Emerging Talents

Program Overview

The Emerging Talents program at EFC is designed to identify and promote younger players who show exceptional potential, driving development through consistent & competitive training at early ages.

Eastside staff will identify 16-24 U7 & U8 players annually. These young athletes will have access to additional and advanced training sessions in three 4-month sessions per year and will also have the opportunity to play in extra games, festival/jamboree weekends and even tournaments. Players in the program will also receive unique Adidas training gear branded for the EFC Emerging Talents Program.

Training groups within the program are not static throughout the year, so players can move in and out of the sessions as identified or as individual availability changes.

Program Goals

Provide accelerated & advanced development opportunities to the club’s youngest talents, while identifying new players to Eastside FC who are excellent candidates to develop into elite players. Provide additional attention to and help foster each player’s special qualities, helping to develop difference-making

attributes.

Player Identification

Players are identified for the Emerging Talents program by Eastside FC staff through our many development programs for young players. The EFC Technical Academies, Summer & Holiday Camps and the Junior RCL program are all places where our staff works to identify promising U8 and U7 players who may benefit from the additional training and heightened competitive environment offered in the Emerging Talents program. Families new to Eastside can request an evaluation from our staff by contacting us at troy.letherman@eastsidefc.org.

Player Development

To provide an accelerated player development pathway, sessions within the Emerging Talents Program will focus on technical quality through a competitive environment, promoting independent decision-making in a small-sided game environment (e.g. 1v1, 2v1, 3v3, 4v3). Our pathway is centered with a long-term view, as we look to build Eastside players of the future.

Sessions & Cost

Summer - $75 - BELLEVUE
Ages: U7 to U9
5 Sessions

Dates: Sunday July 30 and August 6, 13, 20 and 27

Time: 5:30-6:45PM

Location: Tillicum Middle School

Fee: $75

Fall - $150 - PRESTON & BELLEVUE
September to December
10 Sessions

Spring - $150 - PRESTON & BELLEVUE
February to May

10 Sessions

How many Eastside FC teams will be formed and operate out of Bellevue?

Eastside FC will form boys and girls teams in age groups where there is demand. All age groups will be listed on our tryout website page and a determination of viability for each group will be made prior to tryouts and communicated to the families that registered for tryouts.
Will Bellevue-based Eastside FC players be considered for Eastside FC’s ECNL and ECNL-RL teams?

Yes! All Bellevue-based Eastside FC players will be considered for promotion, based on the merit of their play, to Preston-based Eastside FC ECNL and ECNL-RL teams. If invited, it will be the players choice whether to move up.
Are the fees associated with Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams the same as the Preston-based Eastside FC teams?

Yes. Fee structures will be consistent across all Eastside FC teams.
Will tryouts in Preston and Bellevue be on the same day and time?

No. Tryouts for Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams will occur in Bellevue and closely follow tryouts for Preston-based Eastside FC teams. See the full tryout schedule which includes dates, times and locations.
What is the difference between a Preston-based RCL team, and a Bellevue-based RCL team?

All Eastside FC premier teams (both Preston-based and Bellevue-based) that play in the RCL will be placed in the competitive division that best suits their needs. Each team will develop their own competitive record of accomplishment which will determine future league placement.
Who will coach the Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams?

The Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams will be staffed with coaches of similar experience and qualifications as the Preston-based Eastside FC teams.
Is there a player pathway to the ECNL/ECNL-RL teams if I play on a Bellevue-based Eastside FC team?

Yes! Players may be offered opportunities to train and guest play with an ECNL/ECNL-RL team at Preston. Placing players at the right level of competition is very important and this typically takes place at tryouts. Situationally during the season, if a player is really excelling, they may be offered the opportunity to train, guest play or join a higher level team.
In what league will the Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams play?

Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams will compete in the Regional Club League (RCL) on the basis of their competitive strength. Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams will not compete in the ECNL or the ECNL-Regional League (ECNL-RL).
Will Bellevue-based Eastside FC players have access to other Eastside FC programs?

Of course! Eastside FC programming including camps, clinics, and other offerings like goalkeeper training are available to all Eastside FC players. 
If I live in Bellevue, can I try out for a Preston-based Eastside FC team? Can current Preston-based Eastside FC players tryout for a Bellevue-based Eastside FC?

Yes and yes. Eastside FC encourages families to choose the best opportunity for their player. Bear in mind, Preston-based Eastside FC will compete across multiple leagues including RCL, and the higher-level ECNL and ECNL-RL. Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams will compete exclusively in the RCL. We encourage players to try out for the Eastside FC team that best appeals to their goals and aspirations.
Where will the Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams train and play?

Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams will train and play primarily at locations in the Bellevue School District. (e.g., Robinswood, Wilburton, Newport Hills, Hidden Valley, Tillicum MS, Highland MS, Odle MS, Bellevue HS, Sammamish HS, Interlake HS, Newport HS and Bellevue College. Preston-based Eastside FC teams will continue to train primarily in Preston, with some rotation through Issaquah and Bellevue College.)
Can we join at any time throughout one of the four-month sessions?

Yes, players can be identified and invited into the program at any time throughout the year.
Can my son or daughter participate in other EFC programs or other sports while also taking part in the Emerging Talents Program?

Yes! The Emerging Talents Program is intended to augment a player’s current programming choices. So whether you are playing another sport or also taking part in an existing EFC program such as Jr RCL, Technical Academies or a summer camp offering, the Emerging Talents Program is meant to serve as additional training, not a replacement.
When and where are the training sessions?

