THE REC CONNECTION

Illinois Youth Soccer member recreational programs teach soccer through the use of smaller teams and fields, maximizing participation by all. Recreational programs also allow young players to learn and enjoy soccer in a positive and fun environment, usually in their own community with the same children with whom they go to school. 

For the player who is primarily interested in fun, fitness, and friendship; Illinois Youth Soccer member recreational programs provide a healthy activity through small sided games. Recreational programs also emphasize fun and de-emphasizes winning at all costs. Every child is guaranteed playing time and the game is taught in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.

Do you think recreational soccer is for you? Click here to find a member program in your area!

A Note From IYSA’s

Recreational Program Director…

Hello fellow recreational league members! For those that don’t know me, I’m Jen Mateus and I was elected back in February as IYSA’s Recreational Program Director. As someone who has managed recreational leagues for 30 years, I know what it's like to be a part of something as wonderful as grassroots soccer!

I bring that perspective to my volunteer role as the Recreational Program Director for IYSA. I would like to be an advocate for you, not only at the state level, but the national level as well. 

As recreational league directors and volunteers, we all have different needs. I would love to hear more about your programs and how I can be of assistance. You can tell me about your challenges, needs, and of course all your questions. I am happy to listen and see how we at IYSA can help you with the goals you have for your program. I’d be happy to set up a phone call and chat, schedule a zoom, or even come to you for an in-person visit.

Feel free to reach out to me, I’d love to hear from you!

Yours in Soccer,



Jen Mateus

rec@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

Know An Individual Who Makes a Difference?

Give Them the Recognition They Deserve!

Every soccer community has people who go above and beyond, whether it's a coach helping players grow, a volunteer giving their time, a parent making a difference, or a TOPSoccer buddy making the game more inclusive.

Now's your chance to recognize them! Illinois Youth Soccer is accepting nominations for:

• Grassroots Coach of the Year
• Administrator of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Parent of the Year
• TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

Know someone who deserves to be recognized for their dedication, leadership, sportsmanship, or impact on the soccer community? Nominate them and share their story!

For past years awards winners, click here.

Let's celebrate the people who make soccer special. Deadline to nominate an individual is November 1, 2026 so click below to nominate someone today!

Coaching Education

Whether you are a beginning parent coach or an elite level travel team coach, Illinois Youth Soccer provides the latest US Soccer certification and licensing coaching courses in English and Spanish. US Soccer licensed educators provide the latest coaching information, techniques and tools to help you handle the challenges of coaching in a fun, learning environment. Courses are taught by top US Soccer-licensed educators and student coaches can earn a US Soccer Coaching License. For a list of upcoming coaching education courses, please click here.

If you are interested in hosting coaching education course, please reach out to Adam Howarth at doc@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.

US Soccer Coaching Educations FREE Continuous Professional Development Content on the Learning Center!

Did you know as a member of US Soccer’s Learning Center you have access to FREE e-learning content from the US Soccer Coaching Education department at the click of a mouse?

US Soccer offers FREE E-Learning Modules for every segment of the game. From parents and grassroots coaches to advanced coaches, technical leaders and coach educators. No matter where you are in your youth soccer journey, US Soccer provides you with continuous development opportunities. Some of those FREE E-Learning Modules include:

Creating a Culture of Belonging: Your Role as a Coach – In this course, they cover what you can do to help your athletes feel a sense of belonging, so that they are better able to maximize their talent, bounce back from setbacks and be the best version of themselves on and off the field.

Elevating your Coaching IQ –This module uncovers optimal communication and connection strategies to unleash each athlete’s true potential. As coaches, you want to create teams that gel, that excel, and that are greater than the sum of their pieces. The way coaches manage individuals within your program, beyond sharing with them the Xs and Os of sport, is often the difference-maker.

