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Illinois FC Club Info 2021-2022

This page will be your source for all of your club info for the upcoming 2021-2022 Season. Watch here for updates and check IFC social media. If you have any questions please contact admin@illinoisfc.com.

IFC Update on Spring 2021 Season

March 1st: Registration for Spring to open

For those families who registered and participated in the Fall, you’ll recall that we opted to split the typical IFC calendar into 3 parts – Fall, Winter, and Spring – managing registration and dues collection separately for each part to allow for a higher level of flexibility. If you registered in the Fall, you paid for your membership ($200 per player) and for Fall training ($100 or $150 per player, depending on age group). This Spring you will be asked to pay a training fee once again, along with the required league fees for CIYSL and to cover referee payments. We will share these details once we know what the costs will be from CIYSL.

For those families registering for the first time this year, the IFC membership fee will be required as well.

Once registration opens, we ask that you complete it as soon as possible, but no later than March 15th.

March 22nd: Spring training commences

Assuming the weather cooperates, practices will begin at Dodds on Monday, March 22nd. With the need to set specific teams for specific age groups in order to compete in CIYSL, our groups may look different than they did in the fall. For example, instead of a u14 training group, we may have both u13 and u14 teams training and competing separately. Specific details concerning teams and practice times will finalized in advance of the start of training.

March 28th: CIYSL competition begins

CIYSL plans to have league schedules finalized in early March, with games to begin as soon as March 28th. With IFC training beginning March 22nd, we will request that our teams not be scheduled to compete in league games that very first weekend. We will post the schedules as soon as they are final. 

May 7-9th: IFC Spring Invite

As previously announced, our spring tournament will take place at the brand new Rantoul Family Sports Complex. Reminder that as in past years IFC families will be asked to volunteer with some aspect of tournament set up and/or operations. All IFC teams will be registered to play in the Spring Invite.

IFC Return-to-Play Protocol

IFC is committed to the welfare and security of our athletes and the surrounding communities. To ensure our expectations are being met, IFC has worked diligently researching biosafety to formulate our own covid-19 biosecurity recommendations. We have developed a Return-to-Play Protocol to provide more specific detail for our players, families, and coaches with safety being our foremost concern. Please see these guidelines below. We encourage you to read over these expectations and note any concerns or questions you may have. You can send your inquiries to  admin@illinoisfc.com. 

IFC 2020-2021 Program Fees

TBA

IFC Return-to-Play Protocol

IFC is committed to the welfare and security of our athletes and the surrounding communities. To ensure our expectations are being met, IFC has worked diligently researching biosafety to formulate our own covid-19 biosecurity recommendations. We have developed a Return-to-Play Protocol to provide more specific detail for our players, families, and coaches with safety being our foremost concern. Please see these guidelines below. We encourage you to read over these expectations and note any concerns or questions you may have. You can send your inquiries to Kaleigh Evans at admin@illinoisfc.com and we will address them at our virtual town hall meeting (TBA). Other resources and information can be found at:

 https://www.illinoisfc.com/registration 

 https://www.illinoisfc.com/covid19

 

Please note: IFC will amend and adapt these guidelines to better suit IDPH's restrictions on youth sports once we have more information. 

Fall 2020 Season Scheduling (Updated)

The tables below indicate the assigned coaches, as well as the training days and times for the various age groups. You will also find information regarding our Friday Focus sessions and scrimmaging schedule. These will take place at Dodd's Park. We will inform you timeously should we have any venue changes. 

 

IFC 2020-2021 Program Fees

Please refer to the document below regarding IFC's 2020-2021 Program Fees. We have recently adapted our financial due structure to account for the recent restrictions in youth programming. More inclusive information regarding the spring season will be announced at a later date. 

Illinois FC Scholarship Application

In order to be considered for an IFC Scholarship, applicants must submit the form found below to admin@illinoisfc.com. Please note that a Spanish version will be available upon request. 

 

Uniforms and Gear

New Members: Being part of a Club Team, IFC members are required to dress uniformly at all IFC practices and competitions. Typically, at this time we would ask you all to purchase an Illinois FC Fall 2020 Mandatory Player Uniform Kit found at https://www.europeansports.com/#/clubs/ifc.

