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[lastplanet]

This is something I sent to U10 parents on my recreational team re select soccer options in Seattle Metro area.  I thought I'd post it here since it might be useful to U10/U11 parents reading the forum and to get others' take, experience and edits.  I tacked on a 'history' and 'what it means to families' bit too, which I did not send to parents (TMI) but this might be more interesting to others since they may have very different opinions on this.  BTW, my own kids have played on both SU and ECFC teams.  Kids I've trained in the SYSA rec program from U7-U11 ended up on SU RCL, SU regional, ECFC and independent select teams.

Since it's spring, I'll break this down into spring and fall options.

For Spring here are the U10/U11 options that I know of.
** Join a SYSA recreational team.    Sign-ups are in February at www.sysa.org.  Cost is about $50 for spring season.  Level of play unfortunately will be a bit random unless you know a team with space.  SYSA assigns players without a team.  Many teams do not have practices in spring; it's more a pick-up league in spring (unlike fall).
** Join a Arena Sports indoor team; they have house teams.  Leagues start every 2 1/2 months about.  Playing on a house team means you play at the "rec" level.  There are U11 select level divisions, but you'll have to contact those teams directly somehow.
** Seattle United spring Player Development Academy U8-U13.  Fridays.  No games.  They divide by ability so it's all levels, rec to high select.
** ECFC spring season.  Select level.  They have U8, U9, U10, and U11 teams in the PSPL.  Two-three practices a week plus 8 games.
** Seattle Celtics spring season.   Select level play at U8-10 level in the PSPL.  2 practices a week plus 8 games
** Note Coerver-NW also offers year-round once-a-week select-level training.

The real action starts in May, when players tryout and commit to fall teams.   But first here are your recreational options.
SYSA runs the biggest U7-U11 rec league.  The SYSA rec registration is in May although the games start in September.   This early date catches newcomers by surprise and it is rare that you can get on a U7-U11 team if you sign up late.
The CYO league is run by the Archdiocese of Seattle.  It's big, something like 70 1st grade teams compete in this.  But it's just the Catholic schools.
Arena Sports runs a massive U8-U9 program at Magnuson with year-round youth leagues.

The rest will focus just on select soccer options within the SYSA boundaries (basically Seattle proper).

For Fall select soccer.  Tryouts are in May for select teams after the end of spring season.
Seattle United   www.seattleunited.com
SU is part of the Washington Youth Soccer Association (WYSA).  SU has 2 all-city teams at the highest state level (called RCL teams) and 6-8 regional teams.  SU gets a lot of players at tryouts and can be (and is) selective even at the regional team level.   SU offers a good Friday night Player Development Academy (PDA).  I recommend that any U10 who wants to tryout for SU, should do the PDA (unless they are playing on a independent select team) so they get their speed of play up in prep for try-outs.  SU plays in WYSA leagues; regional teams play in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL) in the fall.  Two practices a week are standard for U11 regional teams, but they also offer a third optional training (Speed, Agility, Quickness training or Advanced Player Development) for an extra fee.  The RCL U10/U11 teams would have 2-3 practices a week.  Length of season for regional SU teams seem to vary by team.  Some only do fall league (Sept-Nov) and state cup (Dec-Jan) while others go 10 months and add friendlies in spring or a spring league (i.e. games).     Summer tournaments vary by team.  Offer U10 development teams at a high level (play in the RCL development league).  U10 teams are formed tryouts in the fall.

Emerald City www.emeraldcityfc.org
ECFC was part of WYSA until 2009 but is now independent and part of US Club.  ECFC has 1-2 teams per age (A and B teams).  ECFC does not have tryouts per se at the U8-U11 levels.  Players come to practices during 'Open Training' seaons and together parents and coach decide if it is a good fit (assuming the team has room).  At the younger levels (U8-11), 'good fit' means attitude, work ethic and whether they enjoy training in a disciplined manner 2-3 times a week for 10 months.  It doesn't necessarily mean current skill-level.  Note, this doesn't apply to the older teams which would have more typical competitive tryout system.  ECFC teams play on a diversity of levels --- some older teams play at the highest level in the state but the younger teams play at the regional select level.   Two practices a week plus an optional 3rd practice.   U11 season is 10 months with fall league (Sept-Nov), spring league (Feb-Mar), and WA Cup (2 weekends in April/May).  Summer tournaments vary by team. U10 calendar is shorter; 6-months with a fall and spring league.

