Why Are Elmhurst Eagles Different?

ELMHURST, IL — Reports around the country indicate participation in youth football is declining. But leaders of Elmhurst Eagles Youth Football & Cheer say they see no such decline.

The nonprofit organization says it may know why. It has made big investments in safer helmets and required coaches to become certified on concussion protocol, said Jason Anciulis, a coach who also handles its marketing. Participants also play on synthetic turf, which is easier on children's joints.

Also, Anciulis said, the organization assigns a certified athletic trainer to all games. "She is the real deal on the sidelines. That is something different about us," he said in an interview.

These protections may have something to do with the program's stability.

"We hear how other programs may not have a certain age group anymore, or they may have one sixth-grade team when they used to have two. Or they have to combine age groups," Anciulis said. "Their numbers aren't where they once were."

Elmhurst Eagles, which started in 1964, also promotes diversity in its program. Girls are welcome to play football, and a few do.

"We're one of the rare programs that encourage girls to play football," Anciulis said.

Families that cannot afford the program's fees can file applications for assistance, Anciulis said.

The organization started a flag football program for children in kindergarten and first grade last year. After those years, it's tackle football.

"We're trying to engage them early," Anciulis said. "We encourage kids to be involved in other sports."

Last year, 326 athletes participated — 202 football players and 124 cheerleaders.

"Every age group has cheerleaders. Our cheer numbers are strong. It's a big revenue stream for us," Anciulis said. "We are a winning program, with the trophies and rings to back it up. It's a good story tell."

Last year alone, Eagles teams won two Super Bowls.

The football program is for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Cheerleaders are from first through eighth grades. Home games are played at Berens Park.

Elmhurst Eagles is planning a meet-and-greet and on-site registration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at York High School. It will be held again Wednesday, April 15, at the same time and place. Online registration began this week. Registration closes June 1. The first day of practice is Aug. 3.