Growth and Vision of Chicago House Youth Academy
Q&A with our GM - Brian Koenig - on the Growth and Vision of the Chicago House Youth Academy
Q: Brian, the Chicago House Youth Academy has really started to make waves in the Tri-Cities area. What’s been driving this growth?
A: It really comes down to culture and purpose. From day one, we set out to create a player-first environment focused on confidence, creativity, and technical development. We’re not just training kids to win games — we’re developing complete players who love the game and believe in themselves.
Q: What do you think sets Chicago House apart from other youth clubs in the region?
A: We’re intentional about keeping the “community” in club soccer. Many families are traveling 45 minutes to an hour to find the right training environment. We wanted to bring that level of quality here — in their backyard — while maintaining the family feel and open communication that parents really value. Our futsal-based winter training model also sets us apart; it’s fast, fun, and incredibly effective for developing technical players.
Q: You’ve mentioned futsal a few times. Why has it become such an essential part of your development model?
A: Futsal forces players to think quickly, control the ball in tight spaces, and make faster decisions. The environment naturally builds creativity and composure. Creating our Futsal Academies also allows us to provide not only an extension to our club players but also players outside our program. Our winter training is futsal-based, offering high-repetition, small-group sessions that accelerate growth in ways traditional training can’t consistently achieve.
Q: The Academy seems to be expanding quickly — what’s the vision moving forward?
A: Our goal is sustainable growth, not just size. We want to continue building the culture in Batavia and Plainfield — while keeping each session capped at a size that allows for quality coaching. Let’s not forget that we’re also building a clear development pathway for players to move from our Academy to our senior programs, including our House men’s and women’s first teams. It’s about giving local players a genuine home to grow in.
Q: How is the South program progressing? We’ve heard you’re taking a rebuilding approach there.
A: Yes, the South program is in a rebuilding phase — and that’s completely unintentional, honestly. We’ve taken a step back to ensure we’re doing it right from the ground up. It’s about reestablishing our foundation, creating alignment across all age groups, and bringing in the right people who believe in the House culture. The goal isn’t just to put teams together — it’s to rebuild a structure that truly develops players and supports families the right way. We’re starting to see real momentum again, and that’s exciting.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of seeing this academy evolve?
A: Honestly, it’s watching the players gain confidence. You see a kid come in shy or hesitant, and a few months later they’re smiling, leading drills, and expressing themselves on the field. That transformation — that joy — is what makes it all worth it.
Q: For parents or players who might be new to Chicago House, what’s the best way to get involved?
A: We always encourage families to start with our Player Development or Futsal Academy programs — they’re open to all levels and provide a great introduction to our style. From there, players can try out for our competitive teams or continue building confidence through training. All our programs and registration links can be found on our website or social pages.
Q: Let’s address something a lot of people have been curious about — there was some talk and speculation after you left your previous club. How do you look back on that transition, and what’s the truth about your vision?
A: Honestly, I understand where some of the misconceptions came from. Any time someone takes a leap and starts something new, people talk. The reality is, I didn’t leave because of disagreement or drama — I left because I believed there was a better way to serve players and families. I wanted to build something rooted in culture, transparency, and long-term development. Chicago House gave me the freedom to do that the right way. Now, seeing the families who took that leap of faith with us thrive — that’s the ultimate validation.
Q: There’s been speculation about other Tri-Cities clubs potentially merging. Do you see a pathway for future collaboration or alignment?
A: I think collaboration is always possible when the focus stays on what’s best for the players. The Tri-Cities area is full of passionate coaches and families — and if we can work together to raise the overall standard, that’s a win for everyone. At the same time, it must be done with purpose and clarity. Mergers for the sake of numbers or convenience don’t solve long-term challenges. What we’re building at House is about sustainability — creating a model that prioritizes player development, coaching quality, and community. If others share that mindset, there’s absolutely room for alignment down the road.
Q: Brian, what is the long-term vision for the Chicago House Youth Academy?
A: Our long-term vision is to create a fully integrated player development pathway that serves athletes from their first touch on a soccer ball all the way to elite youth and first-team opportunities, all while keeping the experience local and accessible. We want every player in our program to have a clear, high-quality path to grow without leaving their communities.
This means investing in:
Player Development: A curriculum that builds technical, tactical, and mental skills progressively at every age level.
Coaching Excellence: Coaches trained in our culture and methodology, ensuring consistent instruction and mentorship.
Facilities & Programs: Expanding facilities, outdoor training sites, and seasonal programs to maximize training opportunities and quality touches on the ball.
Community & Family Engagement: Keeping families informed, involved, and part of the player journey, making soccer a positive, community-driven experience.
Sustainable Success: Not chasing short-term wins but building a culture of long-term growth — where players, coaches, and teams are developing for the future.
Ultimately, we aim to make Chicago House not just a club, but the home of soccer development in the areas we serve — a place where players thrive, families feel supported, and the standard of youth soccer is elevated.
Q: How can players and families get involved with the Chicago House first teams?
A: The best way to get involved is to volunteer on game days – parents can help with the game day ops with ticketing, merchandising, and House Fest, to name a few. Players are always welcome to sign up to be a ball kid and/or to be a player escort. At the very least, come on the field at halftime and run off some of that energy!