Riley Borman's Rise to ECNL

At just 16 years old, Riley Borman’s journey through Eastside is a clear example of what steady development and readiness can look like when opportunity shows up. A striker and winger for the newly formed BU17 ECNL team, Riley doesn’t overcomplicate why he plays the game. For him, it’s about the experience and the people around him—the memories built with friends through competition, training, and shared moments on and off the field. That simple foundation has shaped a player who has steadily grown into higher levels of the game by staying consistent and embracing each challenge as it comes.

Riley’s Eastside story began in 2024 with the Bellevue squad, where he first entered the environment and began to find his rhythm. Early in his time with the club, he was given an opportunity to guest play with the ECNL RL 09 team at the Rainier Challenge, and he made it count immediately, scoring four goals in the tournament and standing out with his impact in the attacking third. That performance led to a permanent move up to the RL team, where he continued his momentum and finished the season with more than 10 goal contributions. From there, his path continued to evolve as he balanced time between training environments, staying active in both RL and ECNL spaces as opportunities shifted and opened up throughout the year.

"I had the pleasure of training Riley over a short period of time on my Bellevue 09 squad before he was quickly snapped up by the ECRL team in the summer. I saw his quality in tryouts and was thrilled to have the chance to work with him. His kind attitude, top work ethic and obvious strength in the attacking third make him an obvious choice for a high-level team, so I'm not surprised at all to see that he has ended up at the ECNL level. Congrats and keep going Riley!" Coach Josh Chasan, B09 Bellevue

The transition into higher levels wasn’t just about performance—it was about proving he could adapt. Riley describes the feeling of being promoted as a moment where his individual work away from team settings started to pay off, but the real test came in adjusting to new coaches, teammates, expectations, playing styles and speeds. That adjustment period is often where players either settle in or struggle to find consistency, and for Riley, it became part of the growth process. A key moment of realization came during ECNL training sessions, where he recognized that he could not only participate but keep up with the pace and intensity of the environment. That confidence didn’t come from a single moment, but from repeated exposure to higher standards and choosing to meet them head-on.

"Riley guest-played for the ECNL-RL team in a couple of summer tournaments, where he showed a knack for making late runs and scoring at least once in every game. We quickly moved him to our roster full-time.

Riley worked really hard on all facets of his game, taking to heart all the feedback and information we gave him. He learned how his movement without the ball could unbalance defenders and how to create scoring opportunities for himself inside and outside the box. When you combine natural talent with a passion for improving your craft, there's no limit to what you can achieve," David Wharton, ECNL RL Coach

Like many players moving up levels, the hardest part wasn’t technical ability—it was adaptation. New environments require quick learning, both socially and tactically, and Riley had to adjust to different systems, roles, and expectations while continuing to perform. To meet those demands, he focused heavily on game-specific scenarios, especially those he would encounter as a striker. That preparation helped him build confidence in key attacking moments, so when chances appeared in matches, they felt familiar rather than overwhelming. Alongside that, he places a strong emphasis on confidence itself, recognizing how important mindset is in performance. His motivation is also deeply rooted in his support system—his family, coaches, teammates, and faith all play a major role in how he approaches both success and challenge. He is especially appreciative of the sacrifices his family has made in time, money, and support to help him pursue the game at a high level, as well as the trust his coaches and teammates have placed in him along the way.

For players still working their way through lower teams and hoping to move up, Riley’s message is direct and practical. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to develop your craft while actively communicating with coaches about areas for improvement. He also highlights a simple but often overlooked truth in youth soccer: opportunities don’t disappear—they go to someone else. That mindset, for him, reinforces the importance of staying ready and continuing to work, even when immediate rewards aren’t visible. His own motivation is tied closely to his faith, which he credits with giving him strength and consistency in his approach to the game.

Outside of soccer, Riley enjoys traveling with friends and has recently developed an interest in sports photography, which gives him a different lens through which to experience the game. It reflects a broader awareness of moments—both creating them on the field and capturing them from the outside. His proudest achievement so far is moving from the Bellevue team into ECNL within roughly a season and a half, a progression that reflects both his development and his willingness to step into higher levels when called upon.

Riley Borman’s journey is still early, but it already reflects a pattern that defines many successful players: stay ready, embrace opportunity, and keep showing up when the level rises.

"Riley’s journey is one we are all proud of and shows what can be accomplished when consistent hard work, a great attitude, and on-field ability intersect with opportunities. Riley joined our Bellevue team because of the competitive level of the team, great coaching, and he knew that if he was dedicated to putting in the work, he could reach the ECRL and ECNL level. Great work Riley" Coach Andrew Dortch, BU17 ECNL