Rockford What to Know About Indoor Soccer for the Academy
The Academy's indoor season starts in mid-November. Here's what families need for practices, the first game and the rest of the winter.
Practices and Heja
Most practices are at Foundations Sports, 104 Kasch Dr, Winnebago, IL 61088. Practices there are on a gym floor, so bring flats (indoor court shoes), not cleats or turf shoes.
Heja has every practice and game time, and it's where changes and cancellations go, so check it before you head out. Please always RSVP on Heja, whether your player is going or not. It's how coaches plan practices and know they'll have enough players for a game.
Where our teams play
Most of our teams play in the International Soccer League, on Saturdays at the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111. Games start November 14 and can be anywhere from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The league sets the schedule, and your coach posts it on Heja.
JV Squad 1 plays in the Elite Club Soccer League at Elite Sports Center, 6800 Forest Hills Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111. Its season starts November 21, with ten weeks of games and then two weeks of playoffs. Your coach will let you know what Elite needs from you. The league ID and dates below are for the International Soccer League.
Before the first game
Every family needs the club's waiver signed in the Portal. Your family link has it at the top of your checklist.
Every International Soccer League player also needs a league ID card. Get it in person at the league office, 929 S Alpine Rd, Suite 104, Rockford, IL 61108, and have a parent or guardian go too, because you'll sign the league's waiver there. Bring the original (no copies) of an unexpired state ID or passport. If your player doesn't have one, bring a current school ID, school portal page, school photo or grade record, or school sports ID, plus their birth certificate. A birth certificate on its own isn't enough.
The card is $7 plus $8.50 a year for IYSA, in cash. It's $10 if you get it the day before a game or on game day, so go before Friday, November 13. Keep it somewhere safe: a lost card has to be replaced and paid for again.
On game day
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your game, in the team uniform with your number showing. Games at the Indoor Sports Center are on turf, so turf shoes or cleats are both fine. Goalkeepers don't need a number while they're in goal. Each player hands in their own league ID before the game, so bring it every time.
Games are two 20-minute halves with a running clock, and teams turn over quickly, so be ready to get on and off the field fast. Only two coaches are allowed on the bench, and families watch from the stands.
The season at a glance
International Soccer League games are on Saturdays. Dates can change because of weather or Park District conflicts, and Heja will always have the latest.
| Date | What's happening |
|---|---|
| November 14 | First International Soccer League games |
| November 21 | JV Squad 1's season starts at Elite |
| November 28 | High school boys' teams start |
| December 26 and January 2 | No games (holiday break) |
| February 13 and 20 | Playoffs for some divisions (your coach will confirm) |
| February 27 and March 6 | No games (the facility is booked) |
| March 13, 20 and 27 | Playoffs for the other divisions |
| April 3, 10 and 17 | Make-up dates, if needed |
Players need a minimum number of games to be eligible for the playoffs, so come to every game you can.
Questions?
Talk to your coach first. The league's phone line is for coaches and team managers, so please only call the league directly if there's an emergency on game day.
Everyone is expected to respect the players, opponents, coaches, referees and the facility. Thanks for helping keep it a good place to play.
The full International Soccer League details are in its 2026–27 indoor packet.
