The launch of the Chicago Fire Academy (CFA) is one of the most important initiatives for the advancement of professional soccer and MLS in the Chicago market. The emphasis of the Academy is to provide a high-level regular training and development environment that is designed to identify and develop talented and aspiring youth soccer players in to top professional players.
The Chicago Fire Academy will not be a "Club" as generally understood. The sixty (60) players are part of an "Academy pool" and train together as a group. Players between the ages of 14 to 18 may be part of the Academy. Academy players come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and the only criteria for Academy selection will be (a) playing ability & potential, and (b) desire to become a professional athlete.
A specific emphasis is placed on developing scouting and recruiting programs for the underserved local ethnic communities.
Each player is expected to adhere to a specific set of written expectations as it relates to all aspects of the program including, but limited to: practice and game commitments, academic performance expectations, personal conduct and athlete development.
- Participation in the Academy will be at no cost to all players
- Roster of 50 boys from 14-18 years of age
- Players train 3-4 times per week
- Participate exclusively in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy League as part of a U-16 or U-18 team
- All aspects of being a professional player will be incorporated into the program Including strength and conditioning, mental preparation, nutritional management, match and video analysis, etc
- Academy members are eligible for placement on MLS/Chicago Fire Home grown talent identification list. This allows players to be signed directly by the Chicago Fire and not through the MLS super draft and supplemental draft where they could be selected by any MLS Team. Players identified on the home grown list must be in the Chicago Fire's player development program for a minimum of (2) years and meet minimum training and game requirements
