Fall 2025 Season Summary: A Season of Growth, Connection, & Stability

The Fall 2025 season demonstrated the continued momentum of the CJ Brown Foundation as we expanded participation, strengthened our after-school partnerships, and delivered consistent youth soccer programming across Chicago’s Southside. This season was defined not just by growth, but by retention, community, and the rising standard of youth development within our recreational and after-school environments.

Participation & Player Retention

Our fall programs saw another significant increase in registrations, reflecting the confidence families place in our coaches and curriculum. Building our strongest season yet, the Summer of 2025, CJBF entered Fall 2025 with momentum. Our strong retention from season to season highlights a growing community culture in which families feel connected, coaches are supported, and players are eager to return year after year.

• Total Players Participating (Fall 2025): 158

• New Players Added Since Last Spring: +81

• Increase in female participation: +23

Growth in After-School Program Partnerships

The after-school program continued to expand its footprint, reaching more schools and supporting more students across multiple neighborhoods.

• Total Schools Participating: 3

• New Schools Added Since Last Fall: +1

• Weekly Student Participants Across All After-School Sites: 107

This growth strengthens our commitment to making soccer and the life lessons it teaches accessible throughout Chicago. By working with schools, we can extend children's days without the challenge of having them walk through neighborhoods to reach their after-school programs, simplifying and increasing students' safety.

Weekend Recreational Game Day Success

Our weekend recreational games remained among the most vibrant parts of the fall season. Game days brought together players, coaches, and families from across CJBF’s communities in Chicago to learn, compete, and strengthen our program. New where cheerleaders from Holy Angels grew their program by cheering at CJBF’s fall games and adding to the environment’s overall energy and enthusiasm.  

Game Day Snapshot

• Total Weekend Game Days Hosted:  9

• Total Games Played: 51

Our CJBF game days emphasized:

• Small-sided play

• Equitable playing time

• Positive, encouraging coaching with

• Connection to our practices, character themes rooted in our CJBF values: Belonging, Accountability, and Pride

These weekly events are becoming cornerstones of community gathering and celebration.

Staff Retention & Weekly Coaching Development

One of the most encouraging signs this fall was the stability and growth of our coaching team. Strong staff retention enabled us to maintain continuity for players and families while raising our standards for training and mentorship.

• Total Fall Coaches: 15

• New Coaches Added (Fall 2025): +3

Weekly Training & Support

Our coaches participated in weekly professional development led by Coach CJ, Coach Jesse, and Coach Ryan, focusing on:

• Session design and age-appropriate activities

• Psychologically informed coaching strategies

• Player-behavioral management

• Character curriculum integration

• Game model and player development principles

This weekly rhythm ensured a consistent, unified approach that shaped the player’s experience across all sites.

A Message from Our Founder

President and Founder CJ Brown reflected on the season and expressed gratitude for the community that makes this work possible:

Support CJBF! 

Are you interested in supporting CJBF's work and mission? Donate below. Every dollar is vital to our ability to provide accessible, representative programming for kids in Chicago and to provide employment for Chicago's young adults.

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