ECFC M95 Green’s, Peace Brandons Region IV ODP Championships experience

The Region 4 Championships were held this year in Phoenix, Arizona, January 14th to 17th. This was one of the best soccer experiences I have ever had. To qualify for this tournament as a player we had to participate in the EPD pool trainings, where all the players picked for the pool to begin with come together to train. The coaches then pick the players that they want for the 18 to be on the traveling roster. We needed to pay for the uniforms and the trip itself, have a few more trainings just with the 18, and then we were set to go. Everyone arrived at the airport in the black ODP polo, khakis, and clean running shoes. Once we arrived in Arizona, we got settled in, and got our room assignments. We only had one light training throughout the whole tournament, the rest of the time we were playing games. I played right back the whole tournament. It was very hot during the day (and snowing in Seattle!), and cold at nights. I loved it.

We ended up winning the whole tournament, beating Cal North 4-0 in the finals. I would have to say our toughest game was against Utah, which was 1-0 and we scored in the 44^th minute off of a penalty kick. We also beat New Mexico, Arizona, and tied Colorado. Overall, it was the best soccer tournament that I have been to in my soccer career to date, and I hope to soon play there again. I am thrilled to have been a part of the team.

Emerald City FC would also like to congratulate Peace on being selected on the First Team of the Region IV 97 Boys All Star team.

Peace plays for Bobby Howe on ECFC M95 Green.

Congratulations to the following Emerald City FC players for making the EPD State Pool

Emerald City FC is very proud to have the following players selected for the 2011-2012 EPD State Pools

• Peace Brandon (ECFC M95 Green): B97 pool
• Jasper Malamud (ECFC M97 Green): B97 pool
• Bishop Washington (ECFC M99 Green): B00 pool

2011-2012 EPD State Pools

Emerald City FC wishes Josh a speedy recovery

(January 26, 2012 Seattle, WA) – UPDATE After a successful operation Josh returned home on the 25th evening and is now recuporating. The Vajda family would like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes.

(January 24, 2012 Seattle, WA) Josh Vajda (M97) was recently diagnosed with the heart condition, Superiorventricular Tachycardia of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, and will be undergoing a 5 hour corrective surgery on January 25th. Our thoughts are with Josh, Jame, Scott, and Makena. The whole of Emerald City FC wishes Josh a speedy recovery.

Jamie Finch, former Emerald City FC player, drafted by Columbus Crew

Emerald City FC would like to congratulate Jamie on being selected by Columbus Crew in the 2012 MLS draft. Jamie, a defender and one of the 3 captains, has had an outstanding soccer career at the University of Washington. He was invited to the MLS Combine and picked in the second round draft, one of a handful of local talent moving into the MLS this coming season. Emerald City FC wishes Jamie the best of success as he embarks upon his professional career.

Emerald City FC alumni George John joins West Ham United on loan

Former Emerald City FC player George John joins one of London’s storied football clubs, West Ham United, on loan from FC Dallas. John continues an Emerald City FC connection with West Ham now joining the likes of our very own Bobby Howe, ECFC Director of Coaching Emeritus who played for West Ham for 10 years. Last season George John was rumored to be signing for Sam Allardyce and Blackburn Rovers but a deal could not be agreed upon by the MLS. This season Sam Allardyce, who now is the manager of West Ham, brings John with him as he wheels and deals in the January transfer window. For the official WHU press release click here.

2012 Spring Boys and Girls U8-U10 Development Teams Registration Now Open

As 7 to 10 years of age are crucial years in a young players development, Emerald City FC has put in place a specific program designed to recognize the importance of nurturing the young aspiring soccer player.  Our professional, licensed coaches create environments to stimulate passion for the game, build fundamental skills and provide the foundation for future soccer enjoyment and opportunities. Using the US Soccer Federation Best Practices for Player Development as the basis of our training philosophy and a club-centric model to developing young players, Emerald City FC continues its 30+ years of leadership in developing soccer players and successful young people. 

Spring Dev Season details:

• Season begins the last week of January and continues through mid-May.
• Girls teams train twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00pm-6:30pm.
• Boys teams train twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00pm-6:30pm.
• Practices are on Seattle area school turf fields.
• Girls teams will be playing on Saturdays.
• Boys teams  will be playing on Sundays.
• Younger dev teams will be playing 8v8 while the older dev teams will be playing 9v9.
• All teams in the PSPL play in one location, the Sounders FC, Starfire Sports Complex, Tukwila.
• Registration fees include all field rentals, league registration, referee fees, player card, coaching fees, a ball and a uniform kit.  

For more information, please contact ECFC Director of Development, Matthew Olson at mattygk1@yahoo.com

Click here to register for the 2012 Spring U8-U10 Girls Development teams

Click here to register for the 2012 Spring U8-U10 Boys Development teams

Congratulations to Emerald City FC alumni

Percival	Former ECFC players named to NWC team Brian Percival, captain and senior at Whitman College, has earned All-NWC soccer honors for a second straight season while Cooper Schumacher, defender and sophomore, earns his first selection to All-NWC team honors. To read more click here Other players of note from ECFC at Whitman College include Chris Perkins and  Reid Shaw	Schumacher
Brandford	Former ECFC player and now Occidental forward, Marcus Brandford, named to the all SCIAC league-second team. Marcus also played on Emerald City FCs U19  team this summer and plans on returning to play on the team again next summer.

 To report Alumni updates please email coach Matthew Olson. To read more about former ECFC players please click here.

ECFC U17 trains with ECFC WPSL team