CIU Partnership

General Information

Central Illinois United and East Moline Silvis Soccer Club are excited to announce a new strategic partnership, creating a player development pathway to both the MLS NEXT and Girls Academy platforms. Through this collaboration, players across the Quad Cities, Central Illinois, and Western Illinois will have expanded opportunities to train, compete, and be identified within high-performance, national-level environments. This partnership connects EMSSC’s strong developmental foundation with Central Illinois United’s national platforms, providing a clear and intentional pathway for both boys and girls to pursue the highest levels of youth soccer. By aligning coaching resources, player identification, and development standards, the clubs are committed to building one of the premier academy environments in the Midwest.
Read the full announcement:
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CIU Player Development Alliance?

The CIU Player Development Alliance is designed to provide players in the Quad Cities region with access to both the MLS NEXT Academy Platform and the Girls Academy Platform. The objective is to build one of the most competitive and development-focused academy environments in the Midwest for both male and female players.

What are the benefits for players?

The alliance brings together clubs with shared values and a commitment to player development. By working together, the clubs aim to provide players with a clear pathway to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer while offering an exceptional academy environment and expanded playing opportunities on both the MLS NEXT Academy Platform and the Girls Academy Platform.

What will be the structure of the academy programs?

The MLS NEXT Academy Platform and Girls Academy Platform will continue to operate under Central Illinois United. East Moline Silvis Soccer Club (EMSSC) will participate as a partner within the CIU Player Development Alliance structure. This collaboration strengthens the player pathway while maintaining the existing CIU academy framework.

Will the programs and platforms of EMSSC be affected?

No. All EMSSC participants will continue to offer the same programs and platforms and will continue to be IYSA rostered players for their competitive teams.  Players who tryout and make the CIU program will in addition participate in the current organizational structure across both the MLS NEXT Academy Platform and the Girls Academy Platform on top of their EMSSC responsibilities.

Will costs, uniforms or branding change for EMSSC?

No. There will be no changes to the current EMSSC competitive or recreational costs as well as no changes to our EMSSC branding, uniforms, or programs.  The CIU platforms are separate for those who make each program.

How will players be identified for CIU academy teams? What about player movement for game opportunities?

Players will first be identified by our Directors of Coaching who will work closely with each competitive Coach to select players to attend the CIU Tryouts.  During CIU academy tryouts for both the MLS NEXT Academy Platform and the Girls Academy Platform players from the CIU partnership programs will compete to form CIU teams at each age level. Following selection, CIU and East Moline Silvis Soccer Club leadership will collaborate on player development and potential movement within the academy pathway through regular technical meetings to ensure players are placed in the best environment for their development.

How might this affect current rosters and teams within each club?

The alliance strengthens the existing East Moline Silvis Soccer Club ecosystem by expanding competitive opportunities for players who may potentially make the CIU competitive programs. By combining resources and talent pools, the partnership enhances roster depth, increases available development opportunities, and supports the continued growth of youth soccer across the Quad Cities and Central Illinois region.