Chicago Fire Juniors · junior club players. The intent is to provide each junior club and their management structure some direction and assistance in the development of junior players

The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS

Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org

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Chicago Fire Juniors The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS



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Introduction

In April 2018 the directive came from Toyota Park to build out a coaching curriculum and to define The

Fire Philosophy to be presented across the Chicago Fire Junior Club countrywide network. The

objective of this process was to document some of the most important features that shape the coaching of

junior club players. The intent is to provide each junior club and their management structure some

direction and assistance in the development of junior players. Not all aspects of The Fire Philosophy

will fit with all clubs and all circumstances, how useful The Fire Philosophy is will be dictated by how

much guidance the junior club Director of Coaching (DoC) wishes to take, but The Fire Philosophy is a

tool designed to shape the development of junior players, coaching education and club progression Maybe this intro is not needed

What we want to achieve |

Defining the Chicago Fire Juniors…

#1 | Philosophy

#2 | Style of Play

#3 | Systems of Play

What does a CFJ player & person look like?

What does a CFJ team look like?

What does a CFJ coach & club look like?

…with the recognition that not all players are equal, and that players and teams of different age, gender,

ability and motivation require different approaches

Age Brackets Level of Ambition

4-v-4 | u8

< Academy < Competitive < Developmental < Recreational

7-v-7 | u9 & u10

9-v-9 | u11 & u12

11-v-11 | u13 – u15

11-v-11 | u16 – u19

Defining what separates a Chicago Fire Juniors Club from ordinary junior clubs

∙ Providing tools to build the 3 pillars of player development success

The Player & The Person

Teaching the complete range

of soccer skills

&

Cultivating the character of

the individual

A holistic approach

The Team

Developing a style of play &

a system of play in the

pursuit of success

The Coach & The Club

Establishing a culture of the

individual, the team, the

coach & the club to create an

environment of excellence



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Soccer Philosophy

The Fire Philosophy is created based on the concept that juniors’ soccer talent can be developed in our

own way. We want to introduce youth players to the most professional soccer environment with the

ultimate result aiming to progress players to the ‘next-level’ > through the junior clubs > into the

Academy @ Toyota Park > and to have the greatest number of ‘home-grown’ players representing the

MLS first team | The Chicago Fire This section needs to be related to Academy specifications

Our vision is to train players who can play all over the world. That is why within the club we use the

word futbol in place of soccer. We write it F-U-T-B-O-L and not F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L because the later

designates another sport in the USA.

Futbol is a simple game. When you practice it, teach it or watch it the game must bring pleasure. Playing

well is a priority in our academy.

Our philosophy is possession-based because we want to win by having control of the match. Our

principles of play are our collective foundations, but within this framework each player must be able to

make decisions and take initiative according to the game situations.

The concept of a teammate is essential because each player has to put his individual qualities at the

service of the team.

U8 U9 – U12 U13 – U15 U16 – U19

Fun Soccer

Experience

Introduction to

the Key Qualities

Develop the

Key Qualities

Execute the

Key Qualities

First

Team

The Fire Juniors wants players who are intelligent, passionate & committed

The Fire Juniors wants teams that play attractive, possession-based & successful soccer

The Fire Juniors wants coaches that are knowledgeable, dedicated & professional

The Fire Juniors wants clubs that create an environment & culture of excellence

The demands at the Chicago Fire are different, this is what separates The Fire Philosophy from the

others. Expectations are higher, aspirations are higher, and intensity is higher. Relentlessly in the pursuit

of excellence

The Fire philosophy is shaped by a simple premise; if a prospective player, an opposition coach, a

sideline fan watches a Chicago Fire Juniors team play…what does that person walk away thinking?



