7 Shocking Reasons ELA Soccer Club Is The Premier Youth Program In Lake Zurich, IL (2025-2026)
The Ela Soccer Club in Lake Zurich, Illinois, is not just another youth sports organization; it stands out as one of the elite soccer clubs in the state, offering a unique blend of top-tier facilities, comprehensive programs, and proven administrative excellence for the 2025-2026 season. Located at 325 Surryse Rd, Lake Zurich, the club is currently gearing up for its new cycle, inviting players from U7 through U18 to register for tryouts and participate in a structure designed for long-term player development, making it a pivotal choice for ambitious young athletes in the Chicagoland area.
As of today, December 21, 2025, the club’s commitment to providing a world-class environment is clearer than ever, highlighted by its ownership of an exclusive $3 million indoor training center—a feature virtually unmatched by other Illinois youth soccer organizations. This deep dive explores the seven most compelling reasons why ELA Soccer Club maintains its status as the premier destination for youth soccer development in Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities, serving a wide range of ages from 3 to 18 across its various programs.
The Elite Administrative and Technical Leadership: Key Personnel Profiles
The strength of any successful soccer club lies in its leadership, and ELA Soccer Club is helmed by a highly experienced and dedicated staff, ensuring both administrative efficiency and technical excellence on the field. This leadership structure is a core reason for the club's consistent success and high standing within the Illinois soccer community, evidenced by past recognition like the Executive Director being named State Administrator of the Year.
- Gin Sharma (Technical Director): As the Technical Director, Gin Sharma is instrumental in shaping the club’s overall technical philosophy and training curriculum. Sharma's expertise ensures a unified, high-quality coaching standard across all competitive and developmental programs.
- Jose Fleita (Director of Coaching - Academy Program): Fleita oversees the crucial Academy Program for U7 and U8 players, a foundational structure established in 2007. His direction focuses on fundamental skill acquisition and a positive introduction to competitive play.
- Andy (Coach): A long-standing coach with ELA since 2013, Andy brings a wealth of playing experience from his time as a three-year varsity player at Hoffman Estates and a four-year club player at Eastern Illinois University. He holds a coaching license, contributing to the club's experienced staff roster.
- Other Experienced Coaches: The club’s professional training staff also includes respected figures like Jani Galik, Craig Zahour, and Kathleen Weber, who are available for private and small group training sessions year-round, adding a layer of personalized development opportunities.
This dedicated team ensures that every player, from the recreational level to the most competitive travel teams, receives guidance that is both technically sound and developmentally appropriate, fostering a true culture of soccer excellence in Lake Zurich, IL.
Reason 1: The $3 Million Indoor Facility Advantage (Soccerplex & Sports Center Lake Zurich)
Perhaps the most significant differentiator for ELA Soccer Club is its exclusive ownership and operation of a massive indoor training center. This facility is a game-changer for year-round development and a key component of the competitive program structure.
The club is the only youth soccer club in Illinois to possess its own $3 million indoor facility, which they acquired in December 2017.
What the Soccerplex Offers:
- Size and Scope: The facility, officially the Soccerplex & Sports Center Lake Zurich, is a sprawling 58,000 sq. ft. multi-sport complex.
- Training Surface: It features two full-size turf fields, allowing for realistic, consistent training regardless of severe Illinois weather.
- Multi-Sport Use: Beyond soccer, the center is equipped to host basketball, volleyball, and futsal, offering diverse athletic opportunities for the community.
- Winter Programming Hub: All winter programming, including camps and training sessions, is held here, eliminating the need for players to travel to external, rented spaces.
This facility not only provides a competitive edge in training consistency but also underscores the club’s financial stability and long-term commitment to its players.
Reason 2: Comprehensive Player Pathway from U3 to U18
ELA Soccer Club offers a complete, structured pathway for players of all ages and commitment levels, ensuring that every child in the Lake Zurich area, from the youngest beginner to the college-bound athlete, has a place to develop. The club services local communities including Lake Zurich and its surrounding areas.
The Three Core Programs:
- The Recreational Program: This is the entry point for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. It focuses on fun, participation, and a basic understanding of the game, providing a low-pressure environment for community engagement.
- The Academy Program (U7 & U8): Directed by Jose Fleita, this program is the bridge to competitive soccer. Established in 2007, it involves two training sessions per week in the fall, eight internal league games, and structured winter/spring training, preparing the youngest athletes for the rigors of travel soccer.
- The Competitive Program: This is the highest level of commitment, with teams for the 2025-2026 season structured to compete at a high level. Acceptance requires a formal tryout and a commitment to the entire soccer year, with team placement determined by the Director of Coaching (DOC).
This tiered system ensures that players are consistently challenged at the appropriate level, maximizing both enjoyment and skill development. The club’s fees for participation cover the entire soccer year, emphasizing a full-cycle commitment.
Reason 3: Commitment to Year-Round Training and Development
Unlike clubs that rely on seasonal training, ELA Soccer Club’s programs are structured to ensure continuous development throughout the fall, winter, and spring. This continuity is vital for mastering complex technical and tactical skills.
- Fall Season: Competitive teams begin with pre-season team training, typically involving two sessions per week.
- Winter Training: Leveraging the Soccerplex, the winter season is dedicated to maintaining fitness and focusing on individual skill development through structured sessions.
- Spring Season: The competitive schedule resumes, building on the foundation laid during the indoor winter months.
- Private & Small Group Training: Specialized training is available all year round with the club's experienced professional trainers, allowing players to focus on specific aspects of their game, such as goalkeeper skills or positional play.
The seamless transition between seasons, facilitated by their indoor facility, is a major factor in the technical superiority of ELA Soccer Club players, giving them a distinct advantage over their peers in other Illinois soccer clubs.
Reason 4: Extensive Outdoor Field Access
While the indoor facility is a major draw, ELA Soccer Club also provides ample space for outdoor match play and training. They utilize a network of 15 outdoor fields across the Lake Zurich and surrounding areas, ensuring that all teams have access to quality playing surfaces during the primary outdoor seasons.
Reason 5: Strong Administrative and Operational Excellence
The club’s operational efficiency is a hallmark of its success. This is reflected in the clear registration processes, transparent refund policies, and a well-organized structure that supports both the coaches and the families. The recognition of the Executive Director as State Administrator of the Year highlights the club's commitment to excellence in every facet, not just on the field.
Reason 6: Focus on Goalkeeper Specialization
A sign of a truly elite club is a dedicated program for specialized positions. ELA Soccer Club features a specific Goalkeeper Program within its Competitive structure, ensuring that one of the most vital positions on the field receives specialized, high-level coaching tailored to its unique demands.
Reason 7: Community Integration and Local Service
Serving the local communities, including Lake Zurich, ELA Soccer Club acts as a central hub for youth sports. By offering programs for ages 3 to 18, they provide a consistent, long-term athletic home for families. The club's physical location at 325 Surryse Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047, makes it easily accessible to local residents, fostering a strong sense of community around the sport.
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