New Competitive Soccer Program Will Expand Playing Opportunities

for U13 through U19 Boys and Girls

As was announced last May, GSC and SFC have been working together to expand the Glenbrook United high-school aged program to boys and girls beginning at U13. After the successful launch of the expanded boys program in fall 2011, GSC and SFC are excited to make the expanded program available to both boys and girls under the new banner of FC-1 Academy. Players who will be at the U8 through U12 levels for fall 2012 are unaffected, and will continue to play for GSC or SFC.

The creation of FC-1 Academy addresses some key challenges that most area clubs face when full-sided games (11v11) begin at U13. First, by expanding the number of players and the potential number of teams at each age group, more boys and girls will be able to continue playing club soccer through middle and high school. In addition, the creation of FC-1 Academy will strengthen teams and player development at all skill levels. FC-1 Academy will strive to match each team's league participation and division to its ability level, from the very highest level of competition through the lower divisions.

FC-1 Academy will be overseen by a committee composed of board members from both GSC and SFC. Teams will be coached by FC-1 Academy coaches who may or may not also coach younger aged teams with GSC or SFC. Most practices and home games will be held at either Community Park West in Glenview or Techny Prairie Park in Northbrook.

Additionally, the FC-1 Academy program will have its own unique brand identity, with a new logo, uniforms, and website that are not tied to the identities of GSC or SFC, nor the colors and nicknames of Glenbrook North or Glenbrook South high schools.