Return to flip book view

GREETING4 Gratitude, Reflectionand Charity9 January10 February7 Girls Club andChallenge Teams 11 March13 May12 April5 Club team sponsors6 U13 Boys Challenge TeamMONTH BY MONTHSTORIESSPONSORS8 Full Circle PlayerDevelopment1112 16

MONTH BY MONTH INVITATIONS17 September21 Prayer22 Summer Academy 20th Anniversary gathering18 October19 November20 December15 July16 August172014 June19

Dear Chicago Eagles Family, As we stand on the cusp of bidding farewell to another remarkable year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for being an integral part of the Chicago Eages community. Together, we have journeyed through a year filled with challenges and special moments that truly embody the spirit of our mission. Our mission is to introduce people to Jesus Christ, teach them to follow him, and empower them as leaders through the global environment of soccer. This year, we've witnessed the impact of our collective efforts and God’s grace, and it's with immense joy and gratitude that we share some highlights of the incredible strides we've made: Expansion in the Desert: We are thrilled to announce the establishment of our new office in Phoenix. This expansion allows us to extend our reach and deepen our commitment to making a Kingdom impact through soccer, bringing the message of Jesus Christ to new communities. Empowering Women in Bangladesh: Our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment has led us to initiate women's training programs in Bangladesh. By providing opportunities for women to thrive in the world of soccer, we are not only fostering athletic skills but also creating spaces for leadership development and empowerment. Ministry in Ukraine: Despite the challenges faced by the region, we believe in the transformative power of Jesus Christ to bring light and hope through the beautiful game of soccer. Global Impact: Chicago Eagles training sessions have reached 18 countries this year, a testament to the global family we've become. We've trained 172 coaches who embody our values of joy, integrity, faithfulness, and courage. Together, we've impacted the lives of 6254 individuals, with the proclamation of the Gospel through the universal language of soccer. As we reflect on these accomplishments, let's take a moment to celebrate the collective spirit and dedication that fuels the Chicago Eagles. Your support, prayers, and participation have been instrumental in making these endeavors possible. As we embark on the transformative journey of 2024, we humbly invite your generous support to empower our global ministry, spreading the message of hope, faith, and compassion through the universal language of soccer. Thank you for being an essential part of the Chicago Eagles family. Wishing you a blessed and joyous holiday season and looking forward to the exciting journey ahead in the coming year. With gratitude and anticipation, Leandro Medeiros Chicago Eagles Executive DirectorCLICK TO GIVE

Over the past several months I have been tasked with coaching the 2013 Boys Challenge Team. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived for my first practice with the team. I quickly realized that although they had a lot of growing to do on the soccer field, they were some of the most caring kids I have ever met. When I began to think about what I wanted to share with them during our devotion time before practice, I instantly thought of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Before each practice we talked about a different aspect of love and how we could love each other as a team. I thought that this would be a time that they would forget after five minutes, but I was soon surprised that they would come to practice eager to talk about the verses and show that they hadmemorized the passage, even if I told them that I would get them ice cream if they did. Those ten to fifteen minutes turned into my team actively loving each other without me having to tell them to. Below Coach Samwith the U13 BoysBelow Moments fromthe Fall season.

ne highlight of the fall was taking players from girls' teams to a Wheaton College match. It was a great experience for the girls to watch high level soccer, be together for an evening outside of practice, and ask questions about college and Christian vs non-Christian schools.Above Members of both club and challenge teams enjoying a competitive college match.Words Coach Becca

One of my favorite moments of ministry over the past year took place during the summer at two of our summer camps. These camps were coached by Eagles staff members and youth players. This was really fun for me because I got to invite a handful of my middle school and high school players that I have been discipling for the past year or two to be apart of the ministry in a new way. The boys went from being players to coaches, and from being discipled to discipling, and it was a really amazing time for me to sit back and watch the boys that I have been investing in invest in players of their own. The guys loved having a different role and being able to invest in younger players. This was an awesome full-circle moment that I was super happy to be a part of. I'm excited to see more moments like this throughout my years with the Chicago Eagles.Right Club players were assigned their own teamsduring Eagles summer camps.Words Coach Tim

Above Summit Participants stop to pray during a visit to the Timberlake neighborhoodBelow Enjoying dinner at one of West Chicago’s best Mexican spots Below A visit toMarian Park to interact with thekids and playFutsal. Words StaffResidency Summit is an experience for college graduates who are consider-ing joining the Chicago office. With a few exceptions, those who have recently served with MAI during the Summer Academy are invited. Over four days, candidates are briefed on several topics such as building a support team and living on mission. Time is also spent visiting neighbor-hoods and observing Eagles coaches conduct training sessions.

