Chicago Fire Soccer Club and Chicago Fire Foundation

More about Chicago Fire Soccer Club and Chicago Fire Foundation

The Fire is committed to improving the quality of life for youth and communities through the sport of soccer. Research has shown that the inherent skills learned from organized sport also align with academic success. As Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest district in the country, resources have been cut, leading to loss of physical education, recess, and after school sports programs. In addition, this lack of physical activity is resulting in unhealthy lifestyles among youth. In 2010-2011, nearly 50% of CPS students were overweight or obese by sixth grade. To combat this epidemic, the Fire continues to support existing initiatives and has expanded its efforts to get more students playing soccer.

Grassroots efforts will engage over 100,000 children each year. The club has also made a significant investment to build a soccer center in downtown Chicago. This will provide much needed space to play year-round. The Foundation continues to be a leader with its proprietary P.L.A.Y.S. Program, which uses soccer to promote academic achievement and the North American launch of Premier Skills, which promotes safer communities through soccer. The vision of the club is reflective of its desire to make a significant positive impact throughout Chicagoland.