Proud Member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy

JOIN THE MAGIC -- U.S. Soccer has created the U.S. Soccer Development Academy to improve the everyday environment for the elite youth player. The Chicago Magic Soccer Club is one of the select clubs that participates in the USSDA. "The exposure players receive in this program is second to none." said Director Todd Bailey, The Academy format provides top quality matches that challenges players on emotional, mental and physical levels." The Magic Academy strives to provide players with the best possible opportunity to achieve their utmost potential as elite soccer players. Watch the video What is the Development Academy. Come see what the Academy is all about in person by attending one of our upcoming matches.

U.S. National Development Program Has Magic

08/09/2010 -- The U.S. U14 Boys National Development Program, led by Manny Schellscheidt, is in the midst of its annual identification camp as 119 players have come together in Concord , Massachusetts for seven days of training and evaluation. Participating in this national event are Magic's very own, Calum Bishop and Joey Jones. The U14 program introduces young players to a level of soccer they would not otherwise see at such a young age and allows the country's top youths the chance to experience soccer at its highest level and in an international setting.

Make it a Magic NINETEEN!!!

08/02/2010 -- After cleaning up at regionals, the Chicago Magic Soccer Club headed to Virginia Beach in an attempt to capture glory. The Chicago Magic Soccer Club claimed its 18th national championship today in the U14 US Club Super Group with a 1-0 victory over the Sacramento United Reds. The winner came early for the Magic on a solid shot 18 yards out from Simon Aldama assisted by Adrian Bonilla. The U14 boys reached the final by defeating the New York Red Bulls with a score of 2-1. A 19th national championship crown came with the grit and determination of the Chicago Magic U15 boys on a penalty shoot out victory over San Bernardino Regional champions Union Independiente FC. During regulation, Elias Elmentanani was first to score with a spectacular unassisted goal from 30 yards out. Matheau Rogers gave Magic its second goal off an assist from Luis Arellano. As it is always referred to, defense wins championships and the hard work of Magic goalkeeper Philip Huang paid off in penalties allowing a calm and composed Brandon Sloan to take the final game winning shot. The Chicago Magic U13 boys just missed the playoff round by losing in a pool play tie breaker but showed they are a future force to be reckoned with. Congrats to the parents, coaches and players!

Fall Best of the Midwest Registrations Open

06/27/2010 -- The Chicago and Indiana Magic are now announcing Fall Best of the Midwest tournament applications are being accepted for both boys and girls teams!  Hosted at the Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex, this fall tournament has traditionally been touted as a premier youth tournament in the USA .  Over 400 teams are expected to participate, coming from throughout the Midwest and Canada .  Join us September 18-19, 2010.

Two Selected for Region 2 ODP Camp

06/16/2010 -- Ricardo Pimental of the Chicago Magic Highland Park U13 Boys team and Michael Marchionna of the Chicago Magic 96/97 Boys team were two of the players selected to represent Illinois at the U.S. Youth Soccer Region 2 Olympic Development Program (O.D.P.) Camp, in Overland Park , Kansas .  This is the second consecutive year that Marchionna has been named to the Illinois O.D.P. State Team.  The two boys will be proudly representing the state of Illinois and the Chicago Magic Soccer Club at the Midwest Region 2 O.D.P. Camp from July 6-10, 2010.

Five Teams Crowned Champions

06/14/2010 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club attended the Watermelon Soccer Tournament in Rockford this past weekend.  As one of Illinois ' largest soccer tournaments, it attracts teams both nationally and internationally. Earning the championship trophy for the Magic were the U8, U9, U10, U11 and U18 boys, while the U14 claimed the finalist honor.  Coach Raul Barillas said, "I’m very excited not only with the success of the teams, but with the ability of players and parents to adjust to difficult weather situations and schedule changes tied to success of the club.

Tryouts - Join the Magic - It's Easy

JOIN THE MAGIC -- Joining the #1 club in Chicagoland is easier than you think. Earning recognition as the #1 club in Chicagoland is not as easy. Soccer America selects the top club based on three categories: (1) success in youth soccer championships; (2) the number of players who go on to play at higher levels, and (3) a survey of college coaches on the best club at developing and showcasing its players. Start the process of joining the #1 club in Chicagoland by completing our online form and attending a tryout session.

