Chicago Magic About Us
History
In 1989 the Sports Club became the Chicago Magic and a new level of competition and excellence was introduced to the Chicago area. Top area coaches and players came to the Club to join the vision of President Ron Bergstrom and Executive Director Mike Matkovic as the Club rose to rankings of best club in the nation and won scores of State, Regional, and National titles on both the Boys and Girls side. Only the utmost in respect can be offered to these founders of the club and the high standards they set for soccer in Chicago and the nation.
Today
In 2009 the club was converted into a Non for Profit under the guidance of Tom Rubio and other like minded supporters of athletics and education in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The group believes that the club should instill the qualities of dedication, hard work, teamwork and sportsmanship in its players. At the same time, as the area's only USSF Academy level Non for Profit, it has been reconstructed into a club for its members and ultimately by its members to serve them as stakeholders and owner-participants of the Organization. In time it is the goal of the club to have a non for profit beneficial equity structure with club assets such as land, facilities, brand value and sponsorship all contributed by its founding supporters to effect a real 'Club' with only the member families and players as benefactors, as opposed to Corporate ownership groups or other privately owned ventures with profit as their beacon. It is our belief that youth soccer in this country should be only for the love of the game and its members.
In doing so by this manner the Magic has draw in substantial support from both Fortune 500 companies and Family Foundations. Currently almost a quarter of funding comes from these outside partners and Sponsors, and we envision more both local and national support for this model as we continue to grow and succeed. The club has gone from a single location in Frankfort Illinois to one with 4 locals and a shared model for training top talent in the club, culminating with our HS programs and USSF Academy.
The club has been fortunate to have Louis Mateus join us as Executive Director and bring his vast experience in the area as well as at a National level to further promote the ascension of the organization. Through his relationships at US Soccer and over time with the best coaches in the area as Region II Supervisor and collegiate and club Head Coach, Louis will add to the already high quality, experienced staff at the Magic and lead the club into its next phase.
Looking Forward...
The Magic will continue to work with its members, families, sponsors and supporters to enhance the overall experience for all of those in the club. Starting with younger ages at the individual level of comfort with the ball and player focused development to later succeed whether it be in competitive area leagues or vying for National Championship, the Magic will strive to continuously enhance the value proposition for its members and continue to produce players at every level from High School to College or even the Pros. We are attentive to the needs of our members and will always seek improve the organization via the input of those respected in the community around us.
