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NAPERVILLE YOUTH SOCCER

The Naperville Youth Soccer Program is a recreational prog ram that emphasizes fun and learning; prioritizes each child’s opportunity to be part of a team, learn new skills, socialize, and be active; and reinforces the importance of sportsmanship.

Each NYS participant will...

Enjoy play and equal opportunities for participation
Gain a better knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the game
Learn good sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility and discipline
Feel a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem
Enhance social skills and enjoy the camaraderie of playing on a team
Learn and develop soccer skills and maintain the desire to continue playing soccer

AGE DIVISIONS

YOUNG 4s

Offered Spring Only
Age Based Program

Participants who turn 4 between Sept 2 and April 1

PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN

Offered in both Fall and Spring
Age Based Program
Pre-K Participants must be 4 years by Sept 1
K Participants must be 5 years - 6 years and 3 Months by Sept 1

1ST - 6TH GRADE

Offered in both Fall and Spring
Grade Based Program
Participants register based on their grade level during the corresponding season

Pre-K and Kindergarten Participants must register based on age, regardless of grade level. For example, a participant who is 5 years old prior to Sept 1 must register for the Kindergarten division regardless of whether or not they are in Kindergarten.

QUICK FACTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Does the Park District provide NYS Coaches?
No, all coaches are volunteers. At least (1) Head Coach volunteer is required. (1-2) Assistant Coaches can also be assigned to each team. Your volunteer coaching preference is provided during the registration process and volunteers are selected on a first come, first serve basis. A great benefit of coaching is receiving priority registration for the following outdoor soccer season.

What experience is needed to Coach?
No previous coaching or soccer experience is required. We offer a training manual and free, optional coach clinics prior to the start of the season. The mojo app also offers free, age specific skills and drills to aid in practices.

What equipment is required?
Coaches are provided with an equipment bag prior to the start of the season. The bag includes (2) age-appropriate soccer balls, cones, and first aid kit. Players are encouraged to wear athletic attire, shin guards, athletic shoes or rubber cleats. Players should also have an age appropriate soccer ball and water bottle. An NYS Reversible Game Jersey is also required and can be purchased at the Fort Hill Activity Center for $18 (not included in registration fee).

My preferred team is full. What should I do?
You may add your player to the waitlist of your preferred team. If a spot becomes available, a customer service representative will be in touch to register you for the team. However, instead of waitlisting, we encourage you to register for an alternative team with availability that works for your schedule. Please note you can only register or waitlist. Once registered for a team, you will be removed from all waitlists without notification. You may waitlist for multiple teams as long as you're not registered on a team.

Our preferred team is full, but I know the coach and he's okay with adding an additional player. Can we register?
No. Max player limits are set to ensure the best possible experience for players and coaches. Young 4s through 1st grade = 10 players max. 2nd through 3rd grade = 14 players max. 4th through 6th grade = 16 players max. No exceptions.

Why was the team I registered for cancelled?
In order for a team to continue within the season, a Head Coach volunteer must be secured and the minimum number of registrants must be met. A coordinator will be in touch with parents to request a volunteer and/or more players prior to cancelling a team. Registrants on a cancelled team will be contacted by a customer service representative to either transfer to another team or withdraw from the season and receive a full refund. If you do not hear back from a coordinator or customer service rep after the first notification of possible cancellation, the requirements were met and the team is continuing for the season.

My player is turning 5 this summer, but not entering Kindergarten. Can I register them for a Pre-K team?
No. NYS Pre-K and K divisions are age-based. Players must register according to their age on Sept. 1st. 5 year olds not entering Kindergarten, must register for a Kindergarten team in both Fall and Spring. Upon entering Kindergarten the following year, he or she will be allowed to register again for a Kindergarten team as long as the player is less than 6 years and 3 months of age.

I registered for a team, but haven't heard from my coach. What time is our practice?
The coaching team will set the practice time to occur sometime between the hours of 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm on your designated practice day. The Head Coach will reach out to his / her team with practice and season information approximately 1 week prior to the start of the season.

Can I register a full team within the NYS Program?
No, only individual registration is allowed within NYS. Team registration is allowed starting at the 1st grade level within the Naperville Premier Soccer League. For more information, click here.