Cost for ECFC and regional SU teams (with paid coaches) are similar; it works out to about $200-250 a month plus about $300-500 in uniform+team fees.  The season lengths are different for different teams and clubs, so I think it's best to look at it as the per-month cost.   SU also has 'community' select teams and those are definitely a bit cheaper.

Seattle Celtics http://www.seattleceltic.com/
The Seattle Celtics are a new independent club in Seattle.  The club looks like is was organized by the coaches of a U13 independent select team called the Blue Arrows (but I'm just guessing).  The club is focusing on forming U8-U10 teams now and are probably aiming to form a U11 PSPL team for fall.  I don't know much about them but the Blue Arrows are a good team.  Cost seems a lot lower.  Website says $200 for spring season (3 months).

Independent select teams
I only know of one independent U10 team playing in the PSPL from Seattle proper: Falcons of Seattle.  But by their nature, independent select teams are hard to find.  The best way is to watch the PSPL (http://www.pugetsoundpremierleague.com) development league.  This is where independent U8-U10 teams will play.  Why consider an independent team?  Well, it's often a lot cheaper.  Maybe you missed tryouts or want to 'pick' your team instead of being picked.  Maybe you don't like the whole 'tryout' aspect of select soccer.   But often it is a group of kids who want to stay together and organize around a coach who wants to work independent of a club.  My observation is that sometime between U11-13, independents find a club to be part of.  Tynecastle (Everett) seems to provide a home to a number of Seattle Metro area independent teams (e.g. the U11 Bellevue Outliers now called Tynecastle Outliers).

Outside of Seattle options (I limited this to a ca 30min travel time w/o traffic from center of Seattle)
NW Nationals, trains in Lynnwood/Mountlake Terrace area, 2 RCL teams per level
Crossfire, trains in Redmond, 4+ RCL teams per level, has U8-U10 development program, teams compete in RCL Jr Academy League and PSPL Dev League
Greater Renton FC, trains at Starfire, U8-10 development program, teams compete in RCL Jr Academy
Tynecastle FC, Mill Creek?, South Everett?, US Club club, has academy program for age 4-10

History
There are currently 2 types of associations in WA.  Those associated with the state soccer association: USYSA-->WYSA-->SYSA   and the independents.   Starting in late 2000s, WYSA started trying to merge clubs so clubs would have bigger players bases and the top players would be funneled better to form strong top-level teams (my view; others might have a different take).   This is happening statewide, but it had a dramatic effect on Seattle.  Prior to 2009, there were 13 select clubs in Seattle.  Only one of them, ECFC, was allowed teams that played at the highest state level.  In 2009, SYSA (Seattle Youth Soccer Association) decreed that all select soccer in Seattle would happen through a new club called Seattle United (SU).  The 13 individual clubs were to close their U11-14 teams and their U11-U14 players would have to join SU. Their coaches could apply to SU.   12 clubs did this.  ECFC refused.  As a result, SYSA  suspended ECFC from SYSA.  Because they were suspended from SYSA, ECFC could not play in any WYSA leagues.  ECFC left SYSA (and consequently WYSA) altogether and became affiliated with US Club.  ECFC lost most of its players in the (messy and acrimonious) process and is rebuilding its player base (now back to ca 50% pre-2009 but at a overall lower level of play).  However, SU has by far the largest player base in Seattle.  SYSA has a large recreational base (ca 35 teams at the U10 level and 25 at U11) and players in the SYSA recreational program tend to stay with SYSA (and SU) if they want to play select.

Different, smaller, versions of mergers and breaking away were and are happening around the state.   Independent clubs began springing up in the Puget Sound area that did not want to be part of the WYSA (for various reasons and there are heated views on this) and became US Club operations instead where they can operate independently of the state association.  These Puget Sound area independent clubs now compete in the Puget Sound Premier League (http://www.pugetsoundpremierleague.com).   Quite a few of these have sprung up in the Puget Sound area, though their player numbers are quite a bit lower than the WYSA clubs and their teams tend to play at the regional select level.   The highest level of play in the state is in the RCL (a state-wide league) and only designated WYSA clubs are allowed to have teams in the RCL.  The RCL clubs in the Seattle Metropolitan area are SU, Crossfire, Eastside, and Northwest Nationals.  Non-WYSA clubs can compete at the highest state level, via the Northwest Champions League (NWCL), which is designed to bring together the top teams from ID, OR, and WA.  But realistically smaller clubs have a hard time making that level (or making the top half of the bracket when in the NWCL) due to much smaller player bases and because they continually bleed talent to the RCL clubs.  

