AYSO Region 418 Chicago Lakefront offers a complete player development pathway which allows every child, from toddler to high school senior, to those with special needs, to play this beautiful game we love.

Our programs teach children about good sportsmanship and learning to be the best possible teammate and opponent by following AYSO's Six Philosophies: Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching, Good Sportsmanship, and Player Development.

By focusing on player development over winning, AYSO is truly child-first and child-focused. Our objective is to create an environment where each player has the opportunity to excel and reach their potential no matter if their goal is to play at the highest level, college, high-school or just to have fun!

AYSO VIP Soccer Program

The AYSO VIP Program strives to provide a quality soccer experience for individuals whose physical or developmental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. We recognize that everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. The VIP program offers that acceptance and carries the philosophy of "Everyone Plays®" to new heights - giving everyone a chance to play. Successful participation in this program is defined by the player’s enjoyment and individual growth. VIP soccer seasons are fall and spring. Ages 5 to 18.

AYSO Core Soccer Program

The AYSO Core program is our grassroots player development program spanning 4U through 19U age divisions. The Core program is designed to be age-appropriate and developmentally challenging. There are no tryouts or cuts. Everyone is welcome to join all the fun, excitement, and learning that happens on the soccer fields in the Core program. Core soccer seasons are fall and spring, with optional winter programming. Ages 3 to 18.

AYSO EXTRA Soccer Program

Players looking for a more challenging environment within an AYSO soccer league are invited to try out for 9U/10U and 11U/12U teams in the AYSO418 EXTRA program. The EXTRA program is a progressive soccer experience with a strong emphasis on technical and tactical development. EXTRA is a tryout-based travel soccer program for the 10U and 12U age divisions with 2-year age divisions that mirror the Core program divisions. Players are required to be concurrently enrolled in the Core program. They are members of two teams, with two practices and two games each week during the fall and spring seasons. Ages 8 to 12. Extra teams play against teams from other AYSO Regions.

AYSO Chicago Northwind Soccer Club

The final phase of our player development pathway is the Chicago Northwind Soccer Club, a tryout-based travel soccer program which provides players the opportunity to play in the Illinois Youth Soccer Association gaming circuit, while still benefiting from AYSO's Six Philosophies. Northwind players are exposed to the challenges and competition of travel club soccer with a high level of commitment required, professional trainers, year-round training sessions, and a detailed focus on technical and tactical proficiency. Enrollment in the Northwind programs includes the fall, winter, and spring seasons, with optional summer training. Ages 6 to 18.