BRIDGEVIEW, IL - Chicago Fire Soccer and MLS Camps announced today that both organizations are moving forward to expand an existing partnership including a new four-year agreement that designates MLS Camps as the exclusive camp and training partner of the Chicago Fire. As part of the agreement, MLS Camps has changed its name within the Chicagoland community to "Chicago Fire Camps and Training" in order to reflect its role as a part of the Fire's player development system brand. The Chicago Fire Camps and Training program will continue to offer supplementary training and educational support to youth organizations across the region.
Through the new deal, Chicago Fire Camps and Training will offer an increased range of camp and training programs to youth players of all ages and abilities. An example of this is at the advanced player level, where a series of newly-created Elite camps and year-round Regional Development Schools are being offered at various satellite locations.
"With our new agreement, and as a partner with the Fire, over the next four years we have a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact in the community," said MLS Camps CEO Dr. Gary F. Russell. "We are excited to be able drill down even deeper into the grassroots and further the growth and development of the game, the community, and the Chicago Fire Soccer."
Today's announcement ensures that MLS Camps, now running its tenth consecutive season in the Chicagoland area since the Fire's inaugural 1998 season, will continue to support the Fire's goal of complete youth development. For more information on Chicago Fire Camps and Training, please contact either Paul Cadwell, Manager of Soccer Partnerships, by phone at (708) 496-6766 or e-mail: pcadwell@chicago-fire.com or Adrian Gray, Client Service Manager, at (708) 496-6769 or agray@chicago-fire.com.
"The new union with MLS Camps enhances the presence of Chicago Fire Soccer throughout the Midwest region," said Cadwell. "The diversity and quality of programs that MLS Camps offer provides a platform for youth players of all age and abilities to have a direct connection with Major League Soccer and Chicago Fire Soccer."
About MLS Camps
MLS Camps is the official camp and clinic of Major League Soccer. It is America's leader in youth soccer education, serving parents, coaches, teams, players and organizations for over 35 years. MLS Camps programs are the only ones in the world featuring Strengths-Based Coaching, where every child's strengths are focused on to develop quality players. In addition to working with 270,000 clients in 1,100 communities annually, MLS Camps also works with highly reputable organizations such as the JCCs of North America, YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, the Gallup Organization and countless quality organizations across the United States. For more information on MLS Camps, visit www.mlscamps.com.