Coaching Considerations When Working With Players With A Disability – Grassroots soccer is a player’s first and foundational experience with the beautiful game. We need to strive to make these experiences as inclusive, safe, and healthy as possible for ALL our players. Coaching the person who's in front of you and adapting the playing environment to meet their needs is critical in the grassroots environment and it begins with an understanding of your players. This course is broken down into 2 parts:

• Part 1: Features an introduction to all the disability soccer disciplines, general coaching recommendations for coaching players with disabilities along with specific considerations and strategies for nine (9) disability pathways. 
• Part 2: Provides important theories and an approachable modification framework for practice activity design and set-up. Practical strategies for adapting the playing environment for players with disability are shared along with examples of modifications for common grassroots practice activities. 

Individual Player Development Process in any Environment – This course will provide information about a player development process that can be applied in any environment. Throughout the course, individuals will be presented the following:

• What is individual Player Development within the team context?
• Player assessment (knowing the player)
• The development plan (goal setting, implementation, analysis, and reflection)

To complete all courses, just visit the Assignments tab in your US Soccer Learning Center account and watch the module. Don’t have a Learning Center account yet? No problem! Click here to create one for FREE!

Looking for Fun Activities for Your Team?

Please click below for some a sample training activity:

Defending – Pressing in Attacking Half

FREE Clinics for IYSA Member Recreational Leagues

As you’re gearing up to start your Fall season, now is a great time to take advantage of the many benefits that we offer. As a member, you are eligible to receive FREE Coaching, Parent, and/or Player Clinics! These clinics will be structured as an educational resource provided by IYSA Director of Coaching, Adam Howarth, or one of our experienced Staff Coaches. All Clinics can be modified to a specific soccer topic area of training of your choice and are offered in both English and Spanish. Below are just some of the FREE clinics that we offer to our member leagues:

• Philosophy of coaching children of specific ages
• Characteristics of children of specific ages
• Age-appropriate activities for children of specific ages
• Communicating effectively with parents
• Preparing new coaches for the season
• The Recreational Coaches Survival Kit
• Coaching Technique and/or Tactics
• Small sided games

All attendees will receive appropriate educational materials for the clinic that they attend. Should you choose to take advantage of these FREE clinics or would like to discuss further a clinic that best meets the needs of your recreational program, please contact our Director of Coaching, Adam Howarth, at doc@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.

Did You Know...

On average, a professional soccer player runs about 7 miles per match through a mix of short sprints and longer jogs. 

And now you know!

Why Become a Member of Illinois Youth Soccer?

Illinois Youth Soccer Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that serves about 100,000 players, coaches, and referees across Illinois. It focuses on inclusive, skill-based youth soccer programs that promote personal growth, healthy lifestyles, education, and positive social development for children of all backgrounds and ability levels. IYSA also offers coaching and referee training, age-appropriate skill programs, and an Olympic Development Program to help young athletes reach their potential.



Member benefits for recreational organizations include:

• Freedom to serve their constituents
• Determination of their own rules, policies and procedures
• Registration and scheduling system through GotSport
• Quality insurance
• Risk management standards
• Marketing opportunities
• Access to IYSA Bucks Grant Program
• Resource Center
• Governance for issues that involve the safety of participants and a system of behavior for activities among leagues and outside of league play

Interested in becoming an IYSA member recreational program? Please reach out to Meaghan Kinser at mk@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.

From Our Sponsors...

Illinois Youth Soccer has partnered with European Sports as its newest sponsor and Official Retailer. European Sports is a family-run business with deep roots in the Illinois soccer community and has proudly supported players, families, and clubs for decades. With brick-and-mortar stores and online ordering, it provides IYSA and its members the opportunity to provide unmatched customer service. And, as a member of IYSA, European Sports is offering you EXCLUSIVE savings on your first order to help you gear up for game day. Click on the picture for more information and to place your first order today!

Who to Contact:

Adam Howarth

Director of Coaching

doc@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

O: 847-290-1577 ext. 104

Meaghan Kinser

Associate Director

mk@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

O: 847-290-1577 ext. 102

Jen Mateus

Recreational Program Director

rec@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

STAY CONNECTED