Skip to main content

ECFC Development Program

Emerald City FC logo

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.

Registration for our Fall and Year-round sessions has closed and all teams are full. Check back for registration for our Spring sessions.
U10 Premier – New for the 2026–27 season

Our U10 Premier Team for the 2026–27 season has been formed, following the May 4 tryout session. The Premier roster is full. If you are interested in being placed on the waitlist for the Premier team, please contact ecfccoach@gmail.com.

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 while using more 1v1 and 2v1 scenarios to build passing ability and decision-making alongside individual skill. Our U10 Development teams are nearly full for the 2026–27 season.

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

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. Limited availability.

  • Boys’ U10 year-round: FULL
  • Girls’ U10 year-round: FULL

Fall only option: Cost is $800 (includes uniform kit). Teams train twice per week and play an 8-game fall season from mid-August through mid-November.

  • Boys’ U10 Fall only: FULL
  • Girls’ U10 Fall only: FULL

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-only registration is not yet available.)

  • Boys’ U10 Spring only: Coming soon
  • Girls’ U10 Spring only: Coming soon
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 with no pressure, just joy. Registration is open for the 2026–27 season.

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.

  • Boys’ U9 year-round: FULL
  • Boys’ U8 year-round: FULL
  • Girls’ U9 year-round: FULL
  • Girls’ U8 year-round: FULL

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.

  • Boys’ U9 Fall only: FULL
  • Boys’ U8 Fall only: FULL
  • Girls’ U9 Fall only: FULL
  • Girls’ U8 Fall only: FULL

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. (Spring-only registration is not yet available.)

  • Boys’ U9 Spring only: Coming soon
  • Boys’ U8 Spring only: Coming soon
  • Girls’ U9 Spring only: Coming soon
  • Girls’ U8 Spring only: Coming soon

Questions about the Development Program? Contact us at ecfccoach@gmail.com.