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The players are cerebral |

The players understand their roles within the team structure and execute their job with maximum

endeavor

The team is organized |

For each situation and scenario; in possession, out of possession, at set-piece restarts, the team

has a solution or a well-prepared plan | The team is well coached

The coach is servicing the improvement of players |

Care and priority is given to develop each player within the team structure

The club provides for the ‘Fire Family’

The Player, The Person, The Coach & The Environment

We don’t celebrate mediocrity | We embrace excellence



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A Holistic Approach | The Player This section needs to be related to Academy specifications

In relation with our academy vision (“train players so they can play anywhere in the world”), we want to

develop a certain type of player |

∙ Able to read the game and solve problems (adaptability)

∙ Able to have high functional technical skills

∙ Able to repeat the effort in a high intensity environment

∙ Able to evolve in a highly competitive environment

∙ Able to perform in key events (showcase, playoffs, GA Cup & tournaments)

∙ Able to do the right things and do the things right (values)

∙ Able to play and give their best for their team (be a good teammate)

Developing the Chicago Fire Juniors ‘player’ within the team

∙ To develop players that can ‘think’ the game & have decision-making capabilities

∙ To develop players who can play under pressure, that are composed. Players that are not frantic

yet not too casual

∙ To develop players who play with a purpose

∙ To develop players who demonstrate emotional control

> Training activities should focus heavily on the ball; players working with the ball for the vast majority

of the training time

> Specific ‘benchmarking’ templates will be created in the next curriculum-building stage of the process

that will provide testing requirements and standardized aspirational goals for age-specific groups; an

outline of what Chicago Fire Junior players should aspire to achieve

> A comprehensive booklet defining the ‘CFJ Characteristics of Players’ highlights the roles and

responsibilities of each player within the team during attacking phases & defensive phases of play and

documenting a required range of skills for each position

Below is a profile of what a Chicago Fire Juniors player should aspire to achieve…

The Technical Player |

Can play with both feet | Pass, dribble, score & defend

Constantly working to improve with the ball

Identifies weaknesses & actively works to develop it

Consistent & Reliable

Bravery to always want the ball



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The Tactical Player |

Controls the tempo with the ball & without the ball

Consistent & Reliable | Understands Risk vs Reward

Altruistic Effort | Willingness to work for the team in attack & defense

Appreciates ‘game management’ | Eradicate the naivety of competing in a hostile contest

The Physical Player |

Reaction Speed | Ability to change your mind & change direction

Sprint Speed | Capacity to play at 3 different speeds – change of pace

Endurance | Able to affect the game in the later stages

Balance & Coordination | Quick feet for ball manipulation

Agility | Capacity to turn quickly, jump & change direction

The Psychological Player |

Constant & Clear communication with teammates | Information not just Communication

Confident | In his own ability, teammate’s ability & the game plan

Authoritative | Makes a statement in every game played

Charismatic | Admired by teammates & respected by opponents

Demonstrates Leadership qualities | Vocally & by Action

Disciplined & Responsible

Killer Mentality | Relentless desire for success

Proud to be a Fire Juniors player

For a comprehensive detailed list that highlight the profile of each player by field position please view…

Chicago Fire Juniors Characteristics of Player



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A Holistic Approach | The Person behind the Player This section needs to be checked with Brian regarding relevance & approval

Developing the Chicago Fire Juniors ‘person’ behind the player

In addition to developing the soccer player with technical skills and tactical game-play understanding, a

heavy focus of player development needs to be on maturing the character of the player, termed ‘the

person’. Technical training is simple to create and to deliver, developing the psychological component of

the person is certainly more difficult and because of it often gets overlooked the most

> Complimented within training activities, social skills can focus on developing the behaviors and

integrity of the individual player

Commitment | Punctuality | Preparation

> Focusing on individual personal development, supported by CFJ homework coaching tools and actively

studying soccer

> Cultivating a player that can deal with adversity, not pass on blame, enhance the training and playing

environment by being a good teammate | Overcoming Adversity – a ‘deal-with-it’ mentality

