The Academy SC

The mission of the Academy is to develop well-balanced, successful student athletes in a positive, encouraging environment that gives them the opportunity to participate with other athletes that have similar goals and capabilities. Of equal importance is that the Academy will also challenge the athlete to undertake the type of life-skills training and acceptance of responsibility that will prepare them for success at the college level.

Besides the goals the 'Cads score on the field, one of the most important Academy goals is the acceptance of responsibility through giving of service to the community.

Keeping with the Academy value of self-service, Lauren Campbell, Veronica Clements, Adrienne "G" Giglio, Carrie Kaplan and Abby Nordeen participated in the American Cancer Society's 10th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at the Northwest Suburban Walk at the AT&T campus in Hoffman Estates on Sunday morning.  The event drew close to 2,000 participants and raised over $10,000.  Click on the picture to go to the article featured in the Daily Herald.

Led by the Academy's first WIN (What's Important Now) team of Veronica Clements, Alex Bukovac and Kelsea Berg, the Academy SC U14 team was able to raise, collect and deliver over 500 coats and other winter items (scarves, hats, boots, gloves) to the Wayside Center in Elgin, Illinois.  The WIN team was mentored by Barbie Bukovac and Peter Glon.
"Incredible!  Can you imagine the look on the faces of the people who needed a warm coat for this winter?" said Phil Wood, Director of the Wayside Center in Elgin.
"The WIN Initiative gives the student-athlete an opportunity to make a difference to organizations within the community," said Peter Glon, the Academy SC Director and Head Coach.  "As you can see, the WIN team and the entire Academy (parents, players) did an outstanding job on this task and exceeded all expectations.  They have made a difference."
 

By Veronica Clements
The Academy Soccer Club started a WIN Initiative Coat drive during the month of November. The original goal was 500 coats, an outrageous number, but head coach Peter Glon knew the girls could do it. Kelsea Berg, Alex Bukovac, and Veronica Clements were the team leaders of the coat drive and Barbie Bukovac was the parent leader; they all helped get everything organized. The team traveled all over their respective areas, passing flyers, going door to door, calling friends and family, and making announcements to large assemblies.  The hard work paid off tremendously! The Academy collected 613 coats plus three boxes and two bags of hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and other winter gear. This went above and beyond the goals and managed to warm the bodies and hearts of many less fortunate people in the Fox Valley Area. The coats were donated to the Wayside Center in Elgin and they distributed them to their guests, Wayside Center in Aurora, LifeSpring Women’s center in Aurora, Crisis Center of Elgin, H.E.L.P.s Ministries, Wayside Center of Dupage, and other low-income families in Elgin. Josh Bray, Operations Manager for the Wayside Center in Elgin, said, “In my twelve years doing urban ministry, including downtown Atlanta for eight years, this is by far the largest clothing drive I have ever seen!” This just shows how much the Academy girls can do when they set their minds to it. No matter what, they are always working hard, and in this case they worked hard to help others. Thanks girls, you’re an inspiration!"   Also, showers of thanks go out to everybody that donated their time and old winter items to the cause!

SCHAUMBURG, IL - August 27, 2010 - In an effort to continue to help others and recognize the meaning of helping others, the Academy SC U15s will once again volunteer at the 30th Annual Misericordia Family Fun Fest, which will take place on Sunday, September 12th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Misercordia home, 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL.  The 'Cads will take on the responsibility of filling all 21 spots in the children's activities from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Family and friends are encouraged to spend the day at this exciting event.

"Helping others can give our lives a sense of meaning and purpose that nothing else can," said Academy Director and head coach Peter Glon.  "Our student-athletes continue to compliment their commitment on the soccer field by giving back to the community with their time and gifts by helping such a wonderful organization."

Misericordia offers exceptional programs for more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. By serving society's most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home. Through a spectrum of residential options on its 31-acre Chicago campus and in the community, Misericordia offers a wide variety of programs. Twenty percent of Misericordia's residents either come from poverty families or have no families and are wards of the State. This year, Misericordia must raise $13 million for costs not covered by the State of Illinois. Additionally, Misericordia has moved forward with construction projects in order to welcome some of the 500 individuals on its waiting list.

SCHAUMBURG, IL - January 30, 2011 - The Academy SC dispatched two boxes of consumables to Chase Wise for distribution to his 20-person U.S. Air Force unit in Iraq.  Chase is the older brother of Academy defender Abby Nordeen.

Among the items in the package were:  food and beverages, toiletries, batteries, and puzzle books.

A special thanks to DB Schenker for donating the cost and services and coordinating the movement of the goods.

OCTOBER 4, 2011 - Schaumburg, IL - Pink feathers or pink hair extensions?  Either way, members of the Academy United SC and parents helped Pink Strands for the Cause, an organization for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Organized by Sue Pohl, the pictures below show some Cads and a willing parent who donned the pink for the Cads match versus the Michigan Nike Rush - a 3-2 victory.  National Breast Cancer Awareness month runs through October 31st.  If you would like to make a donation, please click on the link below.

The Academy wishes to thank Sue for her work in coordinating this effort.