FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Sockers FC Chicago and Chicago Empire FC announced today a player development alliance that will join the two sides together and provide a clear pathway to the Girls Academy platform for female players in the Chicagoland area.
David Richardson, President & Technical Director of Sockers FC Chicago said this about the newly formed alliance, “This player development alliance provides better opportunities for more female players to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer. The partnership will accelerate each partner’s overall club development, team, player, and staff development by providing elite facilities, new resources, and valuable intellectual resources. The purpose of the alliance is to enhance and accelerate the best female player-centered environment in the Chicagoland area.”
Dave DiTomasso, Chicago Empire FC Executive Director shared his thoughts on the alliance, "This player development alliance brings together two of the most respected soccer brands, setting a new standard for excellence in coaching, customer service, and opportunities for young female athletes. Through constant collaboration and a shared commitment to player identification, we will create an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. This alliance is not just about developing great players, it’s about shaping future leaders in the game."
Sockers FC and Chicago Empire FC will continue to serve their current and prospective members. At the GA level, the clubs will share staff, facilities and resources to create the best professional youth club and top tier academy environment in the Midwest.
The cornerstone of the alliance is each other’s commitment to player development. The partnership paves the way for more players to continue their youth careers at the collegiate level. Sockers FC and Empire FC continually elevate players into the collegiate and professional ranks. The joining of the two sides will only strengthen this aspect through shared resources to strengthen all players’ ability to continue their love of the game.
Sockers FC and Chicago Empire FC will begin working together immediately to grow the game across Chicagoland creating a strong, professional youth female development pathway.
Learn more and find FAQs, see below.
FAQs
What is the player development alliance?
The alliance represents a collaborative effort to provide Chicago’s top players have access to the Girls Academy ecosystem. Both clubs’ coaching staff will work together to identify and develop players for the Academy level. The expected outcome is to build the most competitive female academy in the Midwest.
What are the benefits to the players?
The alliance brings together one of the nation’s top youth clubs, Sockers FC and one of the fastest growing clubs in Illinois, Chicago Empire FC. It offers current and prospective players of both clubs an unprecedented academy experience and platform. We will combine player pools and coaching resources to benefit players at all levels.
What will the structure of the Academy program be?
The Academy program will remain under Sockers FC’s youth development platform. Academy leadership will consist of staff from both clubs beginning immediately.
Will Chicago Empire FC’s branding and leadership change?
No, Chicago Empire FC will continue its current leadership and organizational structure. The club’s branding, teams, and participation in existing platforms and leagues will remain unchanged.
Will Sockers FC programs & platforms be affected?
No, Sockers FC will maintain offering the same programs and platforms with no changes to its existing structure.
When will Academy staff and team selection begin?
Academy staff will be announced later this spring. Academy rosters will be decided following player combines and pre-season workouts before the fall season begins. A pool of qualified players from each club will be selected for a GA pool. Prospective players should attend tryouts or ID sessions. Registration is currently available for identification sessions at both clubs. More specific information to follow.
Will uniforms or branding change for either program?
All Academy players will continue to wear a Capelli uniform that represents the player development alliance; appropriately demonstrating the unity of the alliance.
Where will the Academy programs train & play?
We will play and train at the facilities of both Sockers FC and Chicago Empire FC. Sockers FC is the largest tenant at Olympic Park in Schaumburg, one of the premier soccer facilities in Illinois. Chicago Empire FC is based at the Oak Brook Polo Fields, the 25 acre complex that boasts the finest match quality grass fields in the western suburbs.
How will the Academy pools work? How about the movement of players between platforms?
Staff from both clubs will identify players from both clubs that are best suited to play in the Academy pathway. We will hold player combines throughout the summer to start forming the pools of players for the Academy. As far as player movement, both clubs will collaborate on all future player decisions concerning the Academy pathway. Players will earn the right to move between the Academy platforms, subject to the coaching staff.
How might this affect rosters and teams within each club currently?
The alliance provides a partnership where playing options and competitive levels have increased. We expect that all players and teams will benefit from the enhanced player depth, number of resources, and the overall participation of both clubs affecting youth soccer development in a positive way.