Chicago Magic Continues Positive Growth

06/02/2010 -- Today, we are pleased to announce that the Chicago Magic Soccer Club and Chicago Magic North Soccer Club are formally combining their organizations.  Working together will add and improve opportunities for players to grow from the youngest ages through their collegiate playing careers and beyond without having to leave their neighborhood teams early on; pooling our coaching professionals; creating highly competitive teams capable of consistently competing for state, regional and national championships; providing development for players at the US Soccer Development Academy level, and minimizing the duplication of resources.  One of the additional goals of working together is to invest and grow our neighborhood based teams. Teams from U7-U12 will feel little to no impact from the merger and would remain primarily intact.  At the U13 and above age groups the higher level players would come together to build club tournament teams for events such as Dallas Cup and Nationals.  The philosophy of competitive soccer, player development, and community continues for the Chicago Magic. “This is a substantial opportunity, for our kids,” said Karl Smith, Chicago Magic Director, “It will allow us to have a powerful player pool and positively position the future development of all of our players.”  The clubs are community based and focused on the individual development of each and every player regardless of skill level or gender. "In addition, combining our programs significantly enhances our ability to build high performing teams at all levels." said Todd Bailey, Chicago Magic Senior Director, "We want to strengthen these teams more and allow all players to compete on an even higher plane. Players throughout Chicagoland now have access to our Academy program without having to leave their local area teams during their early formative years of training."

Chicago Magic Soccer Club Sweeps U10-U11-U12-U13

05/31/2010 -- The 2010 Libertyville Cup Youth Soccer Festival has become one of the best and most popular tournaments in the Midwest. Four Chicago Magic Soccer Club teams participated along with teams from all over the Midwest. By the end of the tournament the Chicago Magic held the championship trophy at all four ages entered. “I really enjoyed seeing the players take what they learned at training sessions and implement it on the tournament field all weekend long.” said Director of Coaching for Chicago Magic Highland Park, Bato Radoncic. “To sweep at these four ages shows the dedication of the players and their families.” Congratulations to all!

Chicago Magic Continues Growth

05/07/2010 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club welcomes a new addition the family, Chicago Magic West (formerly Plainfield Freedom Soccer Club). Todd Bailey Director for the Chicago Magic said, "Plainfield Freedom President Keith Hansen and I felt this would be a great opportunity for both clubs. Together we will continue to grow and provide a quality environment for boys and girls in Plainfield and its surrounding areas. Keith has done a great job and the Magic will compliment that work by emphasizing player development." Plainfield area tryouts will continue as scheduled--please join us.

Chicago Magic Standout Invited to U.S. National Camp

04/27/2010 -- U.S. U-14 Boy’s National Team head coach Manny Schellscheidt will conduct a 36-player training camp at The Home Depot Center from May 2-9, exclusively for players born in 1996. Included in this group is Chicago Magic’s very own Nathan Sakevicius. During the week, the U-14s will train daily and play against U-15 club teams from the Southern California area. The ‘96s will come together once more this summer ahead of the annual Mega camp in August. Congrats to Nathan!

Nike Classic Cup Recap

04/27/2010 -- Plenty of action occurred this past weekend at the Nike Classic Cup, held at the Olympic Park complex in Schaumburg , Illinois. The Chicago Magic ended the event by holding eight championship crowns with another four teams taking second place. Despite the rain and cold, the U17 Developmental Academy really heated up the field with a 2-1 victory over FCX. Ivan Valencia put the boys up 1-0 in the first half with a quality finish from 20 yards out. FCX found an equalizer early in the second half. During a corner kick, Taylor Bezanson sent in an assist to Ivan Valencia who found the back of the net for his second goal of the day and the game winner. Dakota Pruitt said, "It was a great game with both teams having a fair share of chances. We defended very well into the wind with limited mistakes”. Ian Dunbar, U17 Development Academy Coach continued, “This was a great spring season starting point for our U17 and U18 Developmental Academy teams. This was our first competition together and we have a lot of positives to work from in going forward"