Training sessions will be held on Sunday afternoons / evenings at Preston Park. For each 4-month session, the full schedule will be communicated and published at the outset of the training period.
Is there potential for an EFC Emerging Talents player to be promoted into an EFC U8 RCL team?

Yes, if EFC staff feels that the development of a player within the Emerging Talents Program would be best served by moving full-time into the U8 RCL program, the player(s) will be provided that option. Because there is some crossover between the programs, with current U8 RCL players also taking part in the Emerging Talents Program, there is ample opportunity to assess players’ development.
Can my son or daughter still participate in the Emerging Talents Program while playing for an EFC U8 RCL team?

Yes! The Emerging Talents Program training sessions are scheduled to not conflict with U8 RCL training. In fact, we hope many U8 RCL players decide to take part and gain an extra day of differentiated training each week.
How does the evaluation process work for players not currently enrolled in an EFC program?

If interested in the Emerging Talents Program but not currently taking part in any Eastside programming, players can contact the club for an evaluation. You will be directed to one of our currently operating programs where EFC staff will be able to assess the player for inclusion. Additionally, EFC staff can take players into the program for an evaluation upon recommendation from other coaches.
Do we have to commit to all the sessions in order to take part?

No, there are no set rosters for the Emerging Talents Program, so players in the program can miss training sessions when there are schedule conflicts.
What else can I do to help my child?

We suggest the following: Please do not coach your child during tryouts. They are nervous enough and don't want to hear you yelling out instructions. Be on time. This will help both you and your child relax before the tryout begins. Work with the ball and start running a few weeks prior to tryouts. Any extra workout is beneficial. Dress properly for the tryout as well as the weather, including proper footwear, shin guards, and water. Attend as many of the tryout days as possible. Make sure your child is hydrated and have eaten properly before coming to tryouts.
What is the policy on playing time and will players have the chance to play different positions?

Generally all players will play a minimum of 50% of every game. It does not make sense to pick players and then not play them. Playing time is done on merit and the only time we're playing time varies is during State Cup where emphasis shifts towards success and winning cups. The coach will work with the player to find the best position for them and the team.
How and when do we find out if my child has made a team?

You and your player will be called within 24 to 48 hours of the final tryout by a coach with an offer for a team at Eastside. Players who do not make a team at Eastside FC will be notified via email.
Do I need to register and pay multiple times for my child to tryout for multiple teams, or if we are undecided what team they will tryout for?

No. You only need to register and pay once regardless of what team or teams for which your child attends a tryout. Once players are registered at the correct age group, they are added to a master list and are eligible to attend any and all tryout sessions listed for their age group.
When are tryouts?

For information on dates, times and locations of Eastside FC tryouts, please visit the Eastside FC Tryout page.
How many players are picked per team?

Depending on the age group, teams can have 14 to 18 players per team. Our youngest age groups may have up to 10 players.
Does Eastside FC offer scholarships?

Yes, Eastside FC offers financial aid to help cover the cost of registration. Families must apply prior to tryouts. The forms are located on the Tryouts page near the top.
Can my child play high school soccer?

Yes. Most of our players at Eastside FC play high school soccer and our ECNL and RCL seasons accommodate the high school season.
Are there any other costs?

Yes, as with all premier soccer teams, there are additional costs like uniforms, team-related fees, and travel costs. Please consult with a coach or current parent to get a better idea of total costs.
Are all practices at Preston Park?

The majority of our teams train at Preston Park. Occasionally, Preston-based teams will use Bellevue College and Issaquah’s Central Park. This year we are also adding Bellevue-based Eastside FC teams which will train and play primarily at locations in the Bellevue School District. (e.g., Robinswood, Wilburton, Newport Hills, Hidden Valley, Tillicum MS, Highland MS, Odle MS, Bellevue HS, Sammamish HS, Interlake HS, Newport HS and Bellevue College).
How many days a week and how long are the practices?

Generally, our teams practice three days a week for an hour and a half for each session. Coaches can add and remove training sessions and alter training session durationat their discretion.
What is the registration cost to play at Eastside FC?

The registration cost for Eastside FC is in line with all premier soccer clubs and is around $2900. This covers registration, coaching fees, and all Eastside FC field and club management for the entire year.
Who are the coaches?

All of our teams, both Bellevue- and Preston-based,are coached by licensed professionals and have strong playing and coaching backgrounds. You can browse the coaching profiles on our Coaches page.
What if my child cannot make all or any of the tryouts?

We like to see all kids at as many tryouts as possible but also realize that sometimes schedules do not work out. Please contact us and will get you in touch with the coach to discuss any conflicts.
What do the evaluators look for?

We have some of the most experienced evaluators in the state and while they do a good job of seeing a player’s potential, sometimes kids get nervous. It is a good idea to encourage your child to be as relaxed and as active as possible so we can see more of them in a short time.
Can kids play sports or do other activities?

Yes. They must communicate with their coach and effectively manage their schedule.
What should my child expect at tryouts?

We try to make the kids as comfortable as possible. We do not spring any complicated drills on them; they simply play soccer.
How are the teams formed?

Teams are formed based on ability, with the ECNL forming the top team in each age group from U13 and up. Red teams will form the top team in U11 and below, with White, Blue, and Grey teams formed, based on numbers.
How do I register my team for the Eastside Cup?

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How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?

You can edit the title from the Settings tab in the app. If you don’t want to display the title, simply disable the Title under “Info to Display”.
How old does my player have to be to participate?

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What is the Jr. RCL?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get in Touch

Want to learn more about our camps and technical academies?

Troy Letherman

Emerging Talents & Head Coach
Troy.Letherman@EastsideFC.org