This is the mandatory kit that includes the uniform and practice shirts that all IFC players will wear through the Spring 2021 Season. However, given the current state of youth programs and games, we understand if new members want to wait to purchase kits until games are scheduled. But with practices starting August 24 where the training shirt is required, I wanted to make you aware of 2 alternative means to obtain the practice shirts:

  • You may purchase only the ILLINOIS FC COTTON TRAINING SHIRTS at the website listed above. European Sports charges $10 per shirt and usually has a 2-3 week shipping process so please plan accordingly.
  • IFC has an inventory of shirts available for purchase "in house" upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis. These are available in limited sizes at $5. Please reach out to me at admin@illinoisfc.com to order or for more information.

As a recommendation, with practices twice a week, most members have at least 2 shirts to avoid doing extra laundry.

If any returning member needs new practice shirts, these options are also available to you.

Please note: If you wish to go ahead and purchase the mandatory new player kit you will receive all packaged training gear within European Sports normal shipping timeline. Uniforms will be distributed and shipped after teams are allocated and member numbers are appointed ( tentatively around September 15th.) 

Other Gear Considerations:

Masks are required at all IFC practices and training sessions. Our distributor, European Sports, has graciously added a 3 Ply Facemask with IFC's logo on the corner into our team's online store (https://www.europeansports.com/#/clubs/ifc) If you would like to purchase this item or any other additional gear you are more than welcome to on an individual basis. It is not required. Please note that it can take up to 3 weeks for delivery. 

 

 

 http://www.europeansports.com/#/clubs/ifc

IFC 2020-2021 Season Q/A FAQs

IFC is excited to reunite athletes in a competitive and safe environment! We will continue to add to this FAQ as another means of communicating with our soccer community. 

Q: Will there be IFC try-outs for the 2020-2021 season?

A: Previously scheduled tryouts scheduled for July 22-24th have been canceled. All interested players will be invited to the first week of training in late August where a player assessment will take place, and team assignments will be made soon after. The first day of practice is tentatively scheduled for August 24th. We are awaiting confirmation from the Champaign Park District and once that information is finalized IFC will send out an official action plan. 

Q: Will I learn more about team assessment and assignments?

A: Yes, an action plan will be sent out in the near future.

Q: What will the IFC 2020-2021 season look like?

A: It is hard to predict what the season will look like but IFC administrators are actively pursuing the best possible, safe playing season for our athletes. Currently, we plan to move forward with outdoor fall training and participate in as many competitive practices and scrimmages that guidelines and restrictions will allow. We are continuing to monitor any updated guidance from these state and local health agencies. 

Q: What Covid-19 Guidelines will IFC be following?

A: IFC has created its own official back-to-play guidelines (see above). We took into consideration all of the suggestions outlined from IYSA, IHSA, The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, The Champaign County Health Department, and The Champaign County Park District to make our own informative protocol. Other covid-19 resources can be found at https://www.illinoisfc.com/covid19 and https://www.illinoisfc.com/registration

Q: If I have previously registered my son/daughter for the 2020-2021 tryouts, do I have to register them.

A: No, you do not. You should have received an email from IFC Admin indicating that all paperwork was received. If you did not, please contact admin@illinoisfc.com.

Q: If my son/daughter would like to participate in the IFC team assessment, and I have not previously registered my athlete for the 2020-21 seasons, what should I do?

A: Please use the following link to register your athlete for the Fall 2020-2021 season (https://illinoisfc.sportngin.com/register/form/725113225). Athletes must also fill out and submit two forms: the IYSA Medical Release Form and the IYSA Covid-19 waiver. These forms can be found at https://www.illinoisfc.com/registration. There are two ways to submit these forms to the club. One way is by uploading the documentation and sending it electronically to me at admin@illinoisfc.com. The other way is to hand in a hard copy physically on the first day of practice/tryouts. Given the current pandemic, an electronic copy is preferred as we want to eliminate any unnecessary transference of germs. However, we understand that the digital age is not for everyone and may not be the most accommodating option. If you have any concerns about submitting this documentation please feel free to reach out to me at the email listed above.

Q: Are there additional forms my athlete should fill out for registration?

