CHICAGO — A group of young enthusiasts in the city is receiving a unique soccer experience courtesy of the Chicago Stars.

The Chicago Stars have teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago to organize their third annual soccer tournament for young players.

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“I enjoy meeting new people and staying active,” expressed participant Julisza Villalobos.

Over the last two months, children from all over Chicago have been honing their soccer skills. Their efforts culminated in a thrilling display of talent at the ComEd Recreation Center located in Addams Park.

“Our programs cater to kids, primarily between the ages of 7 and 13,” explained Noelle Schmitt, Director of Community and Government Relations for Chicago Stars FC. “We start them young because early engagement tends to foster a lifelong interest in the sport. Our goal is to make them comfortable with essential skills like ball handling, toe tapping, dribbling, shooting, and even goalkeeping.”

In addition to the tournament, the Chicago Stars host soccer workshops with the Boys and Girls Club throughout the year, aiming to introduce more young girls to sports and champion the cause of women in athletics.

“We’re hoping to continue to grow and get more kids excited about it, specifically girls in sports,” Schmitt said.

The sport allows children to learn skills that they can also apply off the field.

“First of all, the skill of cooperation, sportsmanship, making new friends, thinking under pressure and handling yourself when there’s conflict on the field, those are all things that they’re all learning in our clubs, especially when they’re playing sports like soccer,” said Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago Director of Sports and Youth Leadership Rollie Jones.