ability, make a highlight DVD of some of your games, reach out to potential coaches, and most importantly only look at schools that have a degree in something you are interested in. FOLLOW US AT &