NAPERVILLE YOUTH SOCCER ACADEMY

For participants aged 2.5 - 3

The NYS Academy is a great opportunity for younger children to become part of our Naperville Youth Soccer tradition. This coed, practice-only program introduces basic soccer skills in a fun, active and social environment. Teams are divided by age
and meet once a week for approximately 30-45 minutes.

AGE DIVISIONS

COED 30 - 36 MONTHS

Offered in both Fall and Spring
Practice Only Program
Participants must be 30-36 months by
September 1 (Fall) or April 1 (Spring)

COED THREES

Offered in both Fall and Spring
Practice Only Program
Participants must be 3 years by
September 1 (Fall) or April 1 (Spring)

Participants who are 4 years of age by September 1 (Fall) or April 1 (Spring) should register for NYS.
For more information on our NYS program, click here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Does the Park District provide NYS Academy 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. The most successful coaches at this age level tend to have an energetic, fun and patient attitude.

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 a size three soccer ball and water bottle.

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 for (1) team only. Once registered for a team, you will be removed from all waitlists without notification.

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 (at least 5). 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 have the option to transfer to another team or withdraw from the season and receive a full refund (if withdrawn prior to the start of the season).

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.

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