Walking the Tunnel: Honoring Our Eastside FC Seniors

Every year at Eastside FC, we pause twice — once in February for our Senior Boys and again later in the Spring for our Senior Girls.

Under the lights at Preston, training sessions slow. Balls are tucked under arms. And for a few minutes, the entire club gathers to recognize a group of seniors who have given years of their lives to Eastside FC.

Some arrived as little kids chasing a ball that seemed too big for them. Others joined along the way. All of them helped shape what this club is today.

On this night, our directors and coaches share a few words — heartfelt thank yous, encouragement for what lies ahead, and recognition of the character these players have shown. There’s laughter. There’s pride. And there’s a clear reminder that who they’ve become will always matter far more than any scoreline.

And then comes our favorite tradition.

From every corner of Preston, players make their way to Field One. U8s. U11s. ECNL players. Teammates, friends, younger players who have watched these seniors for years. Hundreds of players form a human tunnel stretching across the field.

One by one, our seniors walk through.

It’s simple. No grand stage. No spotlight. Just the sound of cleats on turf and applause from the club they helped build. It’s our way of saying thank you — for the early mornings, the extra reps, the leadership, and the standard you set.

You’ve left your mark here.

As you return to your high schools and step into whatever comes next — college soccer, new teams, new goals, new challenges — know this: you will always be part of Eastside FC.

Building Champions in Life doesn’t end with your final training session. While not every senior or senior coach was able to be with us that night, each of them remains an important part of this class and the legacy they’ve built at Eastside FC.

Once a senior. Always Eastside.