United Elite is the new version of the former Emerging Talent Program (ETP) previously operated by Chicago Fire Juniors. Like ETP, the current program will continue to focus on players U11-U14 and include clubs formerly in the Chicago Fire Juniors network.
With the collaboration of former CFJ clubs, United Elite seeks to offer players the opportunity for additional competition and development. Founded by many of the same leaders from Fire Juniors’ ETP, United Elite will offer a residential camp at Lake Forest Academy complete with the same high-level professional coaching and classroom sessions focusing on technical development and personal development. Players who attend the camp may be selected to attend an out-of-state tournament during the winter season on a combined team comprised of players selected from the various clubs participating.
Clubs participating in United Elite
Club brand for 2022+ Previous brand
- FC Lakeshore CFJ North Shore
- Michigan Rangers Michigan Fire Juniors
- Plainfield United CFJ West
- Chicagoland United CFJ South
- Team Evanston Team Evanston (via CFJ North Shore)
Program Overview
Players who are nominated for the program will have the opportunity to attend a 3-day residential training camp at Lake Forest Academy in August. Modeling the lifestyle of a professional residential academy, the United Elite program will use the dormitory, classrooms, and sports facilities at Lake Forest Academy to facilitate each player’s learning on and off the field. At the camp, players will have an opportunity to compete on the field with both teammates and players for other clubs while also developing important social and psychological tools via team building, goal setting, and tactical analysis.
Given the camp is soccer-intensive, the down time for the players will include soccer-oriented activities such as watching a match or discussing the latest trends in the game.
Showcase Team
Players who excel on their team and/or perform well at camp will be selected for the United Elite Tournament team. This team will compete in an out-of-state tournament during the winter season. Selection is again competitive and based on both a player’s ability and positional needs.
Player Safety
As required by each club, all coaches will be background checked, will be updated on their SafeSport certification, and will have passed their CDC concussion awareness certification. All residential hall monitors will be required to pass the same player safety criteria.
A physical trainer will be available on-site to address any immediate physical care requirements or emergencies.
FAQ
Camp is the first week of August and lasts 3 days. The exact dates and times will be in the invitation to players.
Players are nominated to the program by their club’s coaching staff. Invitations will be sent from United Elite via email.
Opportunities exist for development in each club! Don’t be discouraged if your teammate was nominated and you were not. Keep working hard and your development will continue.
A player’s ability and position will factor into nominations.
No, invitations are sent in waves. This allows the coaching staff to monitor responses and invite additional players based on the positional needs of the attending group.
Players who will be competing in the U11-U14 age groups the following soccer season. Invitations are sent in spring for the residential camp which will take place in August of the following soccer year.
Yes, there are separate camps for the girls’ program and for the boys’ program.
Players who are selected for the showcase team will travel and compete as United Elite at an out-of-state showcase during the winter season. Coaches from the event will be the same coaches leading the age groups at the training camp.
Lake Forest Academy: 1500 Kennedy Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
