Humble Leadership, Powerful Results: Coach Alieu and His Eastside FC Bellevue Teams

Eastside FC coach, Alieu Kamara, leads three Bellevue-based teams: B11 Bellevue, B14 Bellevue and B16 Bellevue.

Some coaches make an impact through their voices. Others, like Eastside FC Coach Alieu Kamara, do it through quiet dedication, humility, and love for the game.

Born in Sierra Leone and raised in modest circumstances, Alieu grew up treasuring the few hours each day he could spend playing soccer. His journey eventually took him to the United States, where he played semi-professionally for Sierra Delta in Virginia, a club made up of mostly immigrants from his homeland. But when an injury sidelined his playing career, Alieu discovered something that would change his life: coaching.

“I started helping out with a youth club in Virginia while I was recovering,” Alieu recalls. “The connection with the kids was immediate and the feedback I got from the club and the families was so positive. I realized this was my path.” Alieu stayed on as a full-time coach for three years before making the jump to Washington. 

“The connection with the kids was immediate and the feedback I got from the club and the families was so positive. I realized this was my path.” - Alieu Kamara

A Chance Encounter

While coaching at an overnight camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Alieu crossed paths with coaches from Bellevue who shared his passion for the game. They encouraged him to come to Washington, an opportunity that proved to be serendipitous. The constant rain was a challenge at first, but nine years later, Alieu has not only adjusted—he’s truly found a home.

Building Teams with Culture and Care

Since joining the Bellevue soccer community in 2017, Alieu has guided players of all ages, focusing on culture as much as tactics. For him, success begins with creating a team environment where every player feels supported and is held accountable.

He believes every player should begin with a clean slate, where hard work, respect, and team culture are non-negotiables. From there, he says, the soccer takes care of itself.

That philosophy came to life in 2024-2025 season with his B11 Bellevue team, which went undefeated and earned promotion to an upper division in Washington’s RCL. The achievement was a reflection not only of talent, but of culture.

B11 Bellevue player, Devon Bacon agrees.

"Coach Alieu is such a respectful person with a huge passion for the game, and that really shows in how he coaches us," Bacon added. "When we step on the pitch, we’re going to scrap for everything to get a good result."

“The core of the team has been together for years,” says Alieu. “New players who joined added to the chemistry in a really positive way. The boys work hard, they listen, and they play for each other.”

Alieu also leads the B14 Bellevue and B16 Bellevue teams.

B11 Bellevue and B14 Bellevue hold a joint training session at Bellevue College.

Recognition from Leadership

Eastside FC leaders have taken notice of Alieu’s approach.

A Coach Still Growing

Alieu continues to invest in his own development as well. He holds numerous certifications and is currently pursuing his USSF C License, alongside a sports management and scouting certificate. He sees every step in his coaching journey as a chance to serve his players more effectively.

When asked what motivates him, his answer is simple: “I love football, and I love helping kids. Coaching is the best of both worlds.”

The Bellevue Identity

For Alieu, the Bellevue teams within Eastside FC represent more than just soccer. “We’re a family,” he says. “The connection between players, coaches, and families makes everything possible. It’s the heart of what we do.”

As his players continue to rise, both in competition and in character, one thing is clear: Alieu Kamara’s quiet leadership is making a loud impact.

Note: Eastside FC has about a dozen boys teams based in Bellevue, Washington, which is about a 15-minute drive from its Preston, WA training facilities.