Monday, May 12, 2014

ECFC News


For Emerald City FC 
News, 
Camp and Clinic information and 
ECFC teams looking for additional players
 Please go to our website 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

2014-2015 Emerald City FC Tryouts

Boys U11-U15 and Girls U11-U18

Dates, Times and Locations Posted

Coaching Assignments Announced


Follow the links below for 2014-2015 Tryout Schedules and Registration


Please visit our club website at www.emeraldcityfc.org

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Class of 2014 Announcements - updated



Congratulations to the following Class of 2014 Emerald City FC players,


Sam AtkinsSAASEmory University
Gabriel Barrett-JacksonGarfield High SchoolOccidental College (soccer and track)
Ibra Drame*Nathan Hale High SchoolSeattle University (soccer)
Max LeachNathan Hale High SchoolUniversity of California, Berkeley (track)
Hunter HanayBishop Blanchet High SchoolUniversity of Washington
Blaine ThompsonUniversity PrepWhitman College (soccer)

* Ibra Drame played for M'95 Green and at U15 was picked for the Crossfire Academy program

Click here  for the ECFC Alumni page

Emerald City FC's New Website is now Live


Emerald City FC's new website is now live. Thank-you for your patience and understanding during this process. We hope that past, current and future members of our club will find the new website helpful to find out more about ECFC.

www.emeraldcityfc.org  http://emeraldcityfc.org

If you are trying to reach us and are having difficulty please try the above links.

ECFC Webteam

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

ECFC Club Calendar from April 2014 to October 2014





For Emerald City FC Tryouts, Summer Camps, Clinics etc
please visit our new website at www.emeraldcityfc.org where club calender information is on the right of the homepage.

You can go directly to the club calender by clicking here

Monday, April 7, 2014

Club Website Maintenance


Emerald City FC is currently doing maintenance to the club site.
Registration links on the new website will be available within a day or two.
Until then, to sign up for 2014-2015 ECFC Tryouts, please follow these links

Boys U11-U15 and Girls U11-U18 Tryouts

Returning ECFC Player Tryouts Registration

New Player Tryout Registration


Parents may review their account by following this link


Thank-you for your patience and understanding.

ECFC Website Team
http://www.emeraldcityfc.org/


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Emerald City FC Awards Night, Sunday April 27th

Former ECFC Player De'Andre Yedlin to Appear at ECFC Awards Night!

Emerald City FC is very pleased to welcome former Emerald City player and current Seattle Sounder, De'Andre Yedlin, to the ECFC Awards Night. During the awards ceremony ECFC  will be honoring DeAndre with a career achievement award.

PLEASE MAKE TIME TO ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT CLUB EVENT! 
This is the one time of the year when all teams within the Club join together to celebrate Emerald City and we could not ask for a better way to celebrate our 35th Emerald Year than to have DeAndre celebrate with us.

Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Ave NE ® Shoreline, 
WA 98155 
www.shorelinecenter.com

•     4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Potluck Dinner in Courtyard – each family brings enough to feed 4-6 people. The Club will provide pizza and drinks.
•     6:00 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. Awards Ceremony in Auditorium, including: Pivotal Player Awards, Silver Boot Award, Golden Boot Award, and more!

Mark your calendars and join us in recognizing the work and the contributions of our players, volunteers and coaches.  It takes every player on a team roster contributing what they can for the team to be successful. Similarly, it takes the contributions of every member of our club for us to be growing and having the success that we have had in the past year.

Come show your club pride and support. We hope to see everyone there!

Click here for 2013 ECFC Awards Night

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Youth Soccer Insider: DeAndre Yedlin: From ballboy to star (When They Were Children)

DeAndre at 10 years old

... “I was always on the sidelines of my uncle’s soccer games with Emerald City kicking the ball around and watching the games,” Yedlin says. “He was an older brother/father figure for me.”

His grandmother signed him up for a team as soon as he was old enough.

Dylan, says DeAndre, grew out of his soccer body and became a football star, a two-time All-American at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. DeAndre played for Emerald City and Northwest Nationals before joining Crossfire’s Academy team. When its coach, Sean Henderson, brother of Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson, moved the team to the Sounders, Yedlin came along. ...

To read the complete Soccer America article click here

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Emerald City FC Updates


Dear Emerald City F.C. Families,

It is an exciting time for the Club!  Director Emeritus Bobby Howe is being reinstated as our Director of Coaching ("DOC").

Bobby served as the Club's prestigious DOC during its peak years as Seattle's preeminent premier youth soccer club having previously been the Director of Coaching for the US Soccer Federation. Bobby graciously stepped aside from the role so that the Club could rebuild after the separation from SYSA but he never strayed far, remaining as a coach of numerous highly successful ECFC teams. Following the "player development" philosophy so strongly espoused by Bobby and indoctrinated into all our coaching staff, the Club has regrown and Bobby's reputation and expertise as DOC now return ECFC to the elite club stature to which it belongs. And Bobby is very pleased to be back: "It is an honor to have been asked by the Emerald City F.C. Board of Directors to direct the soccer component of this club and to help maintain its tradition of excellence.  I look forward to working with the players, the coaches and all our stakeholders to help them to understand and to apply our development philosophy which is the backbone of our mission statement."

