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About Us
Lincoln-Way Soccer Club (LWSC) was founded in 1984 and incorporated in 1999 as a non-for-profit organization created for competitive youth soccer for girls and boys ages 6 to 18 years old. This club serves the Lincoln-Way area which generally includes but is not limited to Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Mokena, Manhattan, New Lenox and Tinley Park. Lincoln-Way Soccer Club is a registered IYSA travel soccer club that has teams participating in the Illinois Women’s Soccer League (IWSL) and the Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL). The club is committed to developing soccer skills, building positive self esteem, teaching sportsmanship, teamwork and individual responsibility.
The club provides a structured and competitive program for youth players. It is expected that every player is respectful, has a positive attitude, works hard, is motivated and committed to their team and most of all to have fun while doing so. The club also asks the parents to be committed to being the BEST FANS and to make sure that their player is attending every practice and every game. Lincoln-Way Soccer Club parents are also expected to let the coaches, trainers and referees do their job without interference.
Lincoln-Way Soccer Club is a charitable organization and welcomes donations. All donations are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3). Learn more about becoming a sponsor.
Mission Statement:
Through the use of qualified and licensed soccer trainers and coaches, Lincoln-Way Soccer Club is committed to giving the players the opportunity to develop to their full potential, in a high quality and competitive program, that allows both individual and team goals to be achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is eligible to participate in Lincoln-Way Soccer Club?
A: Boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 17 who love the game of soccer and want to be the best soccer player they can be.
Q: How are players selected to become part of a LWSC team?
A: Each potential player is evaluated by our trainers and coaches to determine the player’s current level of skills. After the tryouts the coaches and trainers work together to determine which team would be best for the player based on the player’s skills and the needs of each team. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a player come back for additional tryout sessions with a specific team to determine if the player is a good fit for a team.
Q: What is the commitment for a player and parent if they choose to accept a position on a LWSC team?
A: The club, team and player will be committed to each other for 1 year. Players are expected to play fall and spring season. Players are expected to attend all practices and games. Each year players are reevaluated in the spring to determine which team is the best fit for their skills. Additionally, it is our goal to retain all players in the club once they become part of the club.
Q: What does it cost per year to play with the LWSC?
A: In an effort to guarantee a consistent level of development and play while keeping costs as low as possible we have determined that the cost per player will range $200.00 - $275.00 per season. Costs are based on one or two training sessions a week during fall and spring season. If your team participates in tournaments, expect your cost to be higher than the amount listed above.
Q: Do all teams use a trainer?
A: Yes! Players U8 – U18 will have a minimum of one practice a week run by our trainers. Depending on your team, you may train two times per week. Our trainers and coaches are some of the best in area.
Q: How often do teams practice?
A: On average a team will practice 2 times a week. Each practice is 90 minutes. More competitive teams will practice 3 times a week.
Q: When are games played?
A: The regular league schedule will have games on Sundays, usually between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the fall and spring seasons. However, due to teams participating in tournaments, rescheduled games are generally played on Saturdays between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If your player participates on a team during the indoor season, the game days and times vary based on which facility the team plays at and the age group.
Q: How long is each season and when do they start?
A: The fall and spring seasons are 10 weeks long but training starts 2 to 3 weeks prior to the season. The fall season usually begins after Labor Day and the spring season starts in mid April. The indoor season is usually offers two sessions, one during Nov. and Dec. and one during Jan. through March. Indoors sessions are typically 8 to 12 weeks.
Q: How far away are the regular season (league) games?
A: Most games are within 20-25 miles of the Lincoln-Way area. However, some games can be farther away. Out of a 10 game regular schedule, 5 games are played at home and 5 games are played away. As a result the amount of travel is actually minimal.
Q: Are there different levels of competition?
A: Yes, boys teams are placed in a division based on their record and seeding tournament play. Girls teams are placed in a division based on their prior record. There are 4 to 8 levels of competition depending on the league and age group. One benefit of travel is that you play at a level that is appropriate for your team. Teams can move up or down at the end of each season.
Q: How many tournaments do teams play in?
A: Tournament participation is at the discretion of the coach. Many teams will participate in at least one tournament per season. Some more competitive teams may participate in two or more. Most tournaments are played in a single weekend and held locally. Teams play a minimum of 3 games but can play up to 6 games in a tournament. This is a great way to improve a team quickly and get some great soccer experience.
Q: Do we have to do fundraising?
A: Each team has the option of doing fundraising to offset some of the fees. There may also be one club level fundraiser per year. Our goal is to limit fundraising as much as possible.
Q: Does the club provide any camps or clinics?
A: Yes, each summer the club provides a soccer camp instructed by our trainers. This is a great opportunity to develop new skills and work with your team. Additional clinics are provided throughout the year for goal keepers, finishing, footwork, speed and agility, etc.
Q: Why play club soccer?
A: In order to progress as a soccer player, regular professional training is necessary. Fundamental soccer skills are best learned before the age of 12. While skills continue to develop through high school, the younger a player starts to get good training the better. Park District soccer is great for recreational players, but it doesn’t provide the necessary training or competition to develop skills required to play at the high school level. Most of our club players have gone on to play soccer at the Varsity level and some have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Most importantly, soccer is a life long sport that encourages outstanding physical fitness and health.
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