The destination youth soccer club in Elmhurst from local travel to elite. For players of all levels.
- Plays
- Boys & Girls
- Programs
- 19
Where on the ladder
Level 3 to Level 5
Each level below lists the leagues this club plays in. Your kid's level depends on the team they make. The six levels are our own reading of public league play. They are not an official ranking.
Sanctioned by Illinois Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer). The club also played in NPL. That league ended in July 2026 and merged into National 1, so it does not count above. The club’s site also lists US Club Soccer. We have not confirmed that from the body’s own member list, so we do not call the club sanctioned. It also lists NISL, IWSL. We have not placed those leagues on the ladder, so they do not count above.
See how the whole ladder worksPrograms
The programs, age by age
These come from the club's site, grouped the way the club groups them. Your kid starts in the one that fits their age.
Skills School Juniors
Pre-K & Kindergarten (Ages 3–6)
A fun, positive introduction to soccer focused on confidence, coordination, fundamental skills, and small-sided scrimmages.
feeds into Skills School Academy
Skills School Academy
1st–4th Grade
A progressive technical development program emphasizing ball touches, skill repetition, game-like situations, and small-sided matches.
feeds into recreational and travel soccer
5v5 Competitive
Birth Years 2018-2020 · 5v5
Competitive training and outdoor and winter league play, with tournaments, licensed coaching, optional goalkeeping and skills training, and yearly player evaluation.
NISL · IWSL · YSSL
7v7 Competitive
Birth Years 2016-2017 · 7v7
Competitive training and outdoor and winter league play, with tournaments, licensed coaching, optional goalkeeping and skills training, and yearly player evaluation.
NISL · IWSL · YSSL
9v9 Competitive
Birth Years 2014-2015 · 9v9
Competitive training and outdoor and winter league play, with tournaments, licensed coaching, optional goalkeeping and skills training, and yearly player evaluation.
NISL · IWSL · YSSL
11v11 Competitive and High School Programs
Birth Years 2013 and older · 11v11
Competitive and high school programming includes seasonal training, outdoor and winter league play, tournaments or college showcase tournaments, licensed coaching, and yearly player evaluation.
NISL · IWSL · YSSL
7v7 Elite
Birth Years 2016-2017 · 7v7
An elite travel program for players in the 2016–2017 birth years.
9v9 Elite
Birth Years 2014-2015 · 9v9
An elite travel program for players in the 2014–2015 birth years.
11v11 Elite
Birth Years 2013 and older · 11v11
An elite travel program for players born in 2013 and older.
Pre-DPL
A pathway program focused on technical, tactical, physical, mental, and college-recruiting development before DPL.
feeds into DPL
DPL
A high-level training and competition environment with three weekly training sessions, regional league matches, national showcases, and college exposure.
DPL feeds into College Soccer Opportunities
Surf Select
A selection pathway in which players move from club recommendation and regional identification events to national camp and potential domestic or international competition.
Soccer Striker Program
2015 – 2018 players; 2014 & older
A striker training program designed to improve shooting technique, accuracy, power, finishing under pressure, positioning, and movement off the ball.
Skills Camp
kids born 2014-2016
A winter skills camp focused on individual development in dribbling, ball control, passing, and shooting through professional coaching and small-group training.
Elmhurst City Surf Jrs. Training
2018-2020
Six-week summer training on Tuesdays and Thursdays focused on maintaining skills during the off season.
Beginners Skills Training
2010-2017
Six-week summer training designed to enhance skills, stay focused, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Advanced Skills Training
2010-2017
Six-week summer training designed to enhance skills, stay focused, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Summer Camps
all levels of players
Summer camps focused on ball mastery and individual skill development to improve player confidence and performance.
City Surf United
players born in 2014 and older
A collaboration with United AYSO 300 forming competitive teams that play in the local NPL league, train once weekly, and may provide access to Surf National events.
NPL
Tryouts
2026/2027 season
Tryouts decide which travel team a kid plays on. Confirm the details on the club’s page before you go.
Eldridge Park or Berens Park · Elmhurst, IL
Free
- · Soccer ball
- · Water bottle
- · Shin guards
- · Cleats
Coaching
Who coaches here
4 names from the club's own staff page. The titles and licenses are what the club lists.
Renan Lavinas de Freitas
Director of Coaching
Terry Gordon
Director of Football
Dean Harding
Director of Leagues/Tournaments
over 25 years of combined playing and coaching experience; served as a Director of a Girls Academy, a Women’s Soccer Coach at Northwestern University, and currently contributes as an Olympic Development Coach for Illinois and a US Soccer Coach Educator
US Technical Director qualification
UEFA A · US A
Ciaran Bailey
Admin/Director 2011 Girls/Staff Coach
2011 Girls
Where they play
5 fields
The fields the club lists as its own. Directions open in Google Maps, so you can check the drive before you sign up.
Eldridge Park
Berens Park
Bo Jackson Dome
Surf Performance Center
Stuart Sports Complex
Montgomery, Illinois
4 fields aren’t located on the map yet.
Fees
What it costs
What the club charges, from its own price list.
FREE two week trial
Add-ons
Club uniform package is an additional expense, some tournaments may require additional fee, higher level leagues will be an additional fee per team.
Get in touch
How to reach Elmhurst City Surf
Is Elmhurst City Surf the right move for your kid?
Tell us about your kid and we’ll rank this club against every other option inside your drive time, on level, cost, and where its players end up.