At the same time, this change is bitter sweet and the Club extends its heartfelt thanks to Erik Oman who filled the role of "Interim Director of Coaching" and DOC during the past three years of regrowth. Erik's enthusiasm for the "ECFC way" is contagious and he created his own legacy as the Club's DOC. The Club has offered Erik a new role as "Technical Director" with oversight of the Development Program as well as continuing his passion for coaching youth teams. We hope he will remain with us for a long time to come.

Other changes in our 2013-14 year included Board adjustments. Steve Tanaka stepped down as president last November -- the Board and Club thanks Steve for his seemingly tireless efforts, between transcontinental flights, to make the Club bigger, better and stronger, and his ongoing volunteer contributions. We also extend many, many thanks to Bill Walsh who participated briefly as executive VP and is now leading multiple specialized marketing efforts, including uniforms, international club associations and more.  We are a volunteer organization, and the contributions of people like Steve and Bill make the difference between mediocrity and supremacy. Please consider what you can offer the Club.

You are always welcome to send questions, comments, suggestions and offers to volunteer. You can direct them to VPMembership@EmeraldCityFC.org and they will be forwarded to the appropriate contact.

Emerald City Football Club Board.
Go Emerald City FC!

Monday, February 24, 2014

ECFC M98 Green wins the 2014 WA Cup!


Congratulations to ECFC M98 Green, coached by John Hamel, for winning the 2014 WA Cup (U15 Gold Division).

Semi final penalty shootout winning save by Ryan Farley.
"Both the semi-final and final were gutsy wins by the boys.
The semi-final was tied 0-0 with 12 minutes left, when Franklin Pierce Fury got a penalty kick off of an incidental hand ball on the outer edge of the box. They converted it, and with their backs against the wall, ECFC pushed players forward with a sense of urgency and tied the game with 5 minutes left. After missed chances by both teams in overtime, two injuries, and two players who cramped up, the boys went to penalty kicks and made 3 out of 5, with our goalie, Ryan, saving two.
In the final on Sunday, the boys gutted out a 0-0 tie in regulation against the dangerous attack of the Gunners. The boys went back and forth with Issaquah into overtime again, both teams missing opportunities. With solid defending and goalkeeping, the score remained 0-0 and went to penalties. Penalties went into the 6th round, where we, ECFC, made the 4th goal and Ryan made a nice save to win the game. All in all, very gutsy performances where the boys never gave up, dug down deep to win battles when they had to, and did what they needed to come away with the championship."  Coach John Hammels recap of the weekends games.


Other notable results
ECFC M97 Green - Semi Finalists (U16 Gold Division)

Monday, February 17, 2014

ECFC M99 Green Pacific Coast Super Cup Finalists


Congratulations to ECFC M99 Green, coached by Bobby Howe, for reaching the finals of the 2014 Pacific Coast Super Cup.



Thursday, February 6, 2014

ECFC ANNOUNCES A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH UC SAMPDORIA OF ITALY’S SERIE A

http://www.sampdoria-northamericanacademy.com/Home.htmlhttp://www.emeraldcityfc.org/


Emerald City FC is pleased to announce a new partnership with UC Sampdoria from Italy’s top professional league, Serie A, starting with the 2014-15 season. 

http://www.globalimagesports.com/
Emerald City FC is joining a growing list of national premier youth soccer clubs as a UC Sampdoria North American International Academy partner club.  Emerald City, UC Sampdoria North American International Academy and Global Image Sports will co-sponsor a player identification camp this summer which will not only serve as a tremendous training opportunity for players of every age and gender, but selected players will be invited to attend UC Sampdoria North American International Academy’s residence camp.  Players who perform well at the national camp will then be invited to train with UC Sampdoria’s Academy players in Genoa, Italy.  Moreover, UC Sampdoria’s emblem will appear on Emerald City’s new uniforms for the 2014-15 season and ECFC teams which are able to make the trip to Genoa to visit UC Sampdoria during the Serie A season will be paired with an Italian team of like age for a match before UC Sampdoria takes the field for its match.   

A partnership between teams from Seattle and Genoa is a natural fit of two great port cities with a deep passion for soccer.  This partnership promises to a great opportunity for all Emerald City FC players to build new friendships and develop greater soccer skills in conjunction with a team from one of the world’s greatest soccer leagues.  Buongiorno e benvenuto, Sampdoria!

http://www.youtube.com/user/sampdoria


2014, Our Emerald Year ...

Our Emerald Year…
This year, Emerald City FC celebrates its 35th year and, appropriately enough, the gemstone associated with the 35th anniversary is…the emerald.  So, 2014 is the Our Emerald Year at ECFC and we are committed to making it our best year ever.  The strength of our club is showing in every way: our numbers are growing, our teams are winning, our players are developing, our programs are tremendously successful.