The two SU RCL teams compete in the WYSA RCL league, a state-wide league.  There are 4 levels (divisions) in the RCL.  The SU regional teams (at least the younger ones, I haven't looked at all age levels) compete in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL).  In 2011, there were 2 levels at U11 so SU regional teams compete against each other (plus obviously other regional teams).  For the non-WYSA clubs (or WYSA clubs that choose not to compete in a WYSA league), the PSPL offers two divisions at the regional select level (Classic and Copa).  The highest level (Super League) is still below RCL division 1 or 2 (my opinion, but that's how it looks to me).  If I had to guess, I'd say Super League is about RCL division 3 & 4 level.  Note, a number of non-RCL WYSA teams are probably at that level too but are not allowed to compete in the RCL.  There are different state cups for WYSA versus independent clubs. Competing in a fall WYSA league is required to be eligible for the WYSA state cups.  Consequently independent clubs (who are not eligible to compete in a WYSA league) will not be found at the WYSA state cups (Founders, Challenge, State Championships).  WYSA clubs are allowed to compete in the fall PSPL league but that would make them ineligible for the WYSA state cups.   A handful SU regional teams however do compete in the spring PSPL.  The US Club teams have a state cup called the WA Cup over 2 weekends in April.  

My take on how this history affects Seattle families  (This part is 100% opinion! and others will have rather different views I realize.)
In Seattle, most select-soccer kids are playing at the regional select level.  BTW, regional select is a SU term; I don't know what this level is called in the rest of the state.  There are only 2 RCL teams and probably 8-12 regional select teams in Seattle proper (counting both SU and independents).   If you think your kid is only going to play at the regional level , then do research on the team schedule, club offerings, club cost and find one that fits well.   If it is an independent club, they'll usually let you attend practices and you can see if you like the coach and feel of the team before joining.   For SU, you can check the website as tryouts are coming up and at least see who the coaches of the teams will be.   If it is important for your kid to play with their best friend, then independents often accommodate that better however keep in mind all the kids are coming new onto a U11 team and most kids do bond quickly.  If your kid wants to play on a RCL team (ok, they're U10, so I mean if you think they have what it takes and want them to be maximally challenged), then obviously they need to tryout at a WYSA club, which in Seattle means SU.  You do hear of Seattle U11s playing for NWN or Crossfire, but it's not really that common.  Re playing on a non-RCL team when your child is "RCL calibre" (at the moment).   Well, if you talk to SU coaches (and I have), they tell you that it is essential that your child play at the highest possible level with kids of similar ability and be pushed to reach their potential.  Ok, those aren't the precise words but that's the message I think.  If you talk to ECFC coaches (and I have), they say that it's more important that kids play a lot of soccer and shouldn't feel so compelled to 'win' that they won't take chances and it's not important to obsess about being on the A team or all-city team or whether the team is winning.  It seems to me that each one has a strong vested interest so I'm not sure what, if anything, to make of what coaches from individual clubs say.   I think there are elements of truth to both and that different families and kids will want different things.

[SheplaysIdrive]

If I were a parent of a younger (U8 - U11) up and coming soccer player, I would find that overview to be very helpful in understanding the confusing world of youth soccer in this region.  As my child is only a bit older (U12)  I still remember how confusing all this was when we were navigating our way through it.  I think your post is very accurate and also very neutral.

[tripleplay]

Only comment would be that the piece seems to imply that choices start at U10 or U11. Don't know about SU, but at Crossfire/EFC there is a team or two of U9s playing up at U10, who typically repeat the U10 year. And that's not even counting RCL Jr. And SU has U10 teams already even if they don't have play ups.

[SheplaysIdrive]

I guess another comment would be that there are other options for RCL clubs in the Seattle Metro area.   GRFC, for example, which trains at Starfire, is probably more accessible for many Seattle kids, than any of the other non-SU RCL clubs mentioned.

