Central Illinois United

Home
United States
Mesa, AZ
Central Illinois United

Official page for Central Illinois United.
2x State Cup Champs! 5-time State Cup Semifinalists!

06/21/2026

🫵🏻 Pointing out our MVPs.

The dads in the stands.
The dads behind the wheel.
The dads who make this journey possible.

🖤 Happy Father’s Day 🤍

06/12/2026

Thank You, Coaches!

A huge thank you to the college programs that attended this year’s College ID Event and invested their time on our sideline evaluating and connecting with our players.

We’d also like to thank St. Louis Development Academy for hosting an outstanding event and creating an incredible experience for both players and coaches.

Opportunities like these are invaluable in our helping players gain exposure and take meaningful steps toward achieving their collegiate soccer goals.

06/08/2026

Congratulations to our Jackson Orris (09) who committed to Northern Illinois University to continue his academic & athletic endeavors❗️⁣

➡️ A product of Peoria FC United, Jackson continued his development through Central Illinois United as part of our proven pathway to the next level.

⚽ Coach Josh Sheckler on Jackson: "Jackson is one of the most dynamic attacking players I have had the opportunity to coach. His speed is simply game-changing, and when he gets defenders isolated 1v1, he is incredibly difficult to stop. Whether he is playing as a forward or in the midfield, Jackson has the ability to take over a game with his pace, creativity, and confidence on the ball.

What makes him special is his complete attacking skill set. He can score in a variety of ways, create opportunities for others, and consistently impacts games in the final third. Just as importantly, he works relentlessly without the ball and is a tremendous asset in the press, constantly disrupting opponents and setting the tone for the team.

Northern Illinois is getting a dynamic playmaker, a fierce competitor, and a young man who has earned every bit of this opportunity. I am excited to watch him continue to grow and succeed at the next level.”

06/07/2026

Had to…

Have a day 🤲

06/05/2026

Your next step starts here

For motivated players looking to challenge themselves in a higher-level environment, the Central Illinois United Pre-MLS NEXT Academy provides a pathway designed to prepare players for the next stage of their development.

The CIU Pre-MLS NEXT Academy is designed for players entering U12, with select U11 players also invited to participate in special opportunities throughout the year.

⚽ Supplemental training while remaining with your home club

⚽ Advanced technical and tactical development

⚽ Training alongside other committed players from across Central Illinois

⚽ Competition opportunities including the Chicago Fire Academy Friendlies and Chicago Cup

⚽ A proven pathway - approximately 85% of current CIU full-time players previously participated in the Pre-Academy program

Tryouts begin June 8-9.

If your player is serious about development and wants to experience the next level of the game, now is the time.

Register now:
https://www.centralillinoisunited.org/tryouts

06/03/2026

👟⚽️ The pathway starts with opportunity.

The Girls Academy has become one of the premier platforms in the country for players pursuing college soccer, with:

⚽ 80% of Girls Academy graduates going on to play college soccer

⚽ 48% committing to NCAA Division I programs

⚽ 42% committing to NCAA Division II or Division III programs

⚽ 10% committing to NAIA or JUCO programs

At Central Illinois United, we’re proud to see those opportunities turning into real outcomes for our players. As families begin making important decisions about the next step in their soccer journey, we believe results matter.

For our CIU Girls Class of 2026:

⚽ 19 of 20 players committed to play college soccer

⚽ 95% overall college commitment rate

⚽ 100% of players who pursued college soccer achieved their goal

⚽ Players advancing to NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO programs

⚽ First player in club history selected to a U.S. Youth National Team final roster

The provides the platform.

Our players continue to prove what’s possible when talent, commitment, opportunity, and the right environment come together!

From Central Illinois to the next level ↗️
Where will your story take you?

06/02/2026

Congratulations to our John Jasker (09) who committed to University of Illinois Chicago to continue his academic & athletic endeavors❗️⁣

⚽ Coach Josh Sheckler on John: "John is a big, strong, dynamic forward who has been a nightmare matchup for defenders throughout his career. His combination of size, speed, and strength allows him to create opportunities, and once he gets in the box, he is as clinical as they come. What separates John is not just his ability to score goals, but his relentless work ethic on and off the ball. He competes every day, leads by example, and consistently makes those around him better.

Beyond his talent, John is an outstanding teammate and an even better person. He is always encouraging his teammates, putting the team first, and bringing positive energy to every environment he is part of. UIC is getting a proven goal scorer, a tremendous leader, and a young man of exceptional character. I could not be more excited to see what the future holds for him.”

05/28/2026

Congratulations to our Ethan Lelm (07) who committed to Heartland Community College to continue his academic & athletic endeavors❗️⁣

➡️ A product of Peoria FC United, Ethan continued his development through Central Illinois United as part of our proven pathway to the next level.

⚽ Coach Jack Turanchik on Ethan: "Ethan is a big, strong, relentless defender who has always worked his tail off. What I love most about his game is his versatility and the fact that he does not have a glaring weakness. He competes, improves, and shows up every day ready to work. Heartland is getting a great player and a great kid that I love to be around!”

Address

6321 S Ellsworth Rd
Mesa, AZ
85212

Website

https://www.centralillinoisunited.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Central Illinois United posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Central Illinois United:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in Mesa?