Elite Academy (EA) Program and Tryout FAQ
Emerald City Football Club has launched its Elite Academy (EA) Program. Tryouts for 2026–27 EA teams are happening this winter and spring. Read below for answers to common questions.
What is the Elite Academy (EA) League?
The EA League is one of the premier youth development leagues in the country. By joining this league, Emerald City FC will now compete against some of the nation’s best clubs, and offer our players a higher-level competitive pathway to reaching their goals.
How does the EA League compare with the Washington Premier League (WPL), where the Club’s Green, White and Blue teams currently play?
EA offers a higher level of competition than the WPL.
Will all ECFC teams play in the EA League *instead of* playing in the WPL?
No. ECFC will add six new teams for next season (2026–27), U13 to U18/19 boys’ EA teams, that will compete in the EA League. ECFC will still have Green, White and/or Blue teams for all age groups, each playing at different levels within the WPL.
Is there an EA League for girls?
The EA counterpart for girls is called the Girls Academy League. ECFC aims to join the Girls Academy League in the next few years.
How should players decide if they are ready for EA?
Green team players hungry for more growth, more competition, and more opportunities should try out for ECFC EA teams. Any other motivated player should talk to their current coach about EA and/or register for tryouts and show up to play.
For boys, what does it mean to try out for EA teams or for WPL teams?
Players interested only in joining a U13 to U15 EA team should register for the EA tryouts. Some players may be invited to return for WPL tryouts the following week if coaches feel they need to see more. Players interested only in joining a Green, White or Blue team should register for the WPL tryouts. Tryout registration.
What should a player do if they want their current team to stay together?
With the age-group change, the addition of the EA Program, and new players joining the Club through tryouts, every Emerald City team’s roster will look different for the 2026–27 season. The Club recognizes this may be upsetting to some players and families who value the chemistry and camaraderie they have with their current team. Coaches will work hard to ensure that new teams develop a bond.
If a player wants to play up, can they register for an older age-group tryout?
No. Players must register for their actual age group based on their date of birth, according to the new age group chart. If players are interested in playing up, they should speak to their coach in advance of tryouts, and then speak to on-field coaches following the first night of tryouts. Players must attend the initial tryout session with their actual age group, and may well be directed to continue with their age group for remaining tryout sessions after speaking with on-field coaches.
What should a family do if their player has a conflict and will miss one or more tryout sessions?
If a player has a conflict, s/he should talk to their coach ahead of tryouts, and let their coach know what their goal is for next season.
When will players hear if they are being offered a roster spot on an EA team?
Coaches may make offers to certain players in person at the conclusion of a tryout session, though more likely is that players’ families will receive an email or call from a coach within a few days following tryouts, but this may not be possible in all cases.
What will the practices and games be like for EA teams?
EA teams will meet three times per week. Most sessions will be on-field practices, but there may also be film sessions, team meetings or other team activities. Teams will play in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the EA League, so games will be mostly in the Puget Sound region or within Washington.
Who will coach ECFC EA teams?
Coaching assignments for the 2026–27 season have not been made yet.
Will EA teams play in out-of-town tournaments?
Yes. Families with players joining EA teams should expect travel expenses related to one or more out-of-town tournaments.
Will the Club registration fee for EA teams be more than foreGreen/White/Blue teams?
Yes, due to the additional practices/meetings, EA team registration will cost more than other teams. Families can expect a registration cost of $2950, plus a uniform kit, team fees and travel expenses.
Where can I find out more about ECFC’s EA program?
Find more information on our Elite Academy Program Overview page.
