Mission & Philosophy
Ajax FC Naperville is a well-established club within the Naperville area with a reputation for player development for over 20 years. First established by world-renowned professional footballer Dragan Pavlovic in 1996, Ajax FC Naperville has grown to be a leading force in player development locally and regionally.
The club focuses on the philosophy that individual improvements on and off the field foster team success. Always competitive on the field, Ajax FC Naperville players are mentored and driven by the coaching staff to be successful players and members of their community.
Ajax Amsterdam is a name that has stood for excellence in technique and style for over 100 years. Ajax FC Naperville embraces that legacy and looks at the tenets of the Ajax program as the foundations for the work being done in the club. This is enhanced through a player development partnership with Ajax Online Academy. This Academy is a direct link between the training and evaluation methods being utilized by Ajax Amsterdam and those being used within our club.
Through the professional work of the club’s trainers, the implementation of the Ajax Online Academy training curriculum, and the dedication of our players and club members, Ajax will continue to lead the way in player and club development for years to come.
Within this highly competitive arena, AJAX seeks to provide its players a positive experience, enhancing their passion for the game of soccer and enhancing life skills through the experiences derived from playing competitive youth sports.
PRACTICE & GAMES
What is expected of the AJAX player?
Players make a full year commitment to AJAX and their teams. Players are expected to attend all practices, both outdoor and indoor, have a positive attitude, and work hard.
Where are practices held?
AJAX F.C. Naperville’s outdoor training sessions take place at the DuPage River Sports Complex (2807 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL)
How long are practices and what does a typical practice consist of?
Teams train 2-3 times per week, each session lasting 1-1.5 hours. The practice schedule for each team does not change during a playing season, unless canceled for weather reasons or a rescheduled game. Training sessions consist of a warm-up, skill work, tactical work, shooting, scrimmaging, and conditioning.
What Leagues do the teams play in?
AJAX seeks to place its teams in competitively compatible leagues and playing divisions. Boys’ teams play in the Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL) while the Girls’ Teams play in the Ilinois Women’s Soccer League (IWSL), Midwest Regional League (MRL).
What is the Indoor Program?
All teams train 1-2 times per week indoors at various area school gyms and/or at the Players Indoor Facility. This training will be longer than normal if it's only one time per week. Teams also play in competitively compatible indoor leagues. Player fees include indoor training and league costs, and players are expected to participate.
Does the Club offer Summer activities?
Players are given the month of July to participate in soccer activities of their choice. As Ajax we do offer Summer Camps. All teams participate in mandatory summer team camps in late July/early August to prepare for the start of the Fall Season. Ajax also organizes its own 3v3 tournament for "Fun"raiser to help kids who want to play soccer but cannot afford the fees.