Region A Soccer

COVID Procedures

All participants should self-screen prior to arriving at this event and should remain home if feeling unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms.

Vaccination is not required to attend in person events.

SOILL will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray and other cleaning/sanitizing products on-site.

Please check with your Region staff on the status of spectators attending competitions.  The decision on allowing spectators is based on the facility being used for the competition, the rules they have and the amount of people above the number of registered athletes and coaches they can safely accommodate. It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians if spectators will be allowed at this competition.

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf

What Is Soccer (Football)?

Soccer (football) is the world’s most popular sport. Athletes have the opportunity to compete on teams of 7 including a goalie, as well as in Individual Skills Competition which develops basic soccer skills.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in Soccer compete locally in Region Qualifying events. They are then eligible to advance to state championships at the Summer games held in Normal in June.

Soccer Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• 7-on-7 Team Competition

Developmental

• Individual Skills Events (Dribbling, Shooting, Run and Kick)

Competition Information

At this competition, Due to the size of the competition and in following Special Olympics Illinois Policies and Procedures, we will be advancing 1^st and 2^nd Place teams to State Summer Games.

Please note on the schedule, Division 3 teams will be given time in between games to rest as needed.  You can coordinate with the Soccer Venue Director as to how much time you will need if you are playing back to back. 

Please plan accordingly when traveling to ensure you arrive with enough time and take into account potential traffic and construction and the shuttle option.  Please make sure you dress for the elements and are following the uniform requirements stated in the rule interpretations.  

Facility Information

Due to the amount of athletes, coaches and spectators, along with other possible school sporting events, shuttle parking is available at Schnucks – 1810 Harlem Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Shuttle buses will continually run from this location to Harlem High School throughout the day.  Please consider this parking option.  Space is extremely limited at Harlem High School.  If you show up and expect to park without using the shuttle option, you may miss your event and Opening Ceremonies. 

No dogs are allowed at the venue unless they are service dogs.   

Event Details

Region A Soccer will take place on the front field at Harlem High School

Registration at 8:30 AM.

All head coaches will need to present photo ID to register at tournament central.  This is across the parking lot from the Soccer Venue.  All teams must register here before your game is scheduled to start to receive your wristbands for competition.  Only Head Coaches will register the entire team.  Registration takes place in the registration tent starting at 8:30 AM.  The spot will be marked and staffed by volunteers to get you your team packets and information on the day.  Individual athletes need to locate their team to receive their information. Athletes will not be able to compete without wearing the provided wristbands.  Only athletes listed on the rosters are eligible to participate.

OC at 9:00 AM

Opening ceremonies starts at 9:00 AM and all agencies are invited to participate.  All teams will be announced and parade in the stadium.  Lineup will occur on the northwest side of the stadium and volunteers will be there to help agencies get into alphabetical order.  Bring your team banners.  The Muffet Flott Spirit Award will be given to the team that enters the track with the most team spirit, so be creative and have fun!

Competition at 10:00 AM

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Athletes should bring their own PPE’s and water. Lunch will be provided.

Awards

Awards will be distributed after each division has completed.

Concessions

All registered athletes and coaches will be provided lunch.  This will consist of a hot dog, chips, cookie. and water. 

There will be a tent with souvenirs and limited snacks for sale.  There are concessions available in the Track for those spectators who would like to purchase lunch.  Lunch for teams will be available starting at 11:00 AM.

Supporting Documents

2022 Region A Soccer Final Rosters

2022 Region A Soccer Final Divisions

2022 Region A Soccer Schedule

Harlem High School Map

To see a complete list of all State Championship Competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, who support Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

Results

Region A 2022 Soccer Results

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.