Top Tier Lessons x Champaign Park District: Division I Athletes Bring Elite Training to Champaign Youth
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Top Tier Lessons is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the Champaign Park District to deliver a series of athlete-led youth clinics featuring current University of Illinois student-athletes. Designed for athletes in 3rd–8th grade, these All-Skills Clinics provide a rare opportunity for young players to train directly with Division I competitors while experiencing the energy, structure, and inspiration of the collegiate environment.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality youth sports experiences in the Champaign community. Through these clinics, participants will not only develop sport-specific skills, but also build confidence, creativity, and a deeper love for the game — all while learning from athletes who live the process every day.
Volleyball All-Skills Clinics
University of Illinois volleyball athletes will guide participants through dynamic sessions emphasizing both foundational development and game-readiness. These clinics are ideal for beginner and intermediate players eager to improve under elite instruction.
Athletes will train serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking, and in-game movement, gaining exposure to the habits and techniques used at the Division I level.
Clinic Schedule
- March 7 | 1–3 PM — Grades 3rd–5th
- March 7 | 3–5 PM — Grades 6th–8th
- April 11 | 1–3 PM — Grades 3rd–5th
- April 11 | 3–5 PM — Grades 6th–8th
Registration Link: https://champaignparks.org/athletics/youth-athletics/youth-volleyball/
Soccer All-Skills Clinic
Hosted at Dodd’s Soccer Complex, this co-ed clinic will be led by University of Illinois soccer athletes and will focus on building a strong technical foundation in a fast-paced and supportive training environment.
Participants will work on passing, dribbling, shooting, first touch, defensive positioning, and teamwork, with drills designed to encourage creativity and high-quality footwork.
Clinic Schedule
- March 28 | 1–3 PM — Grades 3rd–5th
- March 28 | 3–5 PM — Grades 6th–8th
Registration Link: https://champaignparks.org/youth-soccer-camps/
Softball All-Skills Clinic
Led by University of Illinois softball athletes, this clinic will provide a comprehensive skill-building experience focused on both individual technique and overall game awareness.
Participants will develop hitting mechanics, defensive skills, baserunning, and situational understanding, learning directly from athletes who compete at one of the highest levels in collegiate softball.
A specialized pitching session will also be offered for athletes looking to refine position-specific skills.
Clinic Schedule
- May 16 | 10 AM–12 PM — Grades 3rd–5th
- May 16 | 12–1 PM — Pitching Specialty Session (Ages 7+)
- May 16 | 1:30–3:30 PM — Grades 6th–8th
Registration Link: https://champaignparks.org/athletics/youth-athletics/youth-softball/
Building Inspiration Through Athlete Access
At the core of each clinic is the opportunity for young athletes to connect with collegiate role models. By training with University of Illinois student-athletes, participants gain insight into the work ethic, mindset, and joy that define the Division I experience — making each session both developmental and memorable.
Top Tier Lessons is especially excited to partner with the Champaign Park District to expand access to athlete-led training in a community that deeply values youth development and sport participation.
Stay Connected
Follow Top Tier Lessons for upcoming athlete-led opportunities, additional Champaign programming, and future partnerships designed to bring Division I athletes closer to the next generation of players.
Explore our full list of camps/clinics: https://www.toptierlessons.com/events
Book private lessons with local college athletes: https://www.toptierlessons.com
Stay up-to-date: https://www.instagram.com/toptierlessons/
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