> Producing players that have an aspirational attitude to reach the ‘next-level’, not content with

mediocrity

> At the Academy level of the Chicago Fire many initiatives are in place that can filter through to and

better connect with the junior club network. Outside of the soccer field a holistic approach to player

welfare and education ensures that the character of ‘the person’ is as equally developed as ‘the player’

> The PASS initiative launched through the Chicago Fire Academy presents many concepts that are very

important to the identity of the wider club, perhaps represented best through the club core values

PASS - Performance, Advisory & Support Services | https://www.chicagofireacademy.com/corevalues

> Each month a club core value is introduced to players during training, games and team meetings. Both

coaching staff and support staff use training and game environments to link our club core values to real

soccer scenarios

https://www.chicagofireacademy.com/corevalues



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> A selection of Chicago Fire 1st Team staff were selected to talk about the club core values and their

experiences. These players included…

#1 | Bastian Schweinsteiger (World Cup Winner)

#2 | Dax McCarty (1st Team Captain)

#3 | Djordje Mihailovic (Home Grown Player)

#4 | Michael de Leeuw (1st Team Player)

#5 | Nelson Rodriguez (President & General Manager)

Content was then inserted into 7 x 45 second video clips, so players can access and hear from the pro's

Chicago Fire Soccer Club | Core Values Video

https://youtu.be/rdqesbdSqzk



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How Do We Play Soccer? | The Identity of the Team

The identity of the team, of a Chicago Fire Juniors team, is represented by two main factors…

#1 | The Style of Play

#2 | The System of Play

The Style of Play means to label an overall design to the way in which the Fire Juniors wants the game to

be played. There are many different ways to play; providing clarity to the overall design of our preferred

style of play offers better direction to Chicago Fire Juniors players and coaches alike

The System of Play is the methodology through which the style of play can be delivered. Progressing

from very small-sided, through 7-v-7, 9-v-9 and into 11-v-11 a continuity of principles needs to highlight

the pathway. There are many different systems of play; providing clarity to the overall design of our

preferred systems of play offers better direction to Chicago Fire Juniors players and coaches alike

Within that System of Play there is an expectation that players can perform in a number of different

positions and roles within the chosen formation; developing multi-talented Chicago Fire Juniors players is

a high priority



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Style of Play | Introduction This section needs to be related to Academy specifications

The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play should reflect the culture of the club, a ‘football first’ attitude.

Chicago is an urban metropolis of blue-collar heritage, a city of sporting history, a city of pioneer

ambition; & the soccer club should represent this resolve

The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play is built upon the principles of play, it emphasizes a passing based

creative attacking game balanced with aggressive adaptable defending, integrated by explosive,

intelligent transition & set-piece preparedness

The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play is to play fast, play with urgency & intensity. This style of play

must be recreated in the training culture. Training is the preparation for the game

Train How You Play | Play How You Train

The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play is to pursue WINNING > WINNING builds Success > Success

builds more WINNING > WINNING builds Success > Success builds more WINNING

Direction towards a playing style and an on-field soccer philosophy needs to be provided by Chicago

Fire; First Team, Academy and Junior Clubs should all have a connection on the field of play. But the

situation will arise where an individual coach, individual club or even a geographical region might not

necessarily share such a philosophy. Perhaps the profile of players on a team or the economics of the

environment might not allow such a playing style to flourish. The purpose is to provide direction and

assistance guiding towards a common theme of playing; how a coach or a team or a club manages this

guidance is open to interpretation



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Style of Play | Attacking Overview

> The overviews referenced below offer a guideline to the different phases of play. During the next

curriculum-building stage of the process greater details will be defined for the level-of-play & the age-of-

play that will provide greater specifics

Attack

∙ To develop teams that can play ‘proper’ soccer with the ball passed on the ground with speed & intent |

Passing > Receiving > Moving

∙ To develop teams that have a coherent game plan for the games ‘key moments’

∙ To develop teams that are adaptable to changing circumstances

∙ To develop teams that have a clear understanding of the game’s ‘attacking principles’

∙ To develop teams that ensure attacking phases of play end in a productive outcome

