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

Coaching Assignments  2014-2015 Tryout Schedule Register for Tryouts Age Group Chart

Please visit our club website at www.emeraldcityfc.org

Class of 2014 Announcements - updated

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

Sam Atkins	SAAS	Emory University
Gabriel Barrett-Jackson	Garfield High School	Occidental College (soccer and track)
Ibra Drame*	Nathan Hale High School	Seattle University (soccer)
Max Leach	Nathan Hale High School	University of California, Berkeley (track)
Hunter Hanay	Bishop Blanchet High School	University of Washington
Blaine Thompson	University Prep	Whitman 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

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

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

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)

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.

2014/2015 Boys U16-U18 ECFC Tryouts, Tuesday February 25th and Wednesday February 26th

Please visit our club site for more information about upcoming 

Boys U11-U15 and Girls U11-U18 Tryouts

www.emeraldcityfc.org

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.



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

2013-2014 ECFC Futsal Program

2013-2014 Emerald City FC Futsal Development Program

December to January

For 7 to 12 year olds

Open to ECFC and Non-ECFC players

 

 

ECFC 18th Annual Holiday Indoor Jamboree - December 23rd

All U8-U18 ECFC players are invited to play in what has become a great holiday tradition for Emerald City, the Holiday Indoor Jamboree.

·  Monday, December 23rd at ARENA SPORTS – Magnuson

·  Co-ed teams formed in 2 age groups: U8-U13 & U14-U18

·  Players enter as individuals and will be placed on teams

·  Round robin format; teams playing as many games as possible

·  First games for younger group will start at 9:00 AM SHARP!

·  First games for older group start after 1:00pm.

· Jamboree is FREE for all ECFC players – Players are encouraged to bring a friend - also for free!

Entry deadline is Noon Friday, December 20th. 

Enter by sending an email to the link below. 

Include player’s name, gender and age group

 mark@emeraldcityfc.org

Please provide an email address and phone number that is monitored regularly.

Teams and schedules will be emailed to participants the day before the event.

You MUST print the Arena Sports release form and have your player bring it with them when they check in for their first game. NO FORM, NO PLAY.

http://www.arenasports.net/about-us/waiver-form

 

Questions: contact mark@emeraldcityfc.org

2013 Fall Boys and Girls Development Teams League Results

"We're excited about our teams results this season, not just for the records but for how they played great soccer on the way and improved every week. Growth, life lessons and passion all exhibited throughout the season. Great job Emerald City FC 'Dev' players and coaches."

A Sample of Fall 2013 Results....

Emerald City FC '04 (GU-9) Girls 1st Place - 8-0 record

Emerald City FC Green '05 (BU-8) (WA) 3rd Place Record 4-2-2

Emerald City FC Blue '04 (U-9) (WA) 4th Place Record 4-2-2

Emerald City FC Black'04 (U-9) (WA) 1st Place Record 8-0-0 in Div 3

Emerald City FC Blue '04 (U-9) (WA) 4th Place Record 4-2-2 in Div 3

Emerald City FC Green '03 (BU-10) 2nd, 6-1-1 Record in Div 2

Emerald City FC Black '03 (BU-10) 1st Place, 7-0-1 Record in Blue Division

Emerald City FC Blue '03 (BU-10) (WA) 4th Place 5-0-3 Record Blue Division

Emerald City FC White '03 (BU-10) (WA) 2nd Place 5-3-1 Record in Green Division

Matthew Olson
Emerald City FC, U8-U10 Development Program Director

 

Great results for our boys and girls dev teams!

Dear Emerald City FC 'Dev' Parents,

The coaching staff would like to thank all our Year-Around players, families, and volunteers for their participation and hard work in the 2013 Fall 'Dev' season. We hope the players have had a wonderful time over their two consecutive seasons - May/June and Fall. We are really proud of them, especially how they handled being stretched to new levels. In observing practices and games, we have seen improvement in the following key areas:

• Strengthened field skills
• Increased work ethic
• Healthy social maturity
• Confidence building
• A stronger passion for the game *most important *

A big congrats to all of our players, teams and coaches, as we had our highest number of girl's and boy's teams finish at (or near) the top of their respective divisions! At this young age, while our 'Dev' coaches are very competitive, our philosophy is to focus on the development of the player over the outcome of the game. These results reinforce that our program strategy and curriculum will yield desired results. Again, congratulations to all players. We are very proud of their commitment and ownership to their home practice, their team and their Club!

Upcoming ECFC Calendar of Events:
 

1. Spring 'Dev' Information. Program meeting January 28th with practices starting the first week of February and games played through mid-May.
Please pass the word onto other players who may be interested with registration closing when full. Drop Matthew a line with any questions or with names of players/parents/coaches who may be interested. A Staff coach can even come out to do trainings for local teams to generate program interest.

