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Eastside FC, Mercer Island FC and XL are excited to announce a new partnership, effective for the 2026-2027 season and beyond.
XL represents the highest level of soccer within Mercer Island FC. Designed for highly motivated players who prioritize soccer as their primary sport, XL is a year-round, high-commitment program competing at the highest levels available to the club.
Previously offered in partnership with Bellevue United FC, the XL program will now operate as part of Eastside FC, providing a clear, aligned pathway for elite development moving forward.
The XL naming convention is being retired and those teams will be rebranded as Eastside FC West Maroon. Teams will now compete in the RCL and have access to the full developmental pathway at Eastside FC, including the ECNL.
Eastside FC Bellevue Red & White teams will continue to train in Bellevue, continue to compete in the RCL, and will also take on new Eastside FC West Red & White names.
All Eastside FC players, regardless of training location, will be part of the same developmental pathway.
Mercer Island FC select teams will continue to operate independently, but our two clubs will be more tightly integrated in terms of programming and pathways.
NOTE: Mercer Island FC and Eastside FC are both part of the EYSA, an association of clubs which collaborate to to promote Eastside FC as the premier soccer pathway in the region. This framework represents an opportunity to strengthen existing connections, and build a platform to provide growth and strength across the association.

Elite Clubs National League
Example Team
Tryouts
Training*
League
What will change?
Eastside FC ECNL
Preston
Preston
ECNL
No Change
Eastside FC ECNL RL
Preston
Preston
ECNL RL
No Change
* Training locations are subject to change from time to time based on field availability and scheduling requirements.
Regional Club League
Example Team
Tryouts
Training*
League
What will change?
Eastside FC Red, White & Blue
Preston
Preston
RCL
No Change
Eastside FC West Red & West White
Formerly Eastside FC Bellevue Red & White
Preston
Bellevue
RCL
Team Name
Eastside West Maroon
Formerly Mercer Island FC XL
Preston
Mercer Island & Bellevue
RCL
League,
Club Name,
Team Name,
Tryout Location
* Training locations are subject to change from time to time based on field availability and scheduling requirements.

Questions & Answers
What does this partnership mean for current Mercer Island XL players?
For the 2026/2027 season and beyond, Mercer Island XL teams will now be part of Eastside FC and take on Eastside FC West Maroon names, giving players access to our full club resources, programs, and development pathways, including ECNL and ECNL RL leagues.
Players who earn a spot on the newly formed Eastside FC West Maroon teams will continue training at Mercer Island, and potentially Bellevue.
Will Mercer Island FC still exist?
Yes. Only Mercer Island FC XL teams are impacted by this partnership, and will compete as Eastside FC West Maroon teams.
All other Mercer Island FC Select teams outside of the XL program will continue to operate and train on Mercer Island.
What does this partnership mean for current Eastside FC Bellevue teams?
Current Eastside FC Bellevue teams will take on new Eastside FC West Red & White names, and will otherwise be largely unaffected.
Who will be the coaches for Eastside FC West teams based on Mercer Island?
Coaches will be announced prior to Spring 2026-2027 tryouts, usually 10-14 days prior.
Where will Mercer Island players train next season?
Mercer Island FC Select teams will continue to train on Mercer Island will be unaffected by this partnership.
Mercer Island XL teams will now be part of Eastside FC, will take on Eastside FC West Maroon team names, and train on Mercer Island and, at times, in Bellevue.