A: Athletes must also fill out and submit two forms: the IYSA Medical Release Form and the IYSA Covid-19 waiver. These forms can be found at https://www.illinoisfc.com/registration. There are two ways to submit these forms to the club. One way is by uploading the documentation and sending it electronically to me at admin@illinoisfc.com. The other way is to hand in a hard copy physically on the first day of practice/tryouts. Given the current pandemic, an electronic copy is preferred as we want to eliminate any unnecessary transference of germs. However, we understand that the digital age is not for everyone and may not be the most accommodating option. If you have any concerns about submitting this documentation, please feel free to reach out to me at the email listed above. AND If you have a child with a preexisting condition, IFC must receive documentation confirmation from their doctor in order to play.

Q: What is the registration process for my high school aged-boy?

A: Tryouts for high school-aged boys are scheduled tentatively for the week of November 8th and will follow a completely separate registration process. More information regarding those tryouts will be announced in the future. 

Q: The schedule includes a time slot for 06 boys and then a different time slot for high school boys 16-18. Does this mean that even though my son has an 06 birthdate he still plays with the 06 team? 

A: The 2006 boys team originally pertained to trapped players only. These were 2006 boys who were in middle school. Had there been a Fall season, these boys would have represented IFC as the U15s. Having adapted our program, it is our intention to have all High School boys train together, including HS 2006 boys."

Q: What are the Focus Group Sessions on Fridays?

A: "During the competitive phase of a season, coaching would often focus on team dynamics. This, to prepare for league matches and tournaments. With the exclusion of competitive games this Fall, we have adapted the coaching curriculum to emphasize individual improvements. We have, therefore, included 2 aspects of training that would otherwise be neglected. The first being the physical component, where age-related conditioning (speed, strength and explosiveness) will be incorporated throughout the season. The other is the addition of our Focus Group Session, where the DOC will invite groups of players to a position-specific training session, where a particular technique or tactic will be taught and rehearsed. E.g. - the strikers of all girls and boys teams will be invited to work on goal-scoring only. These sessions will be offered to players in all positions during the course of the season. Focus Group Sessions will be optional and complementary"

Q: Can I register my athlete who played for juniors last season?

A: IFC is welcoming all U7-U8 athletes to participate in the upcoming scheduled practice/tryouts. Players must follow the same registration process as everyone else and can register at (https://illinoisfc.sportngin.com/register/form/725113225).

Q: What if I am interested in the Illinois Alliance Tryouts.

A: Currently, Illinois Alliance Tryouts have been canceled. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.illinoisalliance.club/  More information regarding Illinois Alliance can also be found at https://www.illinoisfc.com/illinoisalliance.  Please remember to also register your player(s) for IFC if they intend to play for both organizations as these are completely separate registration processes.

Q: What is the status update for reimbursements from last season?

A: 2019-2020 season reimbursements are being processed now. In order to receive a reimbursement, you must have filled out the Covid-19 survey which closed on 6/30/2020 (https://illinoisfc.sportngin.com/register/form/221143183) We appreciate your patience at this time. 
 

Q: Are there scholarships available?

A: Yes. Parents can apply for a scholarship by filling out the IllinoisFC Scholarship Form located on this page. Please send your completed form to admin@illinoisfc.com


Q: How else might I get information?

A: IFC is hoping to host a virtual townhall – so keep a lookout in your email for information on that. Other links to bookmark:

Q: Will practices be socially distanced?
A: Yes, we will modify our practices to limit contact time through our drills and training execution.

Q: If we don't register for the Fall season can we play in the Spring?
A: Yes, we have set up our member programming and dues structure to ensure that athletes can join us in the spring.

Q: What is your policy on masks?
A: Masks will be worn at all times with planned strategic "breaking" sessions, when players can get water etc. Coaches will ensure that players are properly socially distanced during these breaks.

Q: What system do you have in place for athletes that do not follow the mask mandate? 
A: At this time we would apply the necessary steps as in any given situation. Athletes will be pulled aside and the issue would be addressed. Any further warnings will result in a dismissal of participation from that session. 

 

Q: Will there be scrimmages and if so how frequently? 
A: At this time we do not have any official scrimmage dates set up. Typically these will take place on the weekends, with some opportunity to play during the week.