PUMA Cup Recap

04/22/2010 -- The Chicago Magic attended the PUMA Cup in Rockford which drew top clubs from all over the Region. This PUMA Cup weekend was a continuation of different ages from last week's competition. Two Chicago Magic teams reached the finals (U8 boys and U10 girls) and one team reached the semi-finals (U12 boys). Plenty of action occurred with the Chicago Magic U10 girls. The U10's advanced from their bracket scoring eleven goals while only allowing eight. In their first match versus Crystal Lake Force, the girls battled back from a 4-1 deficit behind 4 goals from Mikayla Brandon. In the following match the U10 girls defeated Elmhurst Elite 3-2 with two goals from Autumn Hollowell. In winning the bracket the U10 girls defeated the Rockford Dactyls 3-1 with another 3 goals from Autumn Hollowell. Congrats to the coaches, players and their families.

Little Legends Soccer Academy

04/21/2010 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club is proud to introduce Little Legends Soccer Academy to area youth. LLSA offers 3 to 11 year old boys and girls the opportunity to learn and play the world's most popular sport from the world's most popular trainers. Their soccer clinics are run by professional trainers from the United States and all parts of the United Kingdom. LLSA teaches the fundamentals of soccer with a special focus on having fun, being active, and making friends. Their clinics are held in three different locations of Highland Park, Northbrook, and Glenview. Register your youngster today.

PUMA Cup Recap

04/12/2010 -- The Chicago Magic attended the PUMA Cup in Rockford which drew top clubs from all over the Region. Plenty of action occurred especially with the Chicago Magic U14 boys. The U14’s easily advanced from their bracket by winning all three matches by scoring nine goals while only allowing one. In the semi-final the Magic boys faced the tournament home side in the Rockford Raptors. Finding the net in injury time off a corner kick was Noah Griffith allowing the team to advance with a 2-1 win. The final game matched our boys with the Lemont team. Brian Kane scored an early goal to go up a quick 1-0 and Giovanni Ovalle doubled the score, giving the Magic side a 2-0 margin at halftime. T.J. Schmidt sealed the victory with a goal in the 52nd minute. The 3-1 win over Lemont earned the boys the championship crown. Congrats to the coaches, players and their families.

U.S. Men's National Team U17s to Play Chicago Magic Academy April 11th

03/24/2010 -- The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team will participate in a 10-game tour providing their players a chance to play against high-quality competition in different environments. The U.S. U-17s will face off against Academy clubs that have demonstrated a strong commitment to player development which includes our very own Chicago Magic Academy on April 11th at 3:00. Come cheer the boys on at Northwestern University's Lakeside Athletic Field in Evanston!

Magic Boys Chosen for Select Teams Following National ODP Camp

03/17/2010 -- United Soccer Leagues Super Y-League announced their Select Teams today following the annual SYL ODP National Camps in Tampa, Florida. "The U.S. National Team Staff Coaches showed unprecedented interest in our boys and at least three girls," USL's SYL ODP Coordinator Kate Thibault said. "USSF's Roberto Lopez spoke extensively with the SYL ODP Camp's Technical Director Dave Clarke following the boy's camp. The selections included Chicago Magic's very own Wesley Schrock for the '94 boys and Luis Arellano for the '95 boys. Congrats to the players and their families!

Magic Coach Gets An A!

02/21/2010 -- Chicago Magic players are not the only ones who try to grow from learning, our coaches continually strive to better themselves also. Coach Nathan Pitcock raised his theoretical and practical knowledge of the game in his on-going quest to improve the every day training environment for our elite players. U.S. Soccer’s National "A" License focuses on recognizing the principles of the game and its technical applications in 11v11 game format and how these principles influence positional, group and team organization. Coach Pitcock learned from some of the nation’s top-level instructors, including current and former national team, professional and international coaches. Congratulations Coach Pitcock!

