(April 12, 2024 | Peoria, Illinois) – The Central Illinois Soccer Academy in collaboration with Peoria City of USL League Two announces the establishment of a U23 Training Program.
Open Identification Dates:
Wednesday, April 17, 5:00 p.m. Louisville Slugger Sports Complex, Peoria, IL
Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 p.m. Louisville Slugger Sports Complex, Peoria, IL
Sunday, May 5, 4:30 p.m. Eureka College McKinzie Field, Eureka, IL
What is the U23 Training Program?
This unique training environment is geared towards providing current or aspiring college aged players a platform to train weekly and play in competitive scrimmages and exhibitions while still maintaining their status on any current club team they are playing.
Who is eligible for the U23 Training Program?
Players that will be entering their Junior Year of High School regardless of age, through the age of 23 prior to December 31, 2024. There will be a small pool of over age spots available depending on isolated circumstances.
How are players selected for the U23 Training Programs?
Players will be evaluated and observed and if selected offered a training spot through a series of open and invitation tryouts, evaluation by the staff within their current club/college program either in-person or through video, or upon recommendation of selected coaching staff members in collaboration with the CISA U23 and Peoria City USL League Two technical staffs.
What is the training model for the U23 team?
The group will train 2-3 times per week between May 1-July 15 at locations in the Peoria area. A minimum of 1 training session per week will coincide with Peoria City players and their respective coaching staff. The other training sessions will be held at the discretion of the coaching staff. Selected participants can continue to play full time with any current club team they are registered with as this is a training group.
Will the U23 training model feature matches?
Yes. The training group currently has 6 scrimmage opportunities. Four scrimmages vs Peoria City and two vs outside opponents with a potential of additional matches depending on roster size and player availability. Matches will be added as needed; however, it is important to note that the benefit of the U23 Training Program will be a 9v9 to 11v11 playing environment at each training session and its relationship with Peoria City.
Who is Coaching the U23 Training Program?
Ryan Woodside, Eureka College Head Coach, and Assistant Coach for Peoria City will serve as the Training Program Director. In addition, other coaches that will assist at daily practices and scrimmages include Mike Paye, Head Coach of Peoria City and Clarke University, Retired Head Bradley University Men’s Soccer Coach Jim DeRose, and Senior age Peoria City USL League Two players that are interested in pursuing careers in coaching domestically and abroad. There will be more announcements closer to the season with the addition of other staff and guest coaches throughout the Summer.
Can CISA U23 Training players move to Peoria City USL 2 Roster?
Yes. While players will not be rostered with Peoria City of USL League Two, the affiliation and collaboration between the clubs will allow CISA U23 training players to be evaluated by the current staff. Through those training sessions and scrimmages, players would have the ability to be offered either a regular training spot or a fully rostered position for Peoria City at any time. Players would have to meet all USL League Two registration criteria and respective high school and collegiate eligibility rules.
What is the cost of the CISA U23 Training Program?
The cost for the program is $250 for players that have graduated high school and $290 for those currently in high school. All players must carry their own health care insurance, or have parent dependent health care insurance, and provide all current plan information prior to participation.
All information on Central Illinois Soccer Academy programming can be found on centralillinoissocceracademy.com.
Contact: Ryan Woodside | Eureka College Head Coach | rwoodside@eureka.edu or (309) 532-2057.
