Our Winter Programming Summary

The CJ Brown Foundation (CJBF) proudly concluded its Winter programming, which provided 114 young athletes on Chicago’s South Side with positive, structured opportunities to learn and play soccer for free (no cost to the players nor their families!). This season, CJBF operated two impactful programs: the Neighborhood Soccer League at Chatham and an after-school program held at Holy Angels Catholic School in Bronzeville and St. John de la Salle Catholic Academy in Roseland.

Neighborhood Soccer League – Chatham

The Chatham Neighborhood Soccer League took place indoors at Tuley Park, utilizing the Chicago Park District's gymnasiums. The program welcomed 45 players, ages 6-12, and was supported by a dedicated team of five coaches. This initiative created a safe and encouraging environment where young players could develop their skills and foster a love for the game.

After-School Programs – Bronzeville & Roseland

CJBF’s after-school programs continued to thrive in two key neighborhoods:

• Holy Angels Catholic School in Bronzeville registered 33 players.

• St. John de la Salle Catholic Academy in Roseland registered 36 players.

  
  

These programs provided structured soccer training after school hours and were guided by six dedicated coaches. Through these programs, CJBF reinforced its commitment to community-based youth development, ensuring that more children had access to quality coaching and athletic mentorship.

A winter season highlight was CJBF’s ongoing partnership with Malcolm X College’s Men’s Soccer Team, led by Head Coach Jesse Rosen, the CJBF Coaching Director. This collaboration continues to enhance coaching quality, offering a pipeline of young coaches from the city to work with CJBF programs.

CJBF concluded the winter session with a comprehensive Coaching Orientation to prepare for the upcoming Spring season. Led by CJBF Project Manager Ryan C. French—former Director at the Chicago Fire Juniors soccer clubs and an academy coach at Right to Dream Academy in Ghana—the orientation reinforced CJBF’s coaching philosophy and methodology.

Additionally, CJBF partnered with Soccer Without Borders to host a coaching workshop on violence prevention. On March 22, Soccer Without Borders’ Assist Program Director, Nora Dooley, facilitated an engaging session featuring interactive activities designed to promote discussion and collaboration. This workshop embodied CJBF’s core values of belonging, accountability, and pride while equipping coaches with essential skills to foster safe and inclusive environments for young athletes.

Looking Ahead – Spring Season Registration Open!

With professionally designed training sessions and a newly integrated coaching curriculum inspired by Soccer Without Borders, CJBF’s coaching staff is well-prepared for the Spring season. The foundation remains committed to expanding access to high-quality soccer programming and positively impacting the lives of young athletes.

Players interested in joining CJBF’s Spring programming can now register on the CJ Brown Foundation website using their new League Apps registration system. Don’t miss the chance to be part of another exciting season of growth, teamwork, and development!

Register today!