[lastplanet]

TP, good point.  I should edit it to say something about U8-U9. In Seattle proper at the moment, U8-U9 teams are the territory of independents.   In Seattle, ECFC and Pumas have U8-U10 teams in the PSPL Development Leagure.  In Seattle Metro area, Crossfire, Tynecastle, and ISC Gunners are in the PSPL Dev League.
http://www.pugetsoundpremierleague.com/leagues/PSPL_Dev_League/
I'm a little surprised to see Crossfire teams listed for U10 in PSPL.  I assumed they'd be playing up or playing in the RCL Development league.  I don't know where EFC U8-U10s play.

Right now, SU only has a U10 program --- 3 teams.  They have their Player Development Academy (PDA) for U8-U13 and one year they had the "COE" (Center of Excellence) which I think went down to U8 (at least it went to U9).   The U10 program has been successful and popular, so I'm assuming they will go down to U8 unless there is some reason they can't.   SU could easily fill a bunch of U8-9 teams---the massive SYSA rec program is a huge feeder system for them.  I'm sure they see Crossfire and want to use that model.   But that means they'll have to compete in the PSPL Development league, unless a RCL U8-9 program is started. 

[lastplanet]

Ah, I'm in North Seattle and didn't think of GRFC.  But definitely if you are in South Seattle, GRFC would be a good option (not so much for N Seattle since rush-hour downtown traffic stands between N Seattle and Starfire).  Anyhow I'll add GRFC on.  It surprises me that I know 2 U10 kids from N Seattle that have played with Crossfire Premier.  That always seemed like a crazy commute to practices (and expensive now with the toll).  I know 1 Seattle U11 who played with Eastside.  Again that seems like a harsh commute to practices, but I guess it depends what part of Seattle you are in.

But also the two U0-U10s I know who played with Crossfire did it before SU started their U10 program.  Parents might not cross the water now that there is an in-city option for U10s to play select soccer.

[SheplaysIdrive]

I think Crossfire teams playing at U10 in the PSPL are actually U8's and U9's playing up.

[lastplanet]

I think Crossfire teams playing at U10 in the PSPL are actually U8's and U9's playing up.

Oh, that makes sense.  I was wondering why they got clobbered.

[Bathos]

Good summary.  A lot of the Independents (GDI) in the north end at least are clustered as part of the Seattle Soccer Club.  They're the ones listed in PSPL as SSC Whatevers.  I think Kajumulo FC is putting together a GU10 or GU11 team.

Also, the Pumas run a pretty big program too at multiple ages, although mostly boys teams.

And, another edit, a lot of players on the north side go to NorthWest Nationals.

[eastofthe206]

EFC picked up a number of players from Seattle in the wake of the ECFC/SU thing.  Making the trek straight out on I-90, I've been told, is easier and more predictable than negotiating Seattle rush hour traffic to get from anywhere on the South side of downtown to just about anywhere on the North side of downtown.  More miles, yes, but less stressful.

[We Are One]

This was a by-and-large neutral and fair-minded post in an attempt to get some factual information out there. Just a few clarifications. In blue, rather than in error-red or some obnoxious color:
-------------------------------------------------
This is something I sent to U10 parents on my recreational team re select soccer options in Seattle Metro area.  I thought I'd post it here since it might be useful to U10/U11 parents reading the forum and to get others' take, experience and edits.  I tacked on a 'history' and 'what it means to families' bit too, which I did not send to parents (TMI) but this might be more interesting to others since they may have very different opinions on this.  BTW, my own kids have played on both SU and ECFC teams.  Kids I've trained in the SYSA rec program from U7-U11 ended up on SU RCL, SU regional, ECFC and independent select teams.

Since it's spring, I'll break this down into spring and fall options.

For Spring here are the U10/U11 options that I know of.
** Join a SYSA recreational team.    Sign-ups are in February at www.sysa.org.  Cost is about $50 for spring season.  Level of play unfortunately will be a bit random unless you know a team with space.  SYSA assigns players without a team.  Many teams do not have practices in spring; it's more a pick-up league in spring (unlike fall).
** Seattle United spring Player Development Academy.  Fridays.  No games.
** ECFC spring season.  Select level play at the U10 or U11 levels.  Two-three practices a week plus 8 games.
** Seattle Celtics spring season.   Select level play at U8-10 level.  2 practices a week.
** Note Coerver-NW also offers year-round once-a-week select-level training.