 We recently announced a partnership with a Serie A (Italy’s top league) team, UC Sampdoria of Genoa.  This will bring new training opportunities and a new international presence in our city to further enrich the culture of not only our club but the larger soccer community around us.  A new website and new uniforms are also in store for 2014.  Our residence camp returns to Fort Casey August 15-17—a great event (mark your calendars—everyone should plan to attend!).

By every measure, Emerald City FC is a shining example of what can happen when you combine the most talented coaches, the most dedicated parents and the most committed players and focus all of that energy on to a guiding principle of proper player development.  Emerald City FC sets itself apart in many ways, but above all things, we boast the best coaches and best development philosophy in the region—hands down.  Accordingly, as we move forward into 2014, we will continue to embrace a single standard: excellence—in all things.  So, cheers to all and may everyone shine during Our Emerald Year.

Bill Walsh
Executive Vice President
Emerald City FC

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Emerald City FC coaches and staff on the National Stage


Emerald City FC senior staff participated in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) annual convention last week. A highlight of the conference was a tour of the Philadelphia Union training facilities, including a visit with former M95 Green player Peace Brandon who is now a part of the Union’s training program. "The Philadelphia Union's Player Development / Academy Program is hands down the best in Major League Soccer.  The opportunity to see their facilities, meet with their staff and see how they are approaching the development of young people in the Union Academy Program was fantastic.  It was also very reaffirming in that we are congruent at Emerald City FC with the philosophy and vision that was evident in the long-term approach to the development of the young people in the Union's system." said Director of Coaching Erik Oman. "I was excited to visit with Peace and hear about how well he was doing in the Union Academy.  He felt that his experience at Emerald City FC had prepared him well for the step that he has taken in his life to be a part of the Philadelphia Union Academy Program."

The convention offers a multitude of workshops and continuing education opportunities, including both  lecture and field sessions on topics as wide ranging as technical and tactical components of the game, physical training of soccer players, psychological components of the game, long term player development, grant writing, fund raising, National Team reports, and focus groups related to directors of coaching, club board members, administrators, referees and others.  

As members of the NSCAA Academy National Staff, Erik Oman and Matthew Olson not only attended many sessions, they served as speakers and workshop moderators, each introducing several of the sessions during the week.  Erik focused much of his time on sessions related to club development, the NSCAA Club Standards Project and best practices research, long term player development programs, training the psychological components of the game and field sessions related to training the playmaker, developing vision and field awareness, and a demonstration by the Philadelphia Union Academy staff on the latest research in proper physical preparation and training of youth athletes.  In addition, both Erik and Matthew were invited to participate in the NSCAA Leadership and Diversity training event that preceded the start of the Convention on Tuesday.  

Ruth Nicholson, Emerald City Operations Manager, earned an NSCAA Club Development Diploma at the convention which included workshops on best practices in player development, models of club management, best practices and key roles in club operations, and risk management. She has also been invited to work with the Club Standards Project Coordinator in an upcoming advanced club assessment, as well as designing sessions for future on-line webinars.

Former Emerald City FC player, Aaron Kovar, chosen as Sounders FC next homegrown player



Emerald City FC would like to congratulate Aaron Kovar on being the second former ECFC player and Sounders Academy homegrown player to be signed by the Sounders FC. No other MLS club has signed three homegrown player contracts besides Sounders FC, were 2 of the players spent their formative development years playing for Emerald City FC.
Aaron Kovar, left mid for Stanford

For more on Aaron Kovar, his signing with the Sounders and life in Seattle, please click here

Sounders FC sign Aaron Kovar and Sean Okoli click here for the complete article.


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Emerald City FC players selected to the 2013-2014 PSPL Academy - Updated with '01, '00, '99 age groups


Congratulations to the following Emerald City FC players who have been picked to join the PSPL Academy:

PSPL G'00
Francis Thyer, F'00 Green

PSPL G'96
Clare Fuget, F'96 Green
Libby Niehoff, F'96 Green

PSPL B'99
Saku Carter, M'99 Green
Ryan Farley, M’99 Green
Avery Jacobsen, M'99 Green
Jack Bong, M'98 Green
Tanner Hannay, M'98 Green
Alex Whalen, M'98 Green
Owen Whalen, M'98 Green

PSPL B'98
Luca Barsher, M'97 Green
Raj Bhatia, M'97 Green
John Reynolds, M'97 Green

PSPL B'96/'97
Hossie Ellahi, M'95 Green
Mac Lyle, M'97 Green


What is the PSPL Academy Program?
The Puget Sound Premier League offers opportunities for top players from U8 to U18 to improve their technique and boost their exposure to college and national team scouts! Player pools are selected for U12 to U18 boys and girls teams at tryouts in October, December and January. Best players are selected to represent the league and the state of Washington in US Club Soccer PDP regional events and in national showcase tournaments. Players can train monthly, twice-monthly or weekly depending on the program and the competitive cycle.

Want to know more about the PSPL Academy? Click here