Check Out CNSM Finish Strong Feature
Meet Ed Reformado, a passionate and dedicated coach who proudly owns two local youth sports academies: Finish Strong and North Shore Stars. With his roots deeply embedded in the North Shore since 2008, Ed began his journey as a boys’ basketball coach at the Park District of Highland Park. Known for his confident, easygoing nature and remarkable patience, Ed has successfully rebranded and expanded his programs to cater to young athletes from pre-K through elementary school. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned resident, Ed’s commitment to fostering growth, development, and fun through sports makes him a true gem in the community. Get ready to learn more about Ed’s incredible journey and the vibrant programs he offers at Finish Strong and North Shore Stars!
Ed and his family.
Hi Ed! Please introduce yourself to the North Shore community!
My name is Ed Reformado, and I proudly own two local youth sports clubs: Finish Strong Athletics & North Shore Stars. My journey in coaching began back in 2008 on the North Shore, where I started as a boys basketball coach at the Highland Park Park District. Experiencing firsthand the incredible community support and dedication to young families was truly inspiring. It was clear to me then that this was where I belonged. In 2010, I married my wife Kelly, and we decided to settle in Deerfield to start our family. Now, in 2024, we are blessed with two wonderful daughters, Eliza (10) and Cecilia (7), and we call Lake Forest our home. Whether you’re a long-time resident of the North Shore or have recently arrived, I can attest there’s simply no better place on earth to raise a family!
Entering our 14th year of youth sports programming, Finish Strong has placed an even greater focus on Pre-K and early elementary classes & leagues. We are 100% “FOR THE KIDS” – committed to growth, development, friendships and fun!
How long have you been in the kids’ athletics career space?
I have been coaching for 18 years! I feel extremely fortunate to have found my passion and purpose so early in life. In 2006 I first started as a volunteer coach at my former high school while attending college. Even after I started my post-college career, coaching remained the most passionate part of my life. I spent most of my “work day” thinking more about coaching and how I could improve in order to help players even more. As much as I enjoyed preparing for practices, strategizing for games and working on plays – it was the overall human growth and development of kids that inspired me to devote more serious time to coaching. At 23, I took the leap and decided to fully commit. The rest, as they say, is history! Finish Strong is now embarking on its 14th year of programming, and North Shore Stars is celebrating its 7th.
Tell us more about Finish Strong; what is the mission and what programming and leagues do you offer North Shore families?
Finish Strong is committed to making sports fun and engaging, so ALL kids learn and grow! We start programming at 3 years of age with our popular co-ed “Schoolyard Sports” classes. SYS classes are the perfect introduction for pre-K children to sports and cooperative group play. Each week our coaches work with 100+ SYS campers, teaching boys and girls how to move their bodies, work together and play ball! Our activities include a wide variety of adapted sports games, brain & body movement challenges, as well as fun team-building activities.
For elementary school children, we offer basketball & flag football leagues, as well as skills classes. New this year, we are planning specialty day-off school camps at Highwood Rec Center & Holy Cross Gym. These camps are a tremendous opportunity for new families to experience our amazing coaches and creative programming.
And on weekends we host nearly 300 sports birthday parties a year!
How does Finish Strong ensure that younger children (pre-K to grade 2) have a fun and engaging experience while also learning the fundamentals of various sports?
We believe in a SAFE (SAFE AND FUN for EVERYONE) approach to programming. Upon arrival, coaches enthusiastically greet all players which sets the stage for a positive experience. Our coaches’ enthusiasm and positivity make children feel safe, sparking a special high-energy learning environment.
We love teaching fundamentals, but we know families most appreciate the team-first approach we foster in our young athletes. We believe there is nothing like being part of a team and it’s important everyone is a part of the action and feels valued.
There is no doubt we do our best work when we teach teamwork accompanied with positive encouragement and sportsmanship!
With fall registrations opening up, what can parents and kids look forward to in the upcoming season’s programs at Finish Strong?
We love the start of a new school year! There is nothing better than getting in the gym after school with friends and getting active. All Finish Strong programming places a huge emphasis on being a great teammate and friend. With so many schools and communities represented in our programming, our leagues and classes play an important role creating new friendships.
Aside from regular sports programming, you mentioned that Finish Strong also offers birthday parties. Can you tell us more about what these parties include and how parents can book them?
We know how to party! To book a sports party with us, please contact the Highwood Rec Center at (847) 780-8084. Parties are 90 total minutes and scheduled at 12P, 2P and 4P on Saturdays or Sundays. Parties are run by our programming director Jason Chaplain (a.k.a “Chap”) and typically booked 3-4 months in advance. Please plan ahead if you would like us to host your next sports party. Feel free to contact Coach Chap (chap@finishstrongkids.com) with all party questions.
You also run North Shore Stars, a girls basketball league. Can you give us a brief overview of what North Shore Stars offers and how it complements the offerings of Finish Strong? How do parents sign their girls up for this league?
Yes! North Shore Stars first sprouted to give Finish Strong sisters a program of their own. Fast forward 7 years and Stars programming is an absolute force of its own. Girls hoops has taken over the North Shore and we now have 200+ girls from 10 different communities playing hoops. Visit www.northshorestarsbasketball.com for more information regarding our girls basketball skills classes, leagues and travel teams.
As families prepare for the back-to-school season, do you have any tips or advice for parents looking to keep their kids active and engaged in sports throughout the school year?
It’s never too early to start game planning for fall, because everyone’s schedules go from 0-100MPH as soon as the school year starts. That being said, there is nothing wrong with starting slow and making sure your child (maybe you, too?!) isn’t over-scheduled and overwhelmed. Get your feet under you and set your child up for a successful start to the school year. Trust me – our programming isn’t going anywhere!
What else would you like us to know about Finish Strong and North Shore Stars that we didn’t address above?
ENJOY THE RIDE! Whether it’s Finish Strong, Stars or any other programming . . . it’s important to make sure your family enjoys the ride! Our coaches make our programs a special destination for the entire family. Even as I reflect on my own children’s sports and extracurriculars, the ride ends sooner than we expect, so create and enjoy as many moments as you can!
Right on! How do we get started?!
If you have any questions regarding youth sports programming and camps you can reach me at ed@finishstrongkids.com or call/text our business phone line (847) 282-2596. Don’t forget to add us on Instagram @finishstrongkids, where we post weekly updates and fun content. Best of luck and hope to see you this upcoming school year!