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Emerald City FC is opening up its Soccer Development Program to Youth Soccer Players aged U8 - U10. Click on the button below to sign-up for the Team Formation Event

ECFC Player Development Program

for U8–U10 Girls and Boys

Building Skills, Confidence and a Love for the Game

Philosophy:

At Emerald City FC, our Development Program is built on the conviction that every young player deserves a place to grow — not just as a soccer player, but as a person. We maintain a no-cut policy at the developmental ages because we want each child to have the opportunity to discover a genuine love for the game. Our goal is to place every player in an environment that is both physically and mentally challenging, while remaining fun, supportive, and encouraging. Over time, players naturally gravitate toward the skill and competitive level that fits them best.

As our Director of Coaching Emeritus Bobby Howe has written, it is paramount to provide playing opportunities where a player’s excitement for the game can be enhanced during what he called their “Golden Age of Learning.”

Youth soccer’s U8, U9 and U10 age groups, according to a new age-group formation system beginning with the 2026–27 season, correspond for most players to second, third and fourth graders.

Team formation sessions for 2026–27 teams will be held Monday, May 4.

U10 Premier – New for the 2026–27 season

For U10 players ready for a more competitive environment, our new Premier Team offers a year-round pathway, including tryouts for team placement. Premier teams compete in the Washington Premier League and participate in summer tournaments, giving a fantastic opportunity for players who want to challenge themselves at the next level.

The Premier track is designed for players and families committed to a full-year competitive experience. While the registration fee is the same as the Development Program, Premier players will purchase full uniforms separately and contribute to summer tournament fees.

What to expect:

Tryouts for team placement (Development players are placed without tryouts)

Two practices per week (Mondays and Wednesdays) with additional Friday sessions at
Seattle Parks fields

Fall and spring seasons with 8 games each. Games are 7v7 played in the Washington Premier League Development League

One to two summer tournaments

Year-round commitment with a 5-week summer session in June included

Registration: Club registration fee is $1530, which is the same cost as other development teams, plus the cost of two tournament entries. In addition, u10 Premier team players’ families will purchase a Club uniform kit which costs approximately $300.

U10 Development Program

At U10, players enter an exciting stage of growth. This is the perfect time to refine technique and begin developing skills under pressure — using more 1v1 and 2v1 scenarios to build passing ability and decision-making alongside individual skill.

Our U10 Development Program carries the same no-cut, no-tryout philosophy as our younger age groups. Players are placed on teams through a team placement process designed to create balanced, competitive, and supportive environments for everyone.

What to expect:

Two practices per week (Mondays and Wednesdays) with professional coaches at Seattle
Parks fields

8-game season each session, playing 7v7 in the WPL Development League

Games generally on Saturdays or Sundays, played mostly at Starfire Sports in Tukwila

Some optional Friday “Play Days” and other enrichment opportunities

ECFC uniform kit included with registration (except for U10 Premier option described below)

Year-round option: Cost is $1430 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play both the fall (mid-August through mid-November) and spring (late January through late April/early May) seasons, plus a five-week summer session June. This option offers the best value for families committed to a full year of development.

Fall only option: Cost is $800 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play from mid-August through mid-November. Fall league play consists of 8 games, 4v4 for U8 teams and 7v7 for U9 teams.

Spring only option: Cost is $700 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play from late January through late April/early May. Spring league play consists of 8 games, 4v4 for U8 teams and 7v7 for U9 teams.

U8 and U9 Development Program

Our young U8 and U9 players, typically second and third graders, thrive in an environment where soccer feels like play. For these age groups, our practices are built around fun games and activities designed to maximize each player’s time on the ball. The focus is on building coordination, confidence, and a natural feel for the game — no pressure, just joy.

What to expect:

Two practices per week (Mondays and Wednesdays) with professional coaches at Seattle
Parks fields

U8: 8-game season each session, playing 4v4 in a development league

U9: 8-game season each session, playing 7v7 in the WPL Development League (games
mostly at Starfire Sports in Tukwila)

Some optional Friday “Play Days” for extra training and fun

ECFC uniform kit included with registration cost

Registration options:

Families can opt to enroll their player for our year-round program, just the fall season, or just the spring season.

Year-round option: Cost is $1430 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play both the fall (mid-August through mid-November) and spring (late January through late April/early May) seasons, plus a five-week summer session June. This option offers the best value for families committed to a full year of development.

Fall only option: Cost is $800 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play from mid-August through mid-November. Fall league play consists of 8 games, 4v4 for U8 teams and 7v7 for U9 teams.

Spring only option: Cost is $700 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play from late January through late April/early May. Spring league play consists of 8 games, 4v4 for U8 teams and 7v7 for U9 teams.