The Celtics First XI program is for players and teams wishing to compete at the highest level and who show the ability to do so. Ultimately, First XI gives players the opportunity and training to be the best soccer players they can be in a highly competitive environment. First XI is the ideal preparation for high school soccer and beyond. First XI is a program based on 4 activities per week, opposed to the travel program of 3 activities per week. First XI teams will either have a 2 practice and 2 game week, or a 3 practice and 1 game week. Each team is different, however the 4 activity models are the same.

FIRST and foremost, it is the best local training that eXIsts.

Celtics will offer First XI teams for 2022-23 playing year in the following birth years:

Girls: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and Pre-First XI at 2011
Boys: 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and pre-First XI 2011

Birth Years 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 (6th-8th Grades) First XI Teams:

Training and competition includes:
Two/three outdoor practices per week in Fall and Spring seasons
Two indoor practices per week in Winter
Fall and spring outdoor leagues at highest levels
Games in Chicagoland Indoor Soccer League
Highly competitive divisions at Bridgeview or Max
Weekly Speed/Strength/Agility training, indoor and outdoor seasons
Video analysis for team and individual players
Three to four outdoor tournaments including State Cup or Presidents cup
ODP identification
Summer pick up and play
Summer Street Soccer
Training t-shirt
Goalie training at advanced level
Individual player evaluations/meetings with coaches
Commitment to the Celtics Culture. Camaraderie, confidence, pride and team spirit in the belief that each player will perform above expectations not only on the soccer field, but also in other social activities


Optional add-ons include:
Winter Futsal
June Summer Camp 
August Preseason Camps
Spring Break trip to England for seventh graders


Uniform kit is not included in club fees. Please note that the Celtics are at the end of a uniform cycle. All players will need to purchase new uniforms for the 2021-22 season. The same uniform will be used for the 2022-23 season

First XI Teams 2011-2007
Annual Fee For 2021-22: $2,795, this does not include uniform kit

High School First XI Teams

Training and competition includes:
Two/three outdoor practices per week in Fall or Spring (opposite of HS season)
Two indoor practices per week in Winter
Girls - Fall league through IWSL at the highest level
Boys - Spring outdoor league play at the highest level
8-10 games at Bridgeview or MAX, Chicagoland Indoor Soccer League, highly competitive division, winter
Weekly Speed/Strength/Agility training, indoor and outdoor seasons
Video availability upon request.
Participation in The Illinois State Cup and/or Presidents cup
ODP identification
Summer pick up and play
Summer Street Soccer
Training t-shirt
Goalie training at advanced level
Individual player evaluations/meetings with coaches
Commitment to the Celtics Culture. Camaraderie, confidence, pride and team spirit in the belief that each player will perform above expectations not only on the soccer field, but also in other social activities

Optional add-ons include:
Winter Futsal (8 weeks)
June Summer Camp (one week) led by Manchester United trainer
August Preseason Camps (two weeks)

Uniform kit is not included in club fees.

First XI Teams High School
Annual Fee For 2021-22: $2315, this does not include uniform kit

First XI Accomplishments:


State Level Champions:
2017 Presidents cup Champions and Regional Qualifier 2001 girls
2017 NPL (National premier league) Runner up and Regional Qualifier 2003 Girls
2019 Presidents cup Cup Champions and Regional qualifiers 2005 boys
2019 NPL (National premier league) Runner up and Regional Qualifier 2006 Girls
2019 MWC (Midwest Conference) First Division Champions 2002 boys
2019 MWC (Midwest Conference) Qualifiers Champions 2006 boys
2020 NPL (National premier league) Champion and National Qualifier 2006 Girls
2020 NPL (National premier league) Runner up and Regional Qualifier 2005 Girls
2020 NPL (National premier league) Runner up and Regional Qualifier 2007 Girls
2020 NPL (National premier league) Regional Qualifier 2002 Boys



Regional Level:
2017 Presidents cup Regional Qualifier 2001 girls.
2017 NPL Regional Cup Qualifier 2003 girls.
2019 Regionals Champion and National Qualifier 2005 boys
2019 NPL (National premier league) Regional Finalists 2006 Girls.
2020 NPL (National premier league) Regional Qualifier 2002 Boys
2020 NPL (National premier league) Regional Qualifier 2005 Girls
2020 NPL (National premier league) Regional Qualifier 2007 Girls



National level:
2019 Presidents Cup National Finalists 2005 Boys
2020 2019 NPL (National premier league) National Semi-Finalists 2006 Girls.
2021 Era Methoxha, Albanian national team call up. 2 caps for Albania September 2021.

• U12 and older
•  Year-round soccer
• Fall and spring = 2/3 practices per week, MWC, NPL league games and a local tournament in each season
• Additional tournament per outdoor season, usually out of town
•  Participation in The Illinois State Cup or Presidents cup 
• Winter soccer comprises 2 weekly practices, highly competitive league play at the Max League or Bridgeview
•  Strength/conditioning/speed/agility training included once a week
•  Soccer will be the #1 sport for these players
• Premier coaching expertise, second to none with local high schooland college coaches
• Competitive play at the highest level
•  Identification for ID2 or ODP and other national soccer opportunities

Contact Kevin Meek at [email protected] for information First XI Tryouts for Playing Year 2022-23.