Proven Player, Proven Coach: Erin Vaughan Joins Eastside FC

Eastside FC is excited to announce the addition of accomplished coach and former international player Erin Vaughan to its coaching staff. Vaughan joins the club after most recently serving with Washington Surf, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience and a high-level playing background in both England and internationally with Wales.

A former Aston Villa Ladies player and Wales international, Vaughan has built a strong reputation in the Pacific Northwest for developing technically sound, confident players who understand the game. Her coaching philosophy centers on “possession with a purpose,” blending technical excellence with decision-making and team play.

“Erin is exactly the kind of person and coach we want at Eastside FC,” said Tom Bialek, Director of Soccer. “She’s passionate, driven, and deeply committed to player development and the game. She understands how to balance competitiveness with long-term growth, and she’s going to make an immediate impact across the club.”

Vaughan’s coaching journey began in England with the Football Association and Wolverhampton Wanderers Girls Centre of Excellence, before continuing in Washington after relocating in 2014. She holds a USSF B License and a range of additional certifications, and continues to pursue the highest levels of coaching education.

“We’re thrilled to bring Erin into our program,” said Sean Morris, Director of Eastside FC West Maroon. “She has an incredible ability to connect with players while pushing them to grow, and her desire to form a strong community connection within a club—particularly for female players—really stands out. That aligns perfectly with the ethos of both Eastside FC and Mercer Island FC. Her energy is contagious, and her experience at the highest levels is evident in how she teaches the game.”

At Eastside FC, Vaughan will lead and develop the girls program within Eastside FC West teams—our Mercer Island- and Bellevue-based teams—while also serving as head coach and leading the Girls Junior Program at MIFC. Her teams will be named soon.