programs

First Touch

 

First Touch is a great way to supplement the training of a recreational player. Often recreational programs are do not provide professional coaches to teach players the basic of the game or the skills necessary to advance to the next level. First Touch offers recreational players another option through the park district to sample training in a professional environment. Activities will concentrate on technique and having fun. Training sessions are forty-five minutes to one hour in duration and games are played in-house, not in a travel soccer league. Players should wear proper soccer equipment (shin guards, soccer socks, and if possible soccer specific shoes) and bring a ball. Recreational players who excel should consider the Micro League Soccer program.

What is the First Touch Program?

The First Touch program is a safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate training program offered to all players 4 and 5 years old. This unique program is designed to accelerate and compliment the development of current Park District soccer players or players just discovering the game. The program is overseen by a nationally youth licensed coach and each session is run by a member of the Chicago Fire Juniors Staff. Classes are held in Naperville and Wheaton.

Why should your child participate in the First Touch Program?

The First Touch program's mission is to create a soccer experience that is unmistakably enjoyable for the both the child and family. Each activity directs players toward learning the fundamental aspects of the game appropriate for his/ her age and ability. Embracing the motto "Winning through Development", First Touch and Cadet lay the foundation for young soccer players by tooling them with the basic skills necessary for success in future competition. In addition to targeting basic soccer skills, First Touch and Fire Cadet programs emphasize coordination, balance and agility. The methods of instruction are designed to "unlock the game with in the child" by disguising skills in imaginative activities that teach through fun. The Chicago Fire Juniors’ curriculum builds from simple to complex over the course of a session and season. Each class is designed by a national youth licensed coach and run by the Chicago Fire Juniors staff.

Where and when are the First Touch classes held?

Classes are held in Naperville and Wheaton. Classes last between 45 minutes and an hour and sessions can be between 6 and 8 weeks. During the winter months we do offer indoor classes.

Winter 2010 First Touch Registration

Naperville	Tuesday	Jan 12-Feb 16	4:00-5:00	Patterson Elementary School Gym	Registration	Schedule
Naperville	Thursday	Feb 23- Mar 23	4:00-5:00	Patterson Elementary School Gym	Registration	Schedule
Wheaton	Thursday	Jan 7- Feb 25	4:30-5:15	Wheaton Community Center	Registration	Schedule

Spring 2010 First Touch Registration

Naperville	Tuesday	April 13- May 18	10:30-11:30	Arrowhead Park	Registration	Schedule
Naperville	Tuesday	April 13- May 18	1:00-2:00	Frontier Park	Registration	Schedule
Naperville	Wednesday	April 14- May 19	4:30-5:30	Frontier Park	Registration	Schedule
Wheaton	TBA	TBA	4:30-5:15	Seven Gables Park	Registration	Schedule