Kids’ Soccer Clinics at Lake County Family YMCA this Summer

Soccer instruction is being added to the list of summertime activities for children at both Lake County Family YMCA facilities this year. Soccer clinics open to boys and girls ages 8-12 will be offered June 18-22 at Northern Lake YMCA, 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan, and July 9-13 at Central Lake YMCA, 700 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

Jason Ahonen, head boys’ soccer coach at Warren Township High School (WTHS), and Doogie Clark, assistant boys’ soccer coach at Warren, will lead a staff that also includes some college players during each five-day session.

Ahonen is entering his fifth year as head coach of the WTHS Boys’ Soccer Program, one of the most successful programs in the state of Illinois over the past decade. Its distinctions include:

-      3 IHSA State appearances (2003, 2006 and 2011)

-      1 NSCAA All-American, 2 NSCAA All Mid-West Selections

-      1 Illinois State Player of the Year

-      7 players signed Division 1 Scholarships

-      9 All-State players

Born in Scotland, Clark has played professionally in five countries and has been involved in training at youth clubs for many years.  He also serves as a personal trainer for many high school and college players seeking to take their skills to the next level.

The Y soccer clinics, held from 3 to 5 p.m. each day, will focus on developing key technical skills: dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting and heading. All players are grouped by age and ability to ensure the optimal balance of fun, challenge and skill development. The goal is to teach all of these skills in a developmentally appropriate way for each participant.

Space is limited, and registration will be closed when maximum levels are reached for each clinic. To sign up, or for registration information, visit or call either the Waukegan Y or the Vernon Hills Y. The phone numbers are (847) 360-9622 in Waukegan and (847) 367-6797 in Vernon Hills. Youth enrolled in any Lake County Family YMCA summer day camp can register at a specially discounted rate.  For non-campers, members of the Y are charged a lower fee than community members.

For more information about the soccer clinics, contact Ahonen at bluedevilsoccer@live.com.

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The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  Chartered in 1912 as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit, our association is comprised of the Central Lake YMCA in Vernon Hills, Northern Lake YMCA in Waukegan and Early Head Start in Waukegan. To learn more, visit www.ymcalakecounty.org