Eastside FC Concludes Another Successful Summer Coaching Internship Program

Eastside FC is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its 2026 Coaching Internship Program, continuing its commitment to developing the next generation of coaches through hands-on learning, mentorship, and meaningful experiences both on and off the field. This summer, six interns participated in the program, working alongside coaches across a variety of age groups and competitive levels.

The program provides aspiring coaches with a unique opportunity to gain experience in a competitive youth soccer environment while learning directly from Eastside FC's coaching staff. Throughout the summer, interns observed training sessions, assisted coaches, completed educational assignments, and gained valuable insight into player development, leadership, and club culture.

Led by Intern Program Director Hannah Deighton, the internship is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of coaching. Having begun her own coaching journey as an Eastside FC intern in 2020, Deighton brings firsthand experience and a passion for providing opportunities to future coaches.

"The goal of the program is to help aspiring young coaches develop a complete understanding of what coaching involves," said Deighton. "While session planning and game management are important, coaching is ultimately about leadership, communication, and creating environments where players can grow and succeed."

Learning Through Mentorship

Interns spend the summer working alongside experienced coaches, gaining exposure to different leadership styles and coaching philosophies while developing their own approach to the game.

For Eastside FC alumnus Elliot Spatz, who recently competed at Connecticut College and spent the summer playing for Ballard FC, the experience provided valuable perspective on his growth as a coach and leader.

"Understanding different coaching/leadership philosophies helped me understand mine both on and off the pitch."

Spatz's enthusiasm and commitment were noticed by the coaches he worked alongside throughout the summer. Eastside FC coach Victor King, a former intern who joined the coaching staff after completing the program, shared:

"It was a pleasure having Elliot as my coaching intern this summer. Elliot is dedicated to the game, committed to learning, and always ready to help the team improve."

Fellow Eastside FC coach Nick Ewing echoed those sentiments.

"Elliot was fantastic. It was clear immediately that he was very interested in coaching kids, not only for their benefit but because he wants to improve his own skills as a coach as well."

Together, their feedback highlights the curiosity, work ethic, and commitment to continuous learning that the internship program seeks to foster in aspiring coaches.

The opportunity to learn from experienced staff members also stood out for intern Aiden Salvador.

"I would describe it as eye-opening. Getting to work with many great coaches and players was truly an amazing experience."

Salvador specifically highlighted the impact of working alongside Eastside FC coach Tariq Walcott.

"One coach I enjoyed working with in particular was Tariq Walcott. His knowledge of the game is amazing, and getting to work alongside him and learn from him will definitely be one of the most helpful things as I continue to pursue this occupation."

These reflections underscore one of the program's primary objectives: providing aspiring coaches with meaningful opportunities to learn from experienced mentors while building confidence in their own abilities. The internship has also become a valuable coaching pathway. Since relaunching the program in 2024, three former interns have gone on to secure coaching positions, including two who joined the Eastside FC coaching staff.

Eastside FC would like to recognize all six members of the 2026 internship class for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to learning throughout the summer. The 2026 internship class included Elliot Spatz, Aiden Salvador, Carmen Looney, Sierra Carlson, Kiana Gutierrez, and Oscar Castanedo.

Interested in Future Internship Opportunities?

While the Coaching Internship Program is most active during the summer months, Eastside FC hosts interns throughout the year as well. Whether you're a current player, former player, college student, parent, or simply someone interested in exploring a future in coaching, we encourage you to learn more about the program.

Individuals interested in gaining hands-on coaching experience, learning from experienced mentors, and making a positive impact on young athletes are encouraged to contact Intern Program Director Hannah Deighton, hannah.deighton@eastsidefc.org.