Elite Soccer- History

History of Elite Soccer

Elite Soccer started in 1998 as a passionate hobby for founders, Brendan Eitz and Mike Steele. It has evolved into a comprehensive soccer-based youth development organization that consistently impacts thousands of community residents each year.

Shortly after graduating college in the mid 1990’s, Elite Soccer’s founders, Brendan Eitz and Mike Steele, were invited back to the community by former Aces coach, Robb Hansen, to assist with a winter holiday clinic. At this time, both Brendan and Mike had already worked as soccer coaches and were exploring ways to become more involved in youth soccer. The clinic was a great homecoming and deepened their interest in finding ways to enhance the Arlington soccer experience. Brendan and Mike recalled their Arlington Aces and House League participation with great enthusiasm and it was a natural fit to focus their interest in assisting the growth of youth soccer in their hometown, Arlington Heights.

As a result of conversations with coaches in the community and with the Arlington Heights Park District, it became clear that the community was looking for more opportunities to help the players learn and grow in the game of soccer. In 1998, Elite Soccer was incorporated.

In addition to team training, during the first two years of incorporation, Elite Soccer teamed up with long-time friend and soccer teammate Brian McBride to launch “Brian McBride’s Elite Soccer Camps”. As most soccer fans know, Brian’s career blossomed and his time became limited during the summer with his MLS season and USA National Team duties. Camp officially became known as “Elite Soccer Camps”.

Over the course of several years, Elite Soccer trained more and more Aces teams. In 2002, Elite Soccer became the unified trainer for the Arlington Aces Soccer Club. The response from coaches, players, and families was very positive and soon teams were asking Elite Soccer to train their teams twice per week and to coach their games. This evolution became the foundation of what is presently called “Aces Academy Program”, where Aces teams are coached and trained by Elite Soccer staff coaches. Today, over 500 players participate in the Academy and over 700 in the entire Aces Travel Soccer Club.

Elite Soccer has grown from a coaching staff of three to over 25 coaches, many of whom are former Aces players and District 214 graduates. The staff is comprised of staff members who possess advanced soccer licenses and professional certifications in the educational, psychology, exercise physiology, and youth development fields.

Today, Elite Soccer is an organization that not only provides summer camps and training but one that is community-focused. It provides extensive year-round programming to children ages 3-18 in the greater Arlington Heights community. Elite Soccer currently serves over 2000 players in its year-round programs and sponsors community services projects such as: Aces Youth Leadership Shoe Drive, Elite Soccer Parent Council Food Drive, and Rosie’s Toy collection project.

Founders, Brendan Eitz and Michael Steele, grew up and reside in Arlington Heights and are dedicated to serving the community.