Elevate Your Players Through Our Competitive Program
Inferno's Premier Program delivers an age-appropriate, player-centered development pathway designed to meet the evolving needs of each athlete. Our training methodology is built around the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological growth of our players, ensuring development remains both challenging and enjoyable at every stage.
This philosophy guides how we plan training sessions, manage player workloads, and select competitive environments that best support long-term development. Our experienced coaching staff emphasizes learning through play, confidence on the ball, and resilience in both success and adversity.
Players are placed on team rosters based on their current level of play, commitment, and developmental needs. This structure allows Chicago Inferno to provide the right balance of challenge and opportunity for every player, while maintaining clear standards, expectations, and pathways throughout the club.
Foundation Phase
(U8-U10)
The primary focus during the Foundation Phase is to nurture a love for the game while developing strong individual technical skills. Training is designed to encourage creativity, confidence, and comfort on the ball, allowing players to freely explore and express themselves in a fun yet challenging environment.
Players are given frequent opportunities to spend time with the ball, helping build coordination, balance, and technical proficiency. Emphasis is placed on proper technique as the foundation for long-term player development, while fostering positive habits, resilience, and enjoyment of the game.
Teams participate in age-appropriate local league play and local tournaments that support development and learning, ensuring players are challenged without losing sight of growth and enjoyment.
Development Phase
(U11–U12)
As the game expands with more players on the field, U11–U12 athletes are introduced to new challenges that require increased awareness, decision-making, and problem-solving. Training sessions encourage players to remain creative and confident, learning how to navigate pressure and play out of difficult situations.
Player roles and responsibilities become more clearly defined, helping athletes understand how individual actions impact the team. Coaches begin to emphasize team shape and spacing both in and out of possession, while continuing to prioritize technical quality and intelligent play.
Teams compete in local and regional league play and tournaments that provide appropriate competitive challenges and meaningful learning opportunities.
Performance Development Phase
(U13–U14)
At the U13–U14 level, teams transition fully into the 11v11 game, where tactical understanding, physical development, and game intelligence take on greater importance. While player development remains the foundation of the Chicago Inferno philosophy, increased emphasis is placed on performance, accountability, and competitive success.
Players are challenged to apply their technical abilities under higher game demands while taking on greater tactical responsibilities. Training focuses on decision-making, positional understanding, and executing team principles both in and out of possession, preparing players for the next level of competition.
Teams compete in a carefully selected mix of local, regional, and national tournaments, along with league play through YSSL, IWSL, and NISL. High-performing teams have the opportunity to compete in the NL-Club 2 and National Premier League (NPL).