Spring Best of the Midwest Applications Open!

01/21/2010 -- The Chicago Magic announces the Spring Best of the Midwest tournament. Applications are being accepted for both boy and girl teams! Hosted at the Hallmark Convention and Sports Complex, this spring tournament has traditionally been touted as a premier youth tournament in the USA . Over 500 teams are expected to participate, coming from throughout the Midwest and Canada . The facility is an easy drive from bothChicago airports with a variety of restaurants nearby in Merrillville , Indiana for dining after each tournament day. Lodging is easily accessible through our tournament housing bureau. Join us today!

Add TWO more to Magic Pro List!

01/14/2010 -- There is a lot that the Chicago Magic Soccer Club loves about this beautiful game, and it all begins for our club with a childlike desire to make dreams come true. Dreams came true today during the MLS Super Draft for two Chicago Magic Alums. Chicago Magic standout, Ross LaBaeux was the 23rd pick overall in today's draft by joining the MLS Colorado Rapids. The second Chicago Magic standout was selected shortly after by MLS Real Salt Lake with the 39th overall pick. Congratulations to the boys!

Magic Alum Does It Again

01/04/2010 -- Chicago Magic Alum, Brad Guzan did it again, stopping a penalty kick by David Dunn in Aston Villa's 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the English FA Cup on Saturday. The Magic's standout keeper's stop in the 31st minute kept Villa ahead and followed five penalty saves, including four in the shootout, against Sunderland in the League Cup earlier in the season. Congrats to Brad!

Sockers and Magic Announce Alliance

12/19/2009 -- The Sockers FC Chicago and the Chicago Magic Soccer Club are proud to announce a joint effort targeted for players returning from college. The effort will be defined in three groups as U19, U20 and U23 with the pool playing under the Sockers Magic Alliance name. The pool coaches will be David Richardson, Raul Diaz Arce, Brett Hall, Rudy Glen, Kieren Keane and Todd Bailey. "This alliance was put together based on what we as a group felt was the next step in our players soccer development as they move from an Academy Environment to College then back into our clubs during the 3 months of summer." said David Richardson, Sockers FC Technical Director. Todd Bailey, Director, Chicago Magic Boys Program continued, "Our commitment to youth continues with a dedicated and experienced coaching staff." Because of the varied travel distance, training will be held at a centrally located facility in the College of Dupage. Sockers Magic Alliance tryouts are January 4th and 5th from 10:30 until 12:30 each day at Soccer City in Palatine. You can register for the tryouts by clicking here.

3v3 Holiday Challenge Tournament Announced!

12/17/2009 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club and the Highland Park Field House presents their Inaugural Holiday 3v3 Soccer Tournament. Everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy playing official 3v3 Soccer on our brand new synthetic grass lined turf fields in our state of the art facility. Register by Dec 28th by fax at 847-720-9497 Payment must be made in full to secure registration. Registration forms and rules can be found here. Call 847-922-2959 Highland Park field house with any questions.

Chicago Magic Alum Wins College Cup

12/13/2009 -- The University of Virginia and Chicago Magic Alum, Ross LaBauex claimed the NCAA Division I College Cup today. Akron and Virginia went the full 90 minutes and two overtime periods without a score. Penalty kicks would decide the victory in which the Cavaliers won 3-2. Congrats to the team, Ross and his family!

Winter Classic Registrations Open!

12/1/2009 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club has announced the opening of Winter Classic registrations.  With the temperatures dropping, indoor soccer tournament action will heat up for teams participating in our annual event. Join us today!

Magic Alum Wins Another MLS Cup Title!

11/23/2009 -- After a match that couldn't be decided in regulation time, Real Salt Lake defeated David Beckham , Landon Donovan and the Los Angeles Galaxy 5-4 after a 1-1 draw. Penalty kicks became necessary after the two teams finished 120 minutes deadlocked. For a second straight game Chicago Magic Alum, Ned Grabavoy seized the momentum with a coolly taken penalty helping his side earn the championship. Congrats to Ned and Real Salt Lake!