ENGLEWOOD ON TOP
Raised Here.Built for Greatness.
Championship youth football and cheer built around discipline, development, family, community and national-level competition.
OUR STORY
Englewood Lions Youth Athletics
Program History, Growth & Accomplishments — Presented to the City of Chicago
The Englewood Lions Youth Athletics Program is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing affordable, competitive youth football and cheer opportunities for children throughout the Englewood community.
Founded in 2024, the organization began with just 30 athletes and a vision to create a safe, structured, and positive environment for youth development through sports. Our mission was simple: provide Englewood children access to high-quality athletic opportunities while teaching discipline, accountability, teamwork, leadership, and academic responsibility.
In just two years, the Englewood Lions have experienced tremendous growth, expanding from a single team of 30 athletes to an organization now serving 175 youth from across all Englewood wards and surrounding Chicago communities.
Community Impact
The Englewood Lions are more than a football program. We provide a safe space for youth during out-of-school hours, positive mentorship from dedicated coaches, leadership development, and opportunities for children to compete at a high level while representing Englewood with pride.
2024
- Founded Englewood Lions Youth Athletics
- Began with approximately 30 athletes
- Established football and cheer programming
- Built partnerships with schools, parks, and community organizations
- Created an affordable and accessible foundation
2025
- Expanded to multiple age divisions
- Served more than 100 youth athletes
- Became one of the fastest-growing youth programs on Chicago's South Side
- Illinois State Champions — 8U, 10U, 13U
- Midwest Regional Champions — 13U
2026
- Expanded to serve 175 youth athletes
- Continued growth across football and cheer divisions
- Increased travel and statewide competition
- Strengthened youth development programming
- Illinois Spring Champions — 7U, 8U, 10U, 13U
Our Mission
To provide affordable, competitive youth athletics while developing leaders, building character, and creating opportunities for children throughout the Englewood community.
Building Leaders. Developing Champions. Strengthening Englewood.
WHO WE ARE
More Than Football
Englewood Lions Youth Athletics provides affordable, organized and competitive football and cheer while developing discipline, accountability, leadership, confidence and pride.
Youth served across Chicago.
Football divisions for every stage of development.
Community-focused nonprofit organization.
State, regional and national success.
2026 LOOK
Official Uniform Showcase
Built to stand out. Designed to represent Englewood with pride.
Carolina Blue Game Set
Blackout Game Set
Black Lady Lions Cheer Set
CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE
Built to Win
Our athletes continue to represent Englewood on the biggest stages.
BUILDING THE PRIDE
Football & Cheer Together
One program. One community. One standard of excellence.
CONTACT US