∙ To develop teams that can ‘build-up’ play from the back; either from the set-piece goal kick or by

circulating the ball around the back

∙ To develop teams that have a variation in attacking strategies

∙ | Short range passing through the lines of the team

∙ | Changing the point of attack to create > recognize > execute ‘numbers-up’ situation in wide

areas

∙ | Counter attack with speed, directness & multiple players on the transition

∙ | Utilize set-piece situations effectively

∙ To develop teams that can demonstrate game management and control the game’s tempo under different

circumstances

Offensive Principles

We build out of the back even under pressure

We keep and move the ball in the opponent half with a dynamic possession, respecting a balance

between attacking and defending

We want to unbalance the opposition by being able to attack on the wings and centrally

(combination play & creativity)

We want to score GOALS



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Style of Play | Defensive Overview

Defense

∙ To develop teams that are grueling to play against when out of possession

∙ To develop teams that have a coherent game plan for the games ‘key moments’

∙ To develop teams that are adaptable to changing circumstances

∙ To develop teams that have a clear understanding of the game’s ‘defensive principles’

∙ To develop teams that can ‘press’ high with clear understanding of when, where and why to press

∙ To develop teams that can ‘reorganize’ defensive shape when the opposition break the press

∙ To develop teams that can ‘counter-press’ with urgency and aggression | Everybody hunts the ball

∙ To develop teams that can organize a ‘low-block’ with clear understanding of the shape, distances and

principles of group defending

∙ To develop teams that can organize defending at set-piece situations effectively

∙ To develop teams that can demonstrate game management and control the game’s tempo under different

circumstances

Defensive Principles

We want to regain the ball in the opponent’s half using a medium or high block

We use zonal defensive principles except on set pieces (on set pieces we are man to man or mix

defense)



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Style of Play | The changeover of Possession

Transition

∙ To develop teams that have a clear understanding of the immediate tactics on the changeover of

possession | Positive & Negative Transition

Transition Principles | Offensive > Defensive

We want to regain the ball immediately after loss of possession (repress)

We want to reorganize into our defensive shape if we don’t win the ball after 4/5 seconds

Transition Principles | Defensive > Offensive

We must decide between playing forward to unbalance a disorganized defense or keeping

possession of the ball by playing out of pressure


Style of Play | Restarts from Dead Balls

Set-Piece

∙ To develop teams that have a variation in attacking strategies for different types of restart

∙ To develop teams that demonstrate cunning and disguise to restarts

∙ To develop a ‘culture’ of effective quick restarts

∙ To develop teams that can organize defensively for different types of restart

∙ To develop a ‘culture’ of recognizing opposition’s quick restarts

∙ To develop a ‘culture’ of gamesmanship; recognizing when to bend the rules to seek marginal advantage



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Style of Play | Principles of Play

Offensively

PHASES OF PLAY

OFFENSIVELY

GAME MODEL PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

Possession

& Progression

Build out of the back

1. Occupation of the pitch (use of the Width & the Depth)

2. Support the player with possession (unmarking & create

the overload)

3. Forward play (play in the intervals & between the lines)

Keep and move the ball in

the opponent half


2. Support the player with possession (unmarking & create

the overload)

3. Forward play (play in the intervals & between the lines)

Unbalance & Finishing

Unbalance the opposition

1. Combine centrally (create the overload & look for a

penetrating run)

2. Combine wide (create the overload and look for a

penetrating run)

3. Overload & switch the point of attack

4. Get open to beat defender 1-v-1

Finish

1. Quick combination in & around the box

2. Get open, anticipate, adjust yourself to finish



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Transition | Offensive > Defensive

PHASES OF PLAY

TRANSITION

OFFENSIVE > DEFENSIVE


Transition

Offensive > Defensive

Repress > Regain the ball

immediately after loss of

possession

1. Pressure & Cover

Reorganize > If we don’t

win the ball after 5 secs

reorganize into our

defensive shape

2. Organize the collective pressure based on the ‘travelling

pass’

