THE 2021 TRYOUTS FOR THE ECNL AND RCL BEGIN ON MAY 10TH AND CONTINUE THROUGH MAY 21ST. LOOK FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION BELOW. THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED OFTEN SO PLEASE CHECK BACK PERIODICALLY FOR UPDATES!
The Elite Clubs National League, or ECNL is the highest level of club soccer in the United States, consisting of some of the best competition in the country. ECNL teams compete with other ECNL-level teams across the United States, both in their own region as well as National events throughout the year that brings clubs together to compete. This is the highest level of competition that Eastside provides and it is designed for the elite player looking to play in high-level colleges or potentially with the US National team programs. For the 2021-2022, Eastside will be offering the ECNL Regional League to our U16-U19 Red teams, giving ECNL opportunities to more teams than ever before.
The Regional Club League (RCL) is made up of the top 18 clubs of Washington Youth Soccer, and provides the highest level league play and player development in the state. Eastside FC fields boys’ and girls’ teams at all ages in the league, which outlines rigorous standards including criteria and levels of coaching licensure, player development curriculum and training guidelines to ensure a high level of competition. Some of these teams also qualify to play in the Far West Regional League or US Youth Soccer National League. Eastside FC has three-four teams per age group, with our Red, White, Blue, and Grey teams playing in various divisions in the RCL.
Issaquah FC is a select soccer partner of Eastside FC, consisting of recreational and select-levels of programming. Issaquah FC offers localized play that focuses on small-sided soccer for young players as well as seasonal play for players that are not focused on a year-round premier or National program. For more information on Issaquah FC, please visit their site at www.issaquahfc.org
Q: When are tryouts?
A: Please check the tryout page at www.eastsidefc.org/tryouts for your child's tryout date and time.
Q: What should my child expect at tryouts?
A: We try to make the kids as comfortable as possible. We do not spring any complicated drills on them...they simply play soccer.
Q: What do the evaluators look for?
A: We have some of the most experienced evaluators in the state and while they do a good job of seeing a players potential when they are nervous, it is a good idea to encourage your child to be active tomorrow we can see in a short time the better.
Q: How do we find out if my child has made a team?
A: You will be called within 24 to 48 hours of the final tryout by a coach with an offer for a team at Eastside. Players who do not make a team at Eastside FC will be notified via email.
Q: What if my child cannot make all or any of the tryouts?
A: We like to see all kids at as many tryouts as possible but also realize that sometimes schedules do not work out. Please contact us and will get you in touch with the coach to discuss any conflicts.
Q: How many days a week and how long are the practices?
A: Generally our teams practice three days a week for an hour and a half for each session. Coaches can add training sessions at their discretion.
Q: Can kids play sports or do other activities?
A: Yes. They must communicate with their coach and effectively manage their schedule.
Q: Can my child play high school soccer?
A: Yes. Most of our players at Eastside FC play high school soccer and our ECNL and RCL seasons accommodate the high school season.
Q: Are all practices at Preston Park.
A: The majority of our training is at Preston Park. However we occasionally use Bellevue College for training and games.
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: All of our teams are coached by licensed professionals and have strong playing and coaching backgrounds. You can browse their profiles at eastsidefc.org.
Q: What is the registration cost to play at Eastside FC?
A: The registration cost for Eastside FC is in line with all premier soccer clubs and is around $2500. This covers registration, coaching fees, and all Eastside FC field and club management for the entire year.
Q: Are there any other costs?
A: Yes. Uniforms, other team-related fees, and travel costs are added expenses.
Q: Does Eastside FC offer scholarships?
A: Yes. You must apply prior to tryouts. The forms are located in the tryout registration process.
Q: How are the teams formed?
A: Teams are formed based on ability, with the ECNL forming the top team in each age group from U12 and up. Red teams will form the top team in U11 and below, with White, Blue, and Grey teams formed, based on numbers.
Q: How many players are picked per team?
A: Depending on the age group, teams can have 14 to 18 players per team. Our youngest age groups may have up to 10 players.
Q: What is the policy on playing time and will players have the chance to play different positions?
A: Generally all players will play a minimum of 50% of every game. It does not make sense to pick players and then play them. Playing time is done on merit and the only time we're playing time varies is during State Cup where emphasis shifts towards success and winning cups. The coach will work with the player to find the best position for them and the team.
Q: What else can I do to help my child?
A: We suggest the following:
1. Please do not coach your child during tryouts. They are nervous enough and don't want to hear you yelling out instructions.
2. Be on time. This will help both you and your child relax before the tryout begins.
3. Work with the ball and start running a few weeks prior to tryouts. Any extra workout is beneficial.
4. Dress properly for the tryout as well as the weather, including proper footwear, shin guards, and water.
5. Attend as many of the tryout days as possible.
6. Make sure your child is hydrated and have eaten properly before coming to tryouts.
The Elite Clubs National League, or ECNL is the highest level of club soccer in the United States, consisting of some of the best competition in the country. ECNL teams compete with other ECNL-level teams across the United States, both in their own region as well as National events throughout the year that brings clubs together to compete. This is the highest level of competition that Eastside provides and it is designed for the elite player looking to play in high-level colleges or potentially with the US National team programs.
Beginning in 2021-2022, Eastside will be offering the ECNL Regional League to our U16-U19 Red teams, giving ECNL opportunities to more teams than ever before.
The Regional Club League (RCL) is made up of the top 18 clubs of Washington Youth Soccer, and provides the highest level league play and player development in the state. Eastside FC fields boys’ and girls’ teams at all ages in the league, which outlines rigorous standards including criteria and levels of coaching licensure, player development curriculum and training guidelines to ensure a high level of competition. Some of these teams also qualify to play in the Far West Regional League or US Youth Soccer National League. Eastside FC has three-four teams per age group, with our Red, White, Blue, and Grey teams playing in various divisions in the RCL.
Located right off the I-90 10-minutes from the 405, Preston Park is the home of all of Eastside FC's outdoor training and matches. Preston has two full-size fields, a 9-a-side field, and two 7-a-side fields. For training, Preston also has over 30 goals of various sizes for EFC's use, as well as over 50 yards of wall space for technical training. All of the fields at Preston are also equipped with film towers for game video.
Find out more about the leagues we play in, from the Elite Clubs National League to the Washington Regional Club League.
