ECFC Program
Emerald City Football Club (ECFC) understands that all youth soccer players will enjoy their experience and learn at an exponentially faster rate if they are placed in the appropriate setting. Our fun, popular ‘Player Development Program is similar to the development models used at top European and South American soccer clubs and provides an ideal atmosphere for young players to learn and play.
ECFC has a no-cut policy at the developmental ages – We want each individual player to have an opportunity to learn and develop a love for the game of soccer. Our goal is to place every single player in an environment that is both physically and mentally challenging for growth and development. Over the course of time, players tend to gravitate towards the skill and competitive level that best fits them (as an individual).
As our Director of Coaching Emeritus Bobby Howe has written in several of his soccer education books, it is paramount to provide playing opportunities where a player’s excitement for the game can be enhanced during their ‘Golden Age of Learning.’ Please see our FAQ’s for Development Program Philosophy and Vision here.
What our development program provides
Our fun development program offers a great educational experience for all youth soccer players.
6-8 year olds:
- Practices should be based on fun and games
- Players should spent maximum time in contact with the ball to build coordination and skill with the ball
9-10 year olds:
- Perfect time to work on developing techniques and skills
- 1v1 and 2v1 is used more to continue developing technique under pressure and begin to build passing skills
Schedule and Program Structure (“Fall” and “Spring”)
ECFC structures its U8-U10 development program around two distinct playing seasons during the year, that are each approximately three months long. Families can sign up for one or both sessions. All training sessions in the development program are on Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting at 5 PM or 5:30 PM, dependent on the venue. All league games (in the fall and spring) generally take place on Saturdays or Sundays and are usually at the Starfire complex (near Southcenter Mall in Tukwila) but can be played at other locations such as Magnusson Park, Salmon Bay, Woodinville, Marysville or Ravensdale.
Note: only the U10s will participate in the PSPL league. U8 and U9 will typically be in-house training with scrimmages or other games arranged.
- The “Fall” season begins training in mid-August with an 8-game season (in the Puget Sound Premier League), which ends in mid-November.
- The “Spring” season begins training in later January with an 8-game season (in the Puget Sound Premier League) that ends in late April or early-May.
ECFC also offers additional programs during the year for its “Dev” players, including Friday “play days,” summer camps, and a winter Futsal program. (See below for more information about these programs.)
*Please click here for the Age Group Chart to determine the appropriate team for your player.
Registration options
There are two options to register for Emerald City FC’s Development programs. You can either register for each session individually (“Fall” and “Spring”), or if you commit to both sessions (“Year Around”), you can save $100.
To sign up for a Development Program or Team please select from the choices on the right for all current open registrations.
- Year Around ($1350)
Includes both ECFC Dev seasons: Fall season (mid Aug. to mid Nov.) and Spring season (late Jan. to late Apr. or early May). Participants will enjoy twice weekly training with professional coaches, an optional third training session during the Friday ‘Play Days,’ league game play for each of the Fall and Spring seasons (in the Puget Sound Premier League for U10). Included is an ECFC uniform kit and ball.
- Fall Season ($800)
Our fall season kicks off in mid- August. Training twice per week with professional coaches and includes an 8- match league schedule in the Puget Sound Premier League (for U10). U08 and U09 play games “in house.” Games start in mid-Sept and end by mid-November. Optional third training sessions may be provided during the Friday “Play Days.” Included is a uniform kit and ball (one kit per year).
- Spring Season ($650)
Our spring season kicks off in late January. Training is twice per week with professional coaches and includes an 8-match league schedule in the Puget Sound Premier League (for U10). U08 and U09 play games “in house.” Games start in mid-March and end by mid-May. Optional third training sessions may be provided during the Friday “Play Days”Included is a uniform kit and ball (one kit per year).
For Program Fees please click here. For questions about the Emerald City Football Club Development Program, please email CJ Hamel, cjhamel3@gmail.com.
2022-2023 Development Program Coaches:
- CJ Hamel – Program Director
- Nicky Hamel
- Lucas Isler
- Anders Hirst
- Kyla Ferry
- Elliot Falor
