Glen Ellyn Lakers
The Glen Ellyn Lakers is a travel soccer organization trained by professionals and managed by volunteers. We are a club sport run by the Glen Ellyn Park District. Our home field is Ackerman Park.
Our purpose
- To provide a more competitive alternative to recreation league soccer.
- To sharpen player skills and abilities through professional training.
- To coach players through positive interaction.
- To develop a quality organization by attracting players and coaches who share a desire to compete at higher levels.
Eligibility
Girls and boys, ages 7 through 18 both residents and non-residents of Glen Ellyn.
Time Commitment
The Lakers program is a full year program. The fall season begins in late August and ends in late October. The spring season begins in mid-April and ends in mid-June. Each season includes (22) 90 minute practices (11 weeks, twice a week), 10 league games, 5 away and 5 at home, one week of summer camp and 4 indoor winter practices.
Tryouts
Teams are formed through a tryout process conducted in early June by a professional training organization. Prospective players are tested on an array of skills as well as game situations. Roster positions are not saved for returning players. All players must tryout to return in the fall.
Coaches
The coaches are volunteers and generally have a solid understanding of the game. All coaches are required to be certified through an Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) coaching module and additional required seminars. All coaches also have a background check through the Park District.
Trainers
Our trainers are professional certified trainers. Most have played at an international level and have many years of experience both playing and coaching.
Practices/Games
The practices are run by the trainers with emphasis in skill development. The coaches determine the line-ups and manage the games.
Playing time
Although efforts are made to get equal playing time, this is not recreation league. Playing time is the coach's discretion and is based upon game situations. Our program is designed around developing quality players with 75% of our time on the practice field and 25% in game situations.
Rules
The Glen Ellyn Lakers abide by the policies and procedures set forth by the IYSA which includes the bylaws of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and FIFA Laws.