Coordinate > Slide & shift

within & between our lines

in order to deny

penetration & make play

predictable

3. Increase density & be active in the direct game channel



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Defensively

PHASES OF PLAY

DEFENSIVELY


Ball Recovery

Regain the ball in the

opponent half (High Block)

1. Direct & organize the collective pressure based on the

‘travelling pass’

2. Increase density & be active in the direct game channel

3. Manage the Depth when the player on the ball is not

framed

Regain the ball in the

opponent half (Medium

Block)

1. Direct & organize the collective pressure based on the

‘travelling pass’ (line of confrontation)

2. Organize the alignments to stop or slow down the

progression of the opponent

3. Pressure & Cover

4. Manage the Depth when the player on the ball is not

framed

Protect to recover

1. Good positioning (ball & goal)

2. Anticipate, adjust to intervene.

3. Intervene to engage or not the counter attack



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Transition | Defensive > Offensive

PHASES OF PLAY

TRANSITION

DEFENSIVE > OFFENSIVE


Transition

Defensive > Offensive

Decision between playing

forward to unbalance a

disorganized defense or

keeping possession of the

ball by playing out of

pressure.

1. Support the player with possession (unmarking)




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Style of Play | Defined Part I

Key Moments

In Possession | Attack

Loss of Possession | Negative Transition

Out of Possession | Defense

Regain Possession | Positive Transition

> In Possession | Attack

The main objective while in possession is to create scoring opportunities by making intelligent use of

space & time to expose or unbalance our opponents

It is the essence of our game to maintain possession of the ball for as long as possible

1st Phase | Construction & Building

2nd Phase | Preparation & Possession

3rd Phase | Penetration

4th Phase | Finishing or Scoring - Productivity

> Loss of Possession | Negative Transition

The main objective upon losing possession of the ball is the immediate organization of our defensive

principles, before the opposition can organize their attacking principles, in an effort to eliminate the

opponents ability to develop a scoring threat

> Out of Possession | Defense

The main objectives while out of possession is…

∙ | Deny the Penetration

∙ | Recover the Ball vs. Contain & Delay

∙ | Concentrate Players behind the Ball

∙ | Deny Goal Scoring Opportunities

> Regain Possession | Positive Transition

The main objective is to take advantage of the opponents disorganized defensive principles by organizing

our attacking principles quickly to create a goal scoring opportunity

The player regaining possession must evaluate his decision to penetrate immediately or to first shift play

before taking advantage of this moment of transition



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Style of Play | Defined Part II

Counter-Press

The action of immediately attempting to recover the ball at the moment of transition before the opposition

can move the ball away from confrontation and build their attacking principles. Often the ‘counter-press’

is targeted by multiple players and required to be within seconds to successfully regain possession

Counter-Press | Video

Attacking Principles

∙ | Penetration – To play the ball forward; pass, throw, cross & shoot

∙ | Support – The arrangement of teammates and their availability to receive a pass from the player in

possession; 1st Attacker > 2nd Attackers

∙ | Mobility – Continuous movement in order to keep creating ‘angles of support’

∙ | Width – By providing width to an attack an offensive team look to ‘stretch’ & ‘unbalance’ the

opposition

∙ | Depth & Height – The arrangement of supporting players behind the ball is ‘depth’; & supporting

players ahead of the ball is ‘height’

∙ | Imagination – Creativity, inspiration & imagination

Attacking Principles | Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvUxn0_7N_s

https://www.professionalsoccercoaching.com/management/soccer-attacking-principles-of-play

https://www.professionalsoccercoaching.com/management/soccer-attacking-principles-of-play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvUxn0_7N_s



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Defensive Principles

∙ | Pressure – The role of the 1st Defender | Deny the penetration

∙ | Contain & Delay – To slow down the opposition attack allowing the defensive players to recover &

reorganize

∙ | Cover – Defensive players (2nd defenders) in defensive support of the 1st defender

∙ | Depth – The remaining defensive players behind the ball providing 3rd defender coverage ‘goal-side’

∙ | Compactness & Concentration – How narrow & how connected the team lines are across the field

both horizontally & vertically

∙ | Balance – The positioning of 3rd defenders away from the immediate play

Low Block

The ‘low block’ refers to a defensive tactical strategy in which a team defends from a very deep position

on the pitch in order to restrict the amount of space the opposition has to exploit. Often referred to

colloquially as “parking the bus”, the more soccer specific term is the ‘low block’. It can be extremely

difficult to score against a team using the ‘low block’ due to the lack of space that is available in the

central areas of the field

Low Block | Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKHwUVYH4hU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKHwUVYH4hU



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Systems of Play | Introduction This section needs to be related to Academy specifications

The system of play is a tool to aid the tactics and strategies (the game plan) deployed by the coach. A

clear and defined system of play will facilitate the chances of being effective, but a system of play alone

cannot guarantee success

The system of play is often fluid and rarely resembles the chalkboard version planned in the pre-game

team talk. Many variables dictate what the system of play looks like and how it is delivered; the team in

possession, location of the play on the field, the time on the clock or the scores on the scoreboard will all

effect the shape of the team

The system of play should change and evolve based on whether the team is attacking and in possession of

the ball or defending and out of possession; depending on which, the function of the positions within the

system of play will alter

Within the system of play players should be coached to be adaptable in different game-specific scenarios

and have the capacity for ‘functional rotation’ & ‘positional interchange’ where players can seamlessly

assume a new role within the team, momentarily



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Systems of Play | Recommendations

4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation

∙ ‘Y’ Inversion formation allows build-up out of the back & provides Width within all lines of the team

∙ Encourages Mobility to provide Height & Width in attacking areas as opposition lines are broken & the

‘Y’ is inverted, while always holding a designated central midfield ‘pivot’ #6



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Horizontal Lines within the formation



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Vertical Lines within the formation



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Game Lines within the formation



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Movement Lines within the formation | In Possession & Attacking


Movement Lines within the formation | Out of Possession & Defending



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7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation

∙ Balanced across the lines of the team; defense, midfield & attack

∙ Width in the midfield group

∙ Good angles of support naturally offered

∙ Designated central midfield ‘pivot’



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The Fire Philosophy | Systems of Play

Recommendations

9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation

∙ Introduces a 4-man defensive group, with 2 central defenders #4 & #5 & positive fullbacks #2 & #3 who

can be deployed in a variation of tactics

∙ Width provided by positive fullback #2 & #3 at each line of the team

∙ Deep-lying defensive central midfield ‘pivot’#6 DCM transfers directly into all 11-v-11 systems of play

∙ Introduces multiple lines to the team formation | In-between the lines

∙ Good angles of support naturally offered

∙ Strong in the middle of the field with a Δ central midfield group

∙ Capacity to play a 5-man midfield with positive fullback #2 & #3 providing the Width



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The Fire Philosophy | Systems of Play

Recommendations


∙ Balanced across the lines of the team; defense, midfield & Attack

∙ 2nd Striker option that can be deployed in a number of different tactics 3-3-1-1 or 3-4-1 | In-between the

lines

∙ Introduces the pairs working together in wide areas; full back & wide midfield #2 & #7 | #3 & #11

∙ Designated central midfield ‘pivot’ #6

∙ Width in 2 lines of the formation | Defensive line & Midfield line



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11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation

∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation with the Δ central midfield converting to 4-1-4-1

∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation with front four converting to 4-3-3

∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation within the defensive group converting to 3-4-3



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11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 4-1-4-1

11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 4-3-3



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11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 3-4-3

11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation




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11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation


11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation




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11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation


11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation




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∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation with the defensive orientation converting to 4-5-1 or the

5-4-1 when out of possession

11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 4-5-1 with the ‘double-screen’

11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 5-4-1 with the #6 dropping into the defensive line



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Systems of Play | Continuity of Playing Patterns

Throughout each of the recommended systems of play there is a continuity of playing patterns that are

recognizable at each level of play. As Fire Juniors players graduate from 4-v-4 & 5-v-5, through 7-v-7, to

9-v-9 and finally to the full-size game at 11-v-11; familiar patterns are the vehicle that carry the attacking

principles that allow us to penetrate with width, depth, height and creative angles of support


Playing Patterns



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Playing Patterns


Playing Patterns



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11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation

Playing Patterns

11-v-11 | 4-1-4-1 Formation

Playing Patterns



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Playing Patterns


Playing Patterns



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Standardized Testing

The Chicago Fire Academy have an extensive testing of both physical & biometric testing, in additional

to technical testing and in game assessment. The Chicago Fire Emerging Talent Program are introducing

a similar set of standardized testing for the ID Camp. Fire Junior Clubs are encouraged to take up some

of the standardized testing protocols, especially for their higher-ranking state quality teams.

Chicago Fire Academy Testing

∙ Every 2 months the Academy do biometrics to follow the height and weight evolution of the

players

∙ 3 times a year the Academy do physical and technical tests to track the improvement of

the players

∙ Training attendance & Game attendance

∙ After each game the Academy technical staff and the players themselves evaluate their on-field

performance based on 5 criteria |

Influence on the game

Involvement in the attacking phase

Involvement in the defending phase

Technical ease

Player’s state of mind

Biometric Testing Criteria

Stand Height

Seat height

Weight

Age at PHV (Peak Height Velocity)

Body Fat measure

Physical Testing Criteria

Speed |

10 meters & 20 meters (U13 to U14)

10 meters and 40 meters (U15 to U19)

Aerobic |

Vam Eval (U15 to U19)



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Standardized Testing

Technical Testing Criteria

Juggling | U13 – U15

3 attempts per foot

Right foot | left foot 100

Right & Left alternate 100

Head 50

Right foot > Right thigh 30

Left foot > Left thigh 30

Right inside of the foot 30

Left inside of the foot 30

Clock 10 rounds 10

Dribbling | U13 – U15

2 attempts per foot

Standing start, ball at feet

Start the watch when the player sets off (his decision).

Dribble the ball with the same foot & creating a double figure 8

Stop the watch when the player crosses the finish line



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The Environment | Introduction

Developing the Chicago Fire Juniors ‘coach & club’

Establishing a ‘culture’ of the individual (the player & the person), the team, the coach & the club to

create an environment of excellence

Creating a ‘culture’ on all levels, where individuals are held to a higher standard, team expectations are

raised, the coach & the club continually strive for the ‘next-level’ of attainment

A group of people or players will behave how their society allows them to behave, both positively &

negatively. How a coach & a club allow their players & teams to behave becomes a ‘culture’, both

positive & negative


The Environment | Coach & Club

How can Chicago Fire Juniors Coaches & Junior Clubs create or improve on a ‘culture’…?

Facilities |

By providing Chicago Fire Juniors players with the best possible opportunity for success

By offering a higher quality of playing environment than the lesser junior clubs in your market

Equipment |

By providing Chicago Fire Juniors players with the best possible opportunity for success

By offering a higher quality of age-appropriate equipment than the lesser junior clubs in your market

Coaching Staff |

By recruiting and developing the highest level of coaching staff

Select coaching staff who have aspirational attitudes

Select coaching staff who demonstrate dedication and integrity; coaches who care

Select coaching staff who search for opportunity versus compensation

Select coaching staff who can deliver the off-field aspects of the ‘job’ in addition to the

on-field task

Select coaching staff that demand coach education; and then provide them with coach

education

And then eradicate coaching staff that do not or cannot



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Fire Coaching Resources |

By the application of the numerous coach, player and DoC resources made available to each

Junior Club through the Fire. Evaluation forms are a vehicle for feedback and review that generates

advancement, that create a ‘culture’ of analyze > review > improve

Curriculum |

By acknowledging the merits of the purposefully design Chicago Fire Juniors coaching

curriculum and implementing the periodization, recommendations and teaching methodology outlined

from Toyota Park. The ‘Fire Family’ have contributed much to accelerate the best possible Chicago Fire

Junior Club structure. Finesse the details to service your soccer community, but welcome the support

from the most professional infrastructure obtainable

Coach Education |

By challenging coaching staff to strive for better

By offering advice, support and solutions to those who choose the daily grind of youth soccer

By rewarding those who hunt for education and listen to guidance; by rewarding those who view

performance-evaluation as an opportunity and not a punishment

By providing daily, weekly, monthly, frequently distributed ideas, concepts and thought-

provoking questions

By having a football first ‘culture’

By sharing information, by pooling resources, by caring what the guy who represents our club is

doing; and by helping him to improve what he is doing

Continued Professional Development |

By satisfying aspirational coaches with the opportunity to seek outside education; by providing

coaching staff with the challenge and then the opportunity to greater their value through recognized

professional development. Coaching courses inspire coaching, coaching courses rekindle embers into

flames – maybe even Fire, but courses cost time and money. Help coaches to better themselves so they

can help the club

Training Sessions |

By planning and delivering training sessions that are run with intensity

By increasing the frequency of training sessions to offer greater opportunity for aspirational player



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Social Skill Development |

By writing into your club ‘culture’ a list of social skills that players are held accountable to; have

these components reinforced during each contact time with your players

Welcome

Meet the coach | Meet your teammates | Verbal & Physical engagement

Organization

Coach’s Expectations of behavior | Coach’s Expectations of participation | Punctually

Preparation

Training Attire | Shin-Pads | Water Bottle | Hat | Sun Cream | Breakfast

Preparation | Stretching

Reasons – Prepare body & mind | Ballistic | Static

Respect

Match Officials | Opposition | Teammates

Teammate

Create a team celebration | Positive commentary | Positive environment

Courtesy

Welcome handshake | Congratulations on performance | Goodbye handshake

Social Engagement

Players to learn teammate’s Names, Age & Birthday etc.

Communication

Verbal | Visual

Team Agenda

Team before individual | Responsibility to the Group | GK, Defender, Substitute – Not always Striker

Dignity & Humility…

in defeat | in victory | Shake Hands regardless

Accountability

Taking responsibility for your role, job or function within the group | Holding others answerable for their

role, job or function within the group

Leadership

What is a leader? | Lead by example



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Zero Parental Influence |

By limiting or removing parental influence on soccer-related concerns

Extra Services |

By going the extra mile and providing services that players need. E.g., college recruitment;

providing players and parents with information about how college soccer works and the necessary

processes to be a success. Be perceived as the most educated environment for ‘next-level’ players

Inter Club Play |

By offering a controlled playing environment where you can dictate the game outside of the

regular restrictions of game officials, league rules or all the other obstructions to coaching

Emerging Talent Program |

By maximizing and fully endorsing the Chicago Fire ‘next level’ coaching programs. The ETP is

an outstanding steppingstone towards Academy and 1st Team standards for aspirational players; the

‘culture’ of all Junior Clubs needs to be one of ‘next-level’ aspiration

Pathway to the Pros |

By utilizing and marketing the professional pathway that Chicago Fire players have above and

way beyond any rival club in your market. The pipeline of Junior Club > Emerging Talent Program >

Chicago Fire Academy > Chicago Fire MLS Club 1st Team is a pathway to the pros that nobody can come

close to rival

Demonstrate to your players, and potential players, the Fire Juniors Philosophy and the rich rewards

that our unique club uniquely represents

Documents

Chicago Fire Juniors · junior club players. The intent is to provide each junior club and their management structure some direction and assistance in the development of junior players