Q: We are concerned with close contact and heavy breathing during scrimmages. How do you plan to act in these situations?
A: All athletes are required to wear masks during training and scrimmaging. 

Q: Please elaborate on how many teams will be put together during focus group training. 
A: There are two different focus group sections (U8-U12 and U14-U18). These will take place on Fridays at 5 and 6 pm respectively. These are position-specific training sessions. For example, specialized training for positions like goalkeepers and strikers.

Q: I am concerned with athlete misbehavior as it has been an issue with IFC in the past and want to know if you are taking it seriously given covid-19
A: We understand that misbehavior concerns during a pandemic should be taken seriously and will apply a more stringent and consistent disciplinary structure as needed. 

Q: If a child has an underlying medical condition that prohibits them from wearing a mask should a child forego participating? 
A: At this time, we believe that it would be in the best interest of any athlete with a preexisting condition to forego participating if they are unable to wear a mask during training. The health risk and safety concern far outweighs the benefits of participation during these trying times. 

Q: Will parent reps be per age group instead of per team now?
A: Parent reps will be paired with training groups, however, there is a possibility of having more than 1 parent rep per training group. When we send out official membership registration we will include a component within the form asking for specific information regarding those who are interested in becoming a parent rep. 

Q: Will coaches be tested for covid-19?
A: All coaches must be tested twice per week

Q: Will we require testing for athletes? What is your protocol if there is a positive test?
A: Should a player’s pre-practice screening indicate potential symptoms, the following steps will be taken:

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1. The coach must notify the parent immediately and request that the child be picked up and taken home
2. Inform the DOC and Club administrator of the incident
3. Make a follow-up call to the parent to check up on the child
4. Request that the player test for covid-19
5. Should the player be symptom-free, return to training with a medical clearance
6. If the player tests positive, the child should follow the physician’s advice and keep the club informed. Upon receipt of 2 negative Covid-19 tests, the child will be allowed to return to play. Medical forms should be submitted to the Club Administrator
 
Should a parent report that a player has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and may have been in contact with fellow players during practice, the following must take place:
 
1. Notify the DOC and Club Administrator immediately
2. The Administrator will notify the coach and all players in the team, as well as those who he/she may have been in contact with
3. Suspend team training until further notice. In keeping with a responsible approach, an immediate 14-day quarantine period comes into effect
4. Request that the coach and all contacted players return with 2 negative test results upon resumption of practice. Players and coaches who previously tested positive for Covid-19 may only return with 2 negative test results post contact
5. Player confidentiality will be maintained
6. IFC will notify the CUPHD within 24 hours of being informed that a player or coach has tested positive
 
Q: What other precautionary measures is IFC taking?
A:  (1) 
All coaches must be tested twice per week (2) Parents are encouraged to educate their children on the IFC return to play
guidelines. Should a child display any signs of illness, we strongly advise that he/she stay home (3) All soccer drill will factor in covid-19 precautionary measures throughout (4) Scrimmages will be limited to small-sided games. This de-densification measure
limits the number of players on the field, limits the probability of headers and allows for shorter game duration. Throw-ins are also prohibited. All of these measures are taken with a view of reducing the risk of potential transmission. (5) Each training group has been allocated a field for the season. This, to reduce the chance of interactions amongst players in other training groups. These fields have been spaced adequately to ensure social distancing. (6) Sanitizers and waste bins will be strategically allocated for hygiene and infection control purposes (7) IFC will maintain a dialogue with the CDPHD and will stay abreast of emerging information related to Covid-19. IFC is also open to adapting to the changing knowledge
(8) IFC strongly discourages non-essential Out-of-State travel

Q: What can families do to support IFC?

A: IFC encourages families to continue to embrace our brand and reach out to potential members. We also appreciate your patience at this time and encourage you to practice mindfulness and understanding. 


Q: What is the best way to raise concerns? 
A: If you have concerns feel free to reach out to coaches or administration. We understand the importance of communication and it is our goal to make sure it is a two-way street.

Overall Program Logistics and Documentation

Below you will find informative documentation regarding IFC's programming and season logistics. These will be updated to suit the 2020-2021 season as soon as that information is made available.

In the meantime, please use this as a roadmap for understanding IFC's general membership and be mindful of potential flexibility, particularly when looking through the lense of covid-19.