MISSION STATEMENT

The Pack TFCC offers affordable cross country/track and field training and competition for youth, middle school, and high school athletes. We welcome kids of all abilities in hopes of enhancing athlete well-being and fostering a love for cross country/track and field. Our goals are to build community, teach fundamentals, and have fun. 

Our training is tailored to the needs of the individual. We teach basic fitness activities and the fundamentals of cross country/track and field to our newest athletes while also providing elite training programs for more experienced athletes. All athletes will be challenged to get better each day while having fun through gameplay and teamwork.

VALUES

All affiliated clubs and camps focus on these three core values:

  • Build community - Sharing a common passion enriches the athlete’s experience

  • Teach fundamentals - Learning the basics enriches the athlete’s knowledge

  • Have fun - Centering joy in the daily process enriches the athlete’s spirit

Although many of our athletes achieve at elite levels, achievement is a consequence of our values rather than the goal. Health, safety, well-being, friendship, community, and fun are viewed as more important than achievement.

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

Chris Quick and Alex Soto founded the Palatine Pack TFCC club in 2020. Despite their aversion to club sports, both founders believed that an affordable club with a “house league” feel but elite coaching could benefit kids. The initial session was run in conjunction with the Palatine Park District at Falcon Park in February 2021. That session drew 25 kids and began a slow, but steady growth for the club in the Northwest suburbs. Palatine Pack TFCC has since served 1000s of kids throughout the area. Our six week sessions include a pre-track indoor season for middle schoolers, a summer season for all ages, and a post-season cross country season for middle schoolers.

Our philosophy has always been to create genuine collaboration between middle school coaches, high school coaches, parents, athletes, and The Pack TFCC clubs. Rather than prioritizing achievement, high pressure, extensive time commitment, and travel, we create affordable, healthy, and local communities where kids learn the sports of track and field and cross country. Rather than establishing “ownership” over athletes, we provide opportunities for training and competition beyond the boundaries of middle and high school seasons. Palatine Pack TFCC athletes do not receive training while involved in their school programs, but coaches continue to follow, love, and support athletes throughout their careers. Such care is at the center of a healthy community.

In 2025, the non-profit venture was rebranded as The Pack TFCC. Broadening the organization allows us to expand access and opportunities for youth and middle school athletes throughout the Chicago-land area. The Pack TFCC operates as a league of affiliated clubs all dedicated to the same mission.