The Chicago Fire Juniors (Michigan) Academy program is designed place u9 - u12 players in an environment that will give those players the technical and tactical foundation of skills necessary to eventually play at the premier level. The Academy program looks to attract a higher level of soccer player in both skill and commitment.
The most experienced and highest licensed coaches work with the academy teams, either as head coaches or ‘pro’ coaches allocated to groups or individual teams.
Players will be selected to play at the academy level based on their individual skills and potential development as a player. It our coaching philosophy throughout the program to focus on individual player development not a win at all costs mentality.
All teams will train a minimum of two times per week based at Helder Park, the best training facility in West Michigan. Helder Park site has several different sized fields, all floodlight enabling training to take part between 5.00PM and 9.00PM throughout the spring and fall seasons.
In addition to training and GVSA league games, academy teams will participate in a minimum of 1-2 tournaments per season. Tournaments will be decided upon by each coach with the assistance of the FIRE Technical Staff and will vary in distance travelled.
There are numerous additional training options and opportunities for our academy players during the year, some of these include: Sport Performance Training & Injury Prevention, Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Clinics, and WMFJ Technical Skills Camps.
u9 – u10 Academy: The u9 & u10 academy teams participate in a year round program; the seasons will be Fall, Winter I, Winter II and Spring. These teams will play within the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) and participate in the Spring Soccerfest tournament as well as other local and regional tournaments.
u11 - u12 Academy: The u11 & u12 academy teams participate in a year round program; the seasons will be Fall, Winter I, Winter II and Spring. These teams will play within the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) and participate in the Spring Soccerfest tournament as well as other local and regional tournaments.