Stephanie Ainslie

Soccer Program Manager

sainslie@napervilleparks.org

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration with a Recreation Management and Athletic Coaching sequence from Illinois State University. Her soccer journey began with AYSO at the age of four, continued through various travel organizations in the western suburbs, and culminated in four years of varsity soccer at West Chicago High School. Watching her dad serve as president of a soccer club and accompanying him to scheduling meetings and planning expos ignited her excitement for this profession. Stephanie has worked across all recreation industries, including public, commercial, and non-profit sectors, and has been an active member of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, where she served for five years as the Athletic Committee Chair. Working as a swim instructor at Centennial Beach during college further fueled her passion for working in the community, which she has been fortunate to continue in her current role since 2018. One of her favorite aspects of the job is the opening day of a soccer season, where she witnesses the culmination of all the hard work it takes to organize a season with over 5,000 participants and sees her own two children participate in the long-standing Naperville Park District tradition.

Betsy Nyman

Soccer Coordinator At-Large

bnyman@napervilleparks.org

Betsy joined the Naperville Park District to give back to her hometown after a career in Organizational and Leadership Development. She holds a Master's Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Betsy played Naperville Youth Soccer in the 1980s when the program first began. Her daughter continued the tradition of playing Naperville Youth Soccer while Betsy's spouse served as coach.

Rachel Dickinson

Academy and NYS Boys Pre-K Coordinator

rdickinson@napervilleparks.org

With a background as an Airline Pilot and Air Traffic Controller, Rachel is adept in coordinating many different situations. Since moving to Naperville 8 years ago, she has been actively involved in NPD programs with her four children. As a coach for both NYS and NPSL, Rachel brings a unique perspective to the programs and their participants. Her expertise in coordination, combined with her passion for coaching youth sports, enriches the experience for everyone involved.

Shannon Fanelli

NYS Boys Kindergarten and Girls 1st Grade Coordinator

sfanelli@napervilleparks.org

Shannon is a marketing and advertising professional who moved to Naperville in 2021. Originally from Pennsylvania, she and her spouse participated in various soccer programs throughout their youth. Their three children now continue that youth soccer tradition in both the NYS and NPSL programs. The best part of her job is working with everyone in the community and contributing to her children's love of the game.

Mary Kate Watkins

NYS Boys 1st - 2nd Grade Coordinator

mwatkins@napervilleparks.org

Mary Kate holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with an extensive experience in marketing, communications, and event management across various industries. A lifelong Naperville resident, she is now enjoying raising her family in the same wonderful community where she grew up. As a child, Mary Kate proudly donned the blue and yellow, and delights in seeing her three children continue this tradition.

Joanna Healy

NYS Boys 3rd - 6th Grade Coordinator

jhealy@napervilleparks.org

Joanna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of West Florida, where she and her husband both played soccer during their college years. For over 17 years, she has been a proud resident of Naperville, living with her husband and their two children. Continuing the family’s soccer legacy, both of her children participated in the NYS programs during their younger years. Joanna now enjoys merging her expertise in soccer and education to give back to the NYS program.

Susan Wasson

NYS Priority and Girls Pre K - Kindergarten Coordinator

swasson@napervilleparks.org

Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University with a background in nursing coordination. She has been a dedicated resident of Naperville for the past 20 years, where she lives with her husband and their two children. Both of her children grew up through the NYS and NPSL programs, with her youngest still passionately playing soccer in the Naperville community.

Corey Deiderich

NYS Girls 2nd - 6th Grade Coordinator

cdiederich@napervilleparks.org

Corey holds a Master’s degree in Recreation and a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She has an extensive work history in the Recreation field, including positions at North Central College Athletic Department, Lifetime Fitness, and Players Sports Group. Having grown up in Naperville and participated in NYS as a child, Corey has a deep-rooted connection to the community. She now has two children who are actively involved in NYS and NPSL. In addition, Corey coaches softball, basketball, and soccer for the Naperville Park District, blending her professional expertise with her passion for youth sports.

Kim Levitt

Naperville Premier Soccer League Coordinator

klevitt@napervilleparks.org

Kim earned a Bachelor of Science from Valparaiso University. She has an extensive background in soccer, both working and volunteering in the sport. Highlights of her involvement include co-founding NationalSoccerRanking.com, serving as an Olympic Development Program parent volunteer, and traveling to Brazil with the 2006 Illinois Women’s Soccer team. Kim has been a resident of the Naperville community for over 35 years and was the founding coordinator of the NPSL program 15 years ago. Two of her children participated in the NYS program before joining Naperville area travel teams and going on to become NCAA Division 1 athletes. Kim takes great joy in seeing her grandchildren and the children of those she once watched play soccer now participating in the programs she helps coordinate. She believes sports play a critical role in child development and fostering lifelong connections that extend beyond the game.