The real action starts in May, when players tryout and commit to fall teams.   Note, sign-ups for the SYSA recreational teams is also in May although the games start in September.   This early date catches newcomers by surprise and it is rare that you can get on a U8-U11 team if you sign up late.  (Actually this depends on the rec club. Some are accustomed to late registrations and are still placing players on teams up until the fall season starts. It doesn't hurt to check.) The rest will focus just on select soccer options.

For Fall select soccer.  Tryouts are in May for select teams after the end of spring season.
Seattle United   www.seattleunited.com
SU is part of the Washington Youth Soccer Association (WYSA).  SU has 2 all-city teams at the highest state level (called RCL teams) and 6-8 regional teams.  SU gets a lot of players at tryouts and can be (and is) selective even at the regional team level.   SU offers a good Friday night Player Development Academy (PDA).  I recommend that any U10 who wants to tryout for SU, should do the PDA (unless they are playing on a independent select team) so they get their speed of play up in prep for try-outs. (Kids on who play on teams outside of SYSA may participate in the PDA, but they have to register with the association for insurance purposes.) SU plays in WYSA leagues; regional teams play in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL) in the fall.  Two practices a week are standard for U11 regional teams, but they also offer a third optional training (Speed, Agility, Quickness training or Advanced Player Development) for an extra fee.  The RCL U10/U11 teams would have 2-3 practices a week.  Length of season for regional SU teams seem to vary by team.  Some only do fall league (Sept-Nov) and state cup (Dec-Jan) while others go 10 months and add friendlies in spring or a spring league (i.e. games).  Summer tournaments vary by team.  (Most of the regionals play summer tournaments and do a 9-month season. A few teams play a spring league and go year-round. Many back off during spring so kids can focus on spring sports and "pooled training" in spring accommodates the kids who want to touch the soccer ball year-round.) Offer U10 development teams at a high level (play in the RCL development league).  U10 teams are formed tryouts in the fall. (U10 tryouts will be in early May, per the SU site.)

Emerald City www.emeraldcityfc.org
ECFC was part of WYSA until 2009 but is now independent and part of US Club.  ECFC has 1-2 teams per age (A and B teams).  ECFC does not have tryouts per se at the U8-U11 levels.  Players come to practices during 'Open Training' seaons and together parents and coach decide if it is a good fit (assuming the team has room).  At the younger levels (U8-11), 'good fit' means attitude, work ethic and whether they enjoy training in a disciplined manner 2-3 times a week for 10 months.  It doesn't necessarily mean current skill-level.  Note, this doesn't apply to the older teams which would have more typical competitive tryout system.  ECFC teams play on a diversity of levels --- some older teams play at the highest level in the state but the younger teams play at the regional select level.   Two practices a week plus an optional 3rd practice.   U11 season is 10 months with fall league (Sept-Nov), spring league (Feb-Mar), and WA Cup (2 weekends in April/May).  Summer tournaments vary by team. U10 calendar is shorter; 6-months with a fall and spring league.

Cost for ECFC and regional SU teams (with paid coaches) are similar; it works out to about $200-250 a month plus about $300-500 in uniform+team fees. The season lengths are different for different teams and clubs, so I think it's best to look at it as the per-month cost.   SU also has 'community' select teams and those are definitely a bit cheaper. (SU has three pricing tiers, Citywide, Regional Classic [paid coach] and Regional Community [volunteer coach]. Prices vary with team fees which are mostly related to the tournaments, but the rough median of the price ranges on the SU site which includes uniform kit comes to something like Citywide $2400/12 months = $200/month,  Regional Classic $1575/9 months =$175, Regional Community $900/9 months = $100. These are estimates and some teams do elect to do more in terms of extra training, extra tournament, etc.)


Seattle Celtics http://www.seattleceltic.com/
The Seattle Celtics are a new independent club in Seattle.  The club looks like is was organized by the coaches of a U13 independent select team called the Blue Arrows (but I'm just guessing).  The club is focusing on forming U8-U10 teams now and are probably aiming to form a U11 PSPL team for fall.  I don't know much about them but the Blue Arrows are a good team.  Cost seems a lot lower.  Website says $200 for spring season (3 months). ($425 for the spring season when I checked.)