Words MikeyCompletely transformed how I viewed the game and now how I am able to give back!! I just hope you feel encouraged in the ministry you’re doing. It’s impacting lives and I think about the Eagles often.what I’m doing if it wasn’t for the Eagles. That summer was so transformative for me.Just wanted you to know,

Words Izzy, Bethel College*More stories and photos from this tour were published in the May Update.hroughout my life, I have continued to pack up everything I own and move to new places for my parents and their careers. Military life isn’t an easy life to live, but when it’s all you know and understand, thenthat’s what you have to do. Seeing the people you love make sacrifices for their family day after day makes you want to do whatever you can to do your part and make it easier for them. Whether the changes are from state to state or to a new country entirely, you try to fix your life to prepare for whatever curve balls may come your way.My one constant throughout my life was soccer, no matter where I was I was able to push through life knowing that I had one area where I could lay everything out and show my heart, passion and love for the sport. My identity was placed in soccer. It was what I was known for. People always identified me as a soccer player when talking to me. Asking how training was, asking how the season was, hyping me up for whatever game was coming up. I was awarded and recognized my entire life for my “skills.” Whether it be through leadership, distance of my throw ins or free kicks or just my ability to read the game and know exactly what needs to happen at a given moment. Everyone knew it was “my sport.” Where my entire life was on the line, I would do anything to win with my team. I would get loud, encourage, motivate and boost the morale of the players playing alongside me. And that was where I felt seen, it was where I felt people try to connect with me. The moment I moved to college, my life flipped. I based my college decision on my ability to play soccer for my school. I knew I would be playing soccer at Bethel the moment I stepped on the campus. But little did I know playing for Bethel would change my life completely and totally for the glory of God. Thankfully, the Bethel soccer team is the first team I have been on who incorporates their love and faith throughout the game and through the relationships they build with each other.A huge testament to the Lord’s goodness through this team has been this past spring break. The Chicago Eagles were gracious enough to make a trip to Brazil for all 26 of us, players and coaches, possible. And again, being a kid who grew up traveling made the thought of going to a new country exciting one. But the most incre-dible part of the trip wasn’t even Brazil itself, although it was pretty gorgeous. It was the way that you could see the Lord work through the different communities. Every-where we went there were always a handful of people who had heard the Word of the Lord and were believers, not everyone, but the ability to share it was a feeling I can’t even describe. We had a few Sport Missional Training lessons and of course the Lord led them to choose the topic of identity. The feeling that I wasn’t the only one battling this, but the people now closest to me, my team-mates, also battled or were currently batting this which made me feel less alone. The Lord opened doors for even more topics of conversation to be made and a deeper relationship to be built. Another moving part of this trip was a talk I had with Lidia, one of the coordinators for the Chicago Eagles. I got to know her story a little bit and how she ended up in Chicago and she had said something that I will never forget. “Be of able. God uses of able people.” Before my trip to Brazil, my worry wasn’t culture shock or being in a new country. My fear was that I wasn’t going to be enough for the people we were “supposed to impact.” But this phrase alone reminded me that it’s not about me. My presence in Brazil wasn’t about my mark and my ability to do anything. The Lord was creating the space for His glory, all I had to do was show up and show the love and kindness of the Lord, the exact love and kindness He has shown me ... Throughout each of the camps we visited, I got to see my team interact with kids of all ages. The joy and smiles I got to see on each of their faces was unforgettable. The way that we can all interact together, work towards the same goals and bring the light of Christ to kids who were eager to listen and also just mess around with. After spending a week being in small bunk bed rooms, spending every waking second together and hearing everyone’s experience, I was able to see that the Bethel Women’s Soccer team was of able. The Lord knew what He was doing by taking this team to Brazil.

