Ela Soccer Club

As a volunteer-based, not-for profit organization, we provide an opportunity for soccer players in the community to develop their soccer skills, have fun, and achieve their full potential. Ela’s Soccer Programs have grown to nearly 2,000 children and countless volunteers. Our name is a reflection of the many communities we serve that make up the Ela Township; Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer, Deer Park, North Barrington, Long Grove, and others. We are not associated with any park district, school district or government body. More about Ela

2/4/2009

Betterment

Recently I read an article published by US Youth Soccer about how to measure success in youth soccer.  For me the article was important and insightful in that it expressed many thoughts I have had on the subject but have never been able to summarize in a useful way.  The link to the article is below and I highly encourage all parents, coaches and players to read it closely.  Once you have done so take the time to reflect on your own expectations for measuring success for your player against the age appropriate “yardsticks” identified in the article.  I believe the article is important in that unrealistic or misguided expectations of players are often the root cause of parent/player frustration, discouragement and ultimately player resignation.  I hope you find it as useful as I did.
US Youth Soccer Article

Dinner Dance and Silent Auction
The votes have been tallied for this year’s dinner dance and silent auction.  The majority of families (148) voted in favor of having the event but at a lower price point than last year.  We are moving forward with this directive and are tentatively looking at a late April date pending locating a suitable venue.  Look for more details in the upcoming weeks.

ELA Switching To Umbro and Team Wearhouse
We are pleased to announce that Ela Soccer Club will be switching to Umbro for its uniform in the fall 2009.  The club has thoroughly researched several options and decided that Umbro, together with our new marketing partner Team Wearhouse, provides us with the best combination of quality and value for all our uniform and kit accessories.  Click on the link below to get a sneak peek at what the uniform will look like next fall.
Fall 2009 Uniform Preview

Travel Surveys
A big thanks to those who answered the travel surveys.  We want all comments good, bad or indifferent so that we can keep improving.  What I found encouraging about this last survey was the number of comments requesting additional training and fitness opportunities of all sorts.  This means that our players are enjoying themselves and have a desire to improve.  We are reviewing the suggestions now and will hopefully be able to report back soon on additional opportunities for our players within the club.