Independent select teams
I only know of one independent U10 team playing in the PSPL from Seattle proper: Falcons of Seattle.  But by their nature, independent select teams are hard to find.  The best way is to watch the PSPL (http://www.pugetsoundpremierleague.com) development league.  This is where independent U8-U10 teams will play.  Why consider an independent team?  Well, it's often a lot cheaper.  Maybe you missed tryouts or want to 'pick' your team instead of being picked.  Maybe you don't like the whole 'tryout' aspect of select soccer.   But often it is a group of kids who want to stay together and organize around a coach who wants to work independent of a club.  My observation is that sometime between U11-13, independents find a club to be part of.  Tynecastle (Everett) seems to provide a home to a number of Seattle Metro area independent teams (e.g. the U11 Bellevue Outliers now called Tynecastle Outliers).

History
There are currently 2 types of associations in WA.  Those associated with the state soccer association: USYSA-->WYSA-->SYSA   and the independents.   Starting in late 2000s, WYSA started trying to merge clubs so clubs would have bigger players bases and the top players would be funneled better to form strong top-level teams (my view; others might have a different take).   This is happening statewide, but it had a dramatic effect on Seattle.  Prior to 2009, there were 13 select clubs in Seattle.  Only one of them, ECFC, was allowed teams that played at the highest state level.  In 2009, SYSA (Seattle Youth Soccer Association) decreed that all select soccer in Seattle would happen through a new club called Seattle United (SU).  The 13 individual clubs were to close their U11-14 teams and their U11-U14 players would have to join SU. Their coaches could apply to SU.   12 clubs did this.  ECFC refused.  As a result, SYSA  suspended ECFC from SYSA.  Because they were suspended from SYSA, ECFC could not play in any WYSA leagues.  ECFC left SYSA (and consequently WYSA) altogether and became affiliated with US Club.  ECFC lost most of its players in the (messy and acrimonious) process and is rebuilding its player base (now back to ca 50% pre-2009 but at a overall lower level of play).  However, SU has by far the largest player base in Seattle.  SYSA has a large recreational base (ca 35 teams at the U10 level and 25 at U11) and players in the SYSA recreational program tend to stay with SYSA (and SU) if they want to play select.

Different, smaller, versions of mergers and breaking away were and are happening around the state.   Independent clubs began springing up in the Puget Sound area that did not want to be part of the WYSA (for various reasons and there are heated views on this) and became US Club operations instead where they can operate independently of the state association.  These Puget Sound area independent clubs now compete in the Puget Sound Premier League (http://www.pugetsoundpremierleague.com).   Quite a few of these have sprung up in the Puget Sound area, though their player numbers are quite a bit lower than the WYSA clubs and their teams tend to play at the regional select level.   The highest level of play in the state is in the RCL (a state-wide league) and only designated WYSA clubs are allowed to have teams in the RCL.  The RCL clubs in the Seattle Metropolitan area are SU, Crossfire, Eastside, and Northwest Nationals.  Non-WYSA clubs can compete at the highest state level, via the Northwest Champions League (NWCL), which is designed to bring together the top teams from ID, OR, and WA.  But realistically smaller clubs have a hard time making that level (or making the top half of the bracket when in the NWCL) due to much smaller player bases and because they continually bleed talent to the RCL clubs.   

The two SU RCL teams compete in the WYSA RCL league, a state-wide league.  There are 4 levels (divisions) in the RCL.  The SU regional teams (at least the younger ones, I haven't looked at all age levels) compete in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL).  In 2011, there were 2 levels at U11 so SU regional teams compete against each other (plus obviously other regional teams).  For the non-WYSA clubs (or WYSA clubs that choose not to compete in a WYSA league), the PSPL offers two divisions at the regional select level (Classic and Copa).  The highest level (Super League) is still below RCL division 1 or 2 (my opinion, but that's how it looks to me).  If I had to guess, I'd say Super League is about RCL division 3 & 4 level.  Note, a number of non-RCL WYSA teams are probably at that level too but are not allowed to compete in the RCL.  There are different state cups for WYSA versus independent clubs. Competing in a fall WYSA league is required to be eligible for the WYSA state cups.  Consequently independent clubs (who are not eligible to compete in a WYSA league) will not be found at the WYSA state cups (Founders, Challenge, State Championships).  WYSA clubs are allowed to compete in the fall PSPL league but that would make them ineligible for the WYSA state cups.   A handful SU regional teams however do compete in the spring PSPL.  The US Club teams have a state cup called the WA Cup over 2 weekends in April. 

My take on how this history affects Seattle families  (This part is 100% opinion! and others will have rather different views I realize.)
In Seattle, most select-soccer kids are playing at the regