Chicago Wind Soccer Club

is proud to announce

Sole Antonijevic

Director of Coaching

Named head coach of BU16 Academy Team 

Chicago Wind and Chicago Magic Merge at Academy Ages

January 2008 -- The Chicago Wind Soccer Club and Chicago Magic Soccer Club have jointly approved working together beginning at Academy level ages...” The clubs believe that combining their organizations is fundamentally the right thing to do for soccer. "This is an exciting opportunity, especially for all the kids along the north shore and we are proud to be a part of it." said Sole Antonijevic, Chicago Wind Director. Michael Matkovich, Chicago Magic Director, said; "This is an opportunity for two organizations to join together in order to have a superior presence in Chicago land.

To learn about the Academy program go to the United States Soccer Federation website at www.ussoccer.com and click on Academy program. It will provide a high level overview and detailed explanation of the program.

The Chicago Wind Soccer Club feels there are numerous benefits in aligning with the Magic for our players. This includes opportunities for our players to continue to grow within our club from our junior program thru U18 and beyond without having to leave their current teams to be part of this new and exciting program, pooling our professional coaches is a huge plus, creating highly competitive teams for state, regional and national championships, and providing development for players at the US Soccer Development Academy level.

One of the key goals of the alliance is to maintain our current base of team players. Our teams from ages U8 thru U15 are not impacted from this alliance and will remain intact. At the BOYS U16, U17 and U18 age groups the best players will come together to form two tiers. The first tier will play under the Chicago Magic name in the US Development Academy; the second tier will play under the Chicago Wind name in the MWRL and USYS competitions.

Michael Matkovic, Chicago Magic Director said: “This is an opportunity for two organizations to join together in order to have a superior presence in Chicago land.” He also sated that “the new combined programs will provide and opportunity for every player at every level of interest and ability.”

The philosophy of competitive soccer, player development, and community will continue for both clubs. “This is an exciting opportunity, especially for all the players in the North Shore area and we are proud to be a part of this new and exciting Academy, “said Sole Antonijevic, Chicago Wind Director, “It will allow us to expand the quality of our player pool and enhance the future development of all of our players.”

Both clubs look forward to providing all its players a positive, progressive and successful environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are the Clubs aligning?

The leadership from both clubs met several times over the last several months and found there are far more similarities between the clubs than differences. Both clubs are community based and focus on the individual development of each and every player regardless of skill level or gender. In addition, combing our clubs significantly enhances our ability to build high performing teams at all levels. Both clubs have a history of success with numerous championship teams and exceptional coaching staffs. We want to strengthen these teams more and allow all players to compete on an even higher level. Players throughout Chicago land including northwest Indiana and now as far north as Wisconsin, now have access to an Academy program without having to leave their local club during their early formative years of training.

Are the clubs merging, or is one club in control?

No, the clubs are not merging. We have formed an alliance with the Magic from the boys under 16 thru under 18 age groups. This is truly an alliance of equals that is being carried forward with the highest level of cooperation and support from all those involved. We intend to be the model organization for youth soccer, with an unwavering focus on ensuring that the good of the players come first.

How does this alliance impact the Chicago Wind boys teams U8 thru U15 and all of our girl’s teams?

There is no impact to the BU8 thru U15 age groups. The Academy program starts at the BU16 age level. There is no impact to any girl’s teams. All remains exactly the same.

What is the club name?

There is no change to either clubs name. The Chicago Wind remains the Chicago Wind. The Magic remains the Magic. STARTING AT THE BOYS UNDER 16 AGE GROUP players identified as Academy players will play under the Magic name, players identified to play in MWRL and USYS competition will play under the Wind name.

Will the Academy teams play Academy games at Danny Cunniff Park?

No Academy games will be played at Danny Cunniff Park. All Academy games have been scheduled and the schedule can be found on line at the USSF website, www.ussoccer.com

Will Academy training take place on any Highland Park training field?

No training for Academy teams will take place in Highland Park.

What will the structure look like?

Each club’s structure will remain as is, Sole Antonijevic as the Director of Coaching for the Chicago Wind and the head coach for the BU16 Academy. There is no change to structure and the two clubs remain as separate organizations. The soccer player selections will be facilitated by a Coach’s board, made up of equal representation from each club. From the Wind both Sole Antonijevic, director of coaching and Jan (JD) Dolinsky, Director of High School boys are on the board, from the Magic, Michael Matkovich, Magic Director and Todd Bailey are on the board.

What impact will the alliance have on coaching assignments for the club?

Under the leadership of our Coach’s board, we believe our clubs will now have one of the most talented coaching staffs in Chicago land. The Coaches board will mange the coaching assignments. Our combined coaching staff will offer players greater variety and opportunity for exposure to highly skilled coaches with diverse backgrounds and outstanding ability. U.S. soccer is constantly seeking to improve the soccer environment in this country. Jan (JD) Dolinsky, Chicago Wind Director of High School boys said, “ We, as high level clubs, must do all we can to keep up with changes around us and provide environments conducive to better developing our players, while giving them an opportunity to play at the highest level possible. This unification will certainly position both clubs to do just that.”

The Chicago Wind U-14 Black team participated in the 2007 Disney Showcase Tournament in Orlando over Thanksgiving weekend.  The tournament was sponsored by the Chelsea Football Club.  This top-notch tournament features nationally ranked teams from around the country.  The team fared extremely well making it into the “Final Four” playoff round. The team was placed in an extremely tough pool, and tied the eventual champion, Dallas Texans Red team.  The team’s only loss in the tournament was to Solar 94 from Texas.  The team earned medals for their play.