We are dedicated to creating a space where children feel seen, valued,and safe, while also making new friends, having a lot of fun, andicro League is part of the Eagles Early Childhood programming, where kids ages 4-12 can experience both the joy of the game and the joy that comes from a growing knowledge of God. Winter sessions were madeavailable through ongoing partnerships with Gospelife (Carol Stream) and New Life Bilingual Church (West Chicago).Words Coach Josh

Words Coach Joeyor the second year in a row, Afterschool Soccer Club was offered at Gary Elementary. Students in grades 3-5 were able to experience a positive and enriching playing experience under the guidance of Eagles coaches, who exuded a Christ-like presence. Discussions covered topics of Grace, loving one’s neighbor, and more. After the seventh week, all participants were invited to the D33 Cup to compete against other schools for the title.

Lower Left: Enjoying a service project in Sector ManantialesLower Right: Sharing and making new friends in CaneyTop Left: Eagles girls share with local Colombian teamTop Right: Interacting with kids during soccer schoolwo Eagles teams traveled to Medellin, Colombia as part of the Chicago Eagles 2023Youth Tour experience. High School players from around the U.S. were challenged to adapt to the Spanish-speaking culture, grow in their faith and experience redeemed competition. As a Gospel community representing Christ, Eagles players enjoyed the privilege of serving at work sites as well as sharing personal stories of changed lives in post-game huddles. Discipleship seminars offered new perspectives on the Christian life and players gained a greater understanding of how one’s identity in Christ comes to bear on the game of soccer.Words StaffJOSH SHARED HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE SEPTEMBER EDITIONThis year’s Youth Tour was made possible through a partnership with COSDECOL.

APPLY FOR SA2024uly 26th marked the end of Summer Acaemy2023. Two teams of college players representing schools from around the U.S. took part in a tour to Brasil where they experienced local culture, pared for their respective fall seasons through training and competing at a high level. Other notable aspects included Team Week and Camps. A number of players were also bapti-zed. The Lord worked in amazing ways in and through this group. participated in Sports Ministry Training, and pre-Words Staff

he goal of the Chicago Eagles is to provide high quality soccer camps in a fun, positive, Christian environment. This summer, the Eagles ran five camps in various locations. West Chicago featured two camps. One was partnered with WheatonWords StaffAcademy and Willow Creek Community Church. The other was a collaboration between Wheaton Bible Church’s Puente Del Pueblo program and Community Fellowship Church. The other camps were located in Madison, WI (partnered with Door Creek Church), West Dundee (partnered with Fox Valley Church), and Chicago, IL (partnered with Moody Church). A total of 1068 kids participated in the camp experience.Top Left: A drammatic Eagles cheer at the West Chicago camp Top Right: Coach JP leads the story-time at Moody CampLower Center: With a little help from the fire department, West Dundee campers were able to cool off on the last day

A STORY IN PHOTOS

Big thanks to Kindred Coffee! As usual, the coffee was great! Micro Leagues took place at Wegner Elementary and Marian Park. The annual golf outing took place at White Eagle Golf Club. Thanks to generous sponsors and participants, we raised over $30,000!Words Staff

Words Staffhis year’s high school tryouts brought out 119 participants. This was a significant increase from last year, which brought out 74. For two days, players were guided through various activities and games as part of the evaluation process. As a result, four teams were formed for the 2023-24 season, which runs from November through July. Two of the teams will compete in the U17 division and two will be in the U19 division. For any players not offered immediate roster spots, the Open Pickup option offers another space to play in the Eagles environment for a shorter season at no cost.

Words Staffo celebrate the end of another great year, Eagles coaches and families gathered at our home site, Wheaton Academy, for Futsaland fellowship. It was such a joy to end the calendar year in the companyof friends. Even more joyful was the chance to acknowledge God’s good-ness and provision for the ministry.

That players on club and challenge teams would find meaning in the team experience. That moments of discipleship would lead to spiritual growth.That the right candidates would be drawn to the imperative ministry work andopportunities that exist in West Chicago.That high school and college tours planned for the first quarter would be spiritually rich.That young players would experience joy through high quality soccer instruction and biblical teaching.