Sign up for Spring registration here:

https://emeraldcityfc.org/ecfc-development-teams/#Option%202-Spring%202014%20Season%20only

2. Post Spring Play Information for U8/9 and U10

• U8 and U9 players have a chance to play in our popular May/June Tournament program that lasts up to 5 weeks culminating with a tournament in mid-June. Sign ups available shortly.
• For U10 players, after Spring, these players will transition to the U11 age with ECFC tryouts at the end of April. This is the beginning of joining the 'upper club' where they play up to 8-9 months of the year.
• We recently travelled our U13 team to Spain and had a wonderful experience. We put this out now so our younger aged teams can begin to prepare for this opportunity. See the travel log and pictures on our Facebook site at: http://ecfcnews.blogspot.com/2012/07/m99-green-blogging-from-spain.html

3. Turkey Shoot. Our yearly jamboree for ECFC players and their friends. We will place players on teams or bring in groups at a team. Registration closes shortly: https://emeraldcityfc.org/ecfc-tournaments/

4. Holiday Jamboree for all ECFC Players. (Fall and Spring players included). A morning/afternoon of indoor soccer at Arena Sports. December 23, 2013.

5. Futsal. Stay tuned for information from the coordinator, coach Jesse Winship-Freyer.
 

For more information on ECFC and 'Player Development' philosophy, see our FAQ page at:

https://emeraldcityfc.org/files/2012/12/ECFC-Dev-Players-and-Parents-FAQ.pdf

Your children have a bright future in the club. Being part of the Year-Around program provides them with continuity of training and team play. Again, thank you for participating in the 2013 Fall ECFC 'Dev' Season. Drop a line with questions, your testimonials and feedback. We look forward to seeing your children at the upcoming events and in the Spring season.

Sincerely,

Matthew Olson and the entire ECFC Coaching Staff
Emerald City FC

-BU/GU 8-10 Program Director

ECFC Free Skills Clinic – For ECFC and Non-ECFC Players

 

This program is designed for ECFC and non-ECFC players U7-U13 interested in learning new skills in a fun environment.

 

ECFC players please feel free to invite your friends.

 

All players must register.
 

Who: ECFC and non-ECFC Boys and Girls U7-U13

Cost: FREE

Date: November 15th and 22nd
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Location: Ingraham – South Field (1819 North 135th St Seattle, WA 98133)
What to bring: A soccer ball, water bottle, soccer shoes and shin guards

(Registration is mandatory for insurance purposes)

Questions? Please email: info@emeraldcityfc.org

 

ECFC’s Bobby Howe and Matthew Olson invited to participate in this year’s NW Soccer Legends Night

Emerald City FC’s own Bobby Howe (ECFC Coaching Director Emeritus) and Matthew Olson (ECFC assistant DOC and Director of Goalkeeping) are honored to participate in this year’s NW Soccer Legends Night.
Says Matthew Olson, “I am excited to have been invited to take part.  I am looking forward to connecting with old friends and teammates.”
From the Sounders U23 Premier Development League official website,
“Tacoma, WA. – On Friday, October 25th, the Tacoma Soccer Center will host the 2nd Annual, “Northwest Soccer Legends Night,” for fans to retrigger fond memories of the top talent that graced the pitch in the Puget Sound. The night’s feature event will be an indoor match at 7:30pm, where two teams made up of past pros, will compete against each other. The two sides will be captained and coached by men who are both local and international legends; Alan Hinton and Jimmy Gabriel.
With 39 years of professional playing experience in Europe and the United States, and a combined total of 1,116 first team appearances, Jimmy Gabriel and Alan Hinton had plenty to pass on to their pupils when they became managers. Both men are also familiar with northwest soccer from their time as coaches for the Sounders and other Puget Sound teams.”
From the lineup:
Bobby Howe  (Pro Player 1966 – 1983, Coach 1977 – present) Bobby Howe played over 175 matches professionally in England with legendary West Ham United and Bournemouth. During his playing career, Howe lined up with England greats Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Jimmy Greaves. Bobby came to the USA in 1977 to play for and coach the NASL’s Seattle Sounders, and since the 1980s has been deeply involved in American youth soccer. He was U.S. U-17 national team assistant and then U-20 National Team Head Coach for four years. Howe also led the way for coaching education through the US Soccer Federation and served 12 years as Washington State Director of Coaching.
Matt Olson (Pro Player 1989 – 1997, Coach 1992 – Present) Matt Olsen is a goalkeeper from Renton, Washington. Olson played half of his college career at Indiana University where he won the 1988 NCAA National Title before transferring to Wake Forrest. Following school, he joined the pro ranks where he manned the goal for eight seasons. His career started with the Seattle Storm, and stints in MLS, Holland, Sweden, and the USL followed. Matt followed his playing days as a GK coach for various colleges and youth programs.
Read more, including the rest of the exciting lineup, here
Buy tickets at soundersU23.tix.com
Connect to the event on Facebook here