Best Fall Sports Leagues For Kids In Chicago
By Sara Lugardo
Come fall, sports leagues for kids in Chicago explode with activity. Boys and girls from tots to teens get a healthy dose of competition, pride in themselves, energy exertion and a way to keep busy in a productive way that won't drive parents crazy. Explore the best fall sports leagues for kids in Chicago when school starts this year for a well-rounded, happy kid all year long.
Chicago United Futbol Club Competitive Youth Program
Training takes place in UIC campus and Hyde Park
www.chicagounitedfc.net
UIC North BBall
S. Halsted St. and W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL
Hyde Park Midway D
S. Ellis Ave and Midway Plaisance
Chicago, IL
Price: $1,800 base cost
Chicago United Futbol Club, a youth soccer club, competes in the Northern Illinois Soccer League, the nation's top competitive travel soccer league. Registration fees differ by age group. The $1,800 base cost is for the competitive youth group for U8-U14, which is for ages 6 to 14 years old. Payment plans are available for those in financial need. Click here for online registration for 2012/2013 season.
Lil Sluggers Chicago
The Strike Zone
287 Northfield Road
Northfield, IL
www.lilsluggerschicago.com
Price: $225
This instructional and learning program offers a league with seven players to a team for ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 years old in cooperation with The Strike Zone. Expect stellar coaching from Jeff Kapp, who boasts more than 30 years in the industry. Class fees vary by league length and include equipment and uniforms. The fall schedule runs from Sept. 10 to Nov. 17. Click here for program offerings.
Bulls/Sox Academy
6200 River Bend Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
(630)752-9225
www.bullssoxacademy.com
Price: $660 per team
The Bulls/Sox Academy basketball league for the 2012 fall session runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with a 10-game guarantee and professional IHSA officials and score keepers. Kids take hom individual and team awards each season, so expect big confidence gains here. Geared toward boys in fourth grade through high school and girls in fifth grade through high school, it even offers travel leagues.
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i9 Sports Flag Football League
Lincoln Park - Montrose
4400 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL
(773)245-7834
www.i9sports.com
Price: $145
The league fee price includes uniform, flag belt, official and venue costs, a sportsmanship medal and a participation trophy. The 2012 fall schedule will start Sept. 8 and run through Nov. 3. Kids will play on the east side of Cricket Hill in the field space between Wilson and Montrose. A $10 discount is offered to multi-child families who register children ages 3 to 12 in a league. Click here for registration guidelines and information.
YMCA Youth Floor Hockey League
Leaning Tower YMCA
6300 W. Touhy Ave.
Niles, IL 60714
(847) 410-5108
www.ymcachicago.org
Price: $55 member/$110 non member
Fees for the fall 2012 leagues, which begin in September, include equipment and uniforms. Youth leagues meet twice a week, once for a practice meet and one for game days. Stop into any of the YMCA locations to pick up a brochure highlighting upcoming session information as well as membership benefits with free classes, childcare and meetings. Click here for additional youth programs for the 4 to 12 year old age group.
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Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
