From strength training and soccer tech to dance, cheer, and multi-sport leagues, these North Shore programs are helping kids build confidence, character and a lifelong love for movement.
Finish Strong Kids
Now in its 16th year, Finish Strong Kids is a multi-sport training and league organization serving more than 2,500 kids on the NorthShore. Founder Ed Reformado credits his grandfather and high school sports background as the inspiration for starting the program. “Growing up, I had a special bond with my grandfather through sports; it was always in me to share that love for sports with others,” says Reformado, who served as captain of his high school’s basketball team. “I got to help create practices and game plans—I took great pride in that.”
Finish Strong offers a variety of after-school and weekend sports programs, including activities appropriate for preschoolers as well as leagues in basketball, flag football, floor hockey and soccer for school-age kids through the seventh grade. There’s also a summer camp program for up to 30 kids in each age group with a sports-centered schedule that also includes field trips and swimming.
Reformado’s proud of his group of 34 coaches, some of whom started out in the program as participants. “These are all people who want to come back after remembering how they felt in our programs,” he says. “Coaches will extend their day and go watch kids at another game or event to support them beyond the program,” he says.
Beyond the scoreboard, Finish Strong has an all-inclusive approach focused on character-building skills like leadership, friendship and teamwork. “It doesn’t matter where your kid lies athletically, if they enjoy sports, our staff will make everyone feel important, and find a role where they can be successful,” Reformado says.
D1 Training
Husband-and-wife team Meghan and Kevin Marschall opened D1 Training North Shore earlier this spring as a place where the whole family could train. “People can come to D1, level up and gain confidence,” Meghan Marschall says. “Then, they can go back to their sport and be that much better.”
D1 offers strength training, conditioning and injury risk reduction for all ages and fitness levels. Programs are grouped by age and led by certified coaches—many with additional credentials. The Scholastics group (ages 7 to 11) focuses on fundamentals and agility, the Development group (ages 12 to 14) works on sport-specific skills, and the Prep group (ages 15 to 18) mirrors D1 college-level training. There’s also an adult fitness program with group classes and personal training.
Each new client starts with a one-on-one consultation and body composition scan. Progress check-ins happen at the one-week, 30-day and 45-day marks, either in person or through the TeamBuilder app.
“We attract people of all walks of life with differing fitness levels, and our athletes see measurable results within just a few weeks,” says Marschall. D1 also partners with therapists, doctors, and schools—and plans to open two more locations in the next year.
KidStrong
Opened in April in Libertyville, KidStrong is a science-based training program designed to help children from toddler age through 11 years build strength, confidence and emotional intelligence through progressive, age-appropriate challenges. Led by certified coaches and backed by childhood development experts, the program blends physical activity with character development in a structured, energetic setting.
“We’re aiming to help parents raise strong, confident, high-character kids,” says owner Alex Gordy, who’s looking to open another location in the Glenview/Northbrook area. “We do that via 45-minute weekly classes with curriculum designed by childhood development experts, and we’re focused on progression week to week and month to month.”
Classes run seven days a week and are organized into three-week skill-building blocks focused on activities like rope climbing, obstacle-based “parcours” training, and emotional intelligence skill-building with breathwork and communication tools. For toddlers under age 4, classes are hands-on with parents actively involved. Older kids work on preparing for team sports and physical conditioning—including proper squat form and strength training. They also gain teamwork skills and “learn how to win and how to lose,” says facility general manager Julia Hassan. Students who move up the to the “Alpha” level have a chance to lead sessions with the assistance of coaches.
Northshore Elite Talent Company
Northshore Elite Talent Company is more than just a dance and cheer studio—it’s a community rooted in inclusivity, artistry and personal growth. Founded by Nabi Jordan-Polk, the studio evolved from a park district program into a thriving independent business that now offers recreational and competitive dance and cheer for ages 3 to 18, as well as adult tap and parent-tot classes.
“We’ve created a space where kids can try different genres, pursue performance or competition, and still play sports or take breaks when needed,” says Jordan-Polk. “It’s about giving them a well-rounded experience.”
From ballet and hip-hop to tumbling and cheerleading, Northshore Elite Talent Company is known for its accessible and family-friendly approach. Students can join throughout the year, with makeup classes available and recital enrollment open through November to accommodate fall sports schedules.
This fall, the studio will introduce specialty skills workshops—one-time sessions focused on tumbling and acrobatic techniques like cartwheels and aerials, perfect for dancers and gymnasts alike.
Kicklab
Born from a shared passion for the game, Kicklab is a new, state-of-the-art soccer training center located in Vernon Hills. Spanning over 9,000 square feet, the space features professional-grade turf, responsive passing pods, interactive targets, and tech-driven skill tracking to help players of all ages level up their game.
Kicklab combines the excitement of gaming with foundational soccer training—focusing on essential skills like passing, trapping, ball control and shooting with precision.
“As an educator, the learning and development of others has always been my passion,” says founder Cathryn Smeyers. “Now, as a mom and soccer enthusiast, I wanted to create a space where kids can grow not just as players, but as people.”
Director Jay Bulev, a seasoned coach and varsity girls coach at Stevenson High School, adds: “Our training is rooted in creativity, passion and purpose. Kicklab gives young players a chance to fall in love with the game while building real skills.”
“We’re aiming to help parents raise strong, confident, high-character kids,” says KidStrong owner Alex Gordy.
“As a mom and soccer enthusiast, I wanted to create a space where kids can grow not just as players, but as people,” says Kicklab founder Cathryn Smeyers.