15 years professional playing experience in Europe and the US.
Played in the UEFA Cup in Italy, Holland, England and Belgium.
Seven years coordinating and training youth soccer programs in Europe and in the United States.
Chris (Hristos) Karabatsis was born in Pirgos, Greece, but grew up in Chicago. He came to the United States in 1977 at the age of eleven. At 16, he joined Apollo SC in the national league in Chicago and led the league in scoring for two consecutive years both indoor and outdoor. At Senn High on Chicago's north side, Chris led his team to a public league title and a third place finish in state his senior year.
Chris attended Aurora University and in his freshman year he led the team in scoring, and continues to hold the most goals scored in one game, and was on the team with the most matches won in a season with the Spartans.
Chris finally fulfilled his childhood dream to play professional soccer when he signed with Greek-American SC, a team that was recognized as the premier team in the State of New York. During his three year stay in New York he led his team to two league titles and one state cup.
While in New York, a European scout spotted Chris and he went to Panathinaikos FC in Greece, in the first division, and one of the twenty top teams in Europe.
Chris went on to stay in Greece for the next fourteen years. He played with four different professional teams during his career. His abilities on and off the field, hard work and dedication made him one of the most likable players in the country.
After a long and successful career that included many international matches all over Europe, one Greek league championship, and one league cup championship, Chris’ passion for the game and love for kids inspired him to start a new career as a youth program coordinator and coach.
In 2002 he came back to the United States and started coaching and training for Future Pros Inc, and he was also the Director of Coaching for the Chicago Freedom Soccer Club in Frankfort, IL. Chris has been the Director of Coaching for the Darien Dynamo Soccer Club in Darien, IL since 2004.
Chris’ passion for the game and love for kids is displayed in all of his training sessions. He goal is to teach young individuals all the great things he learned throughout his career and to help players become more passionate with the game of soccer, just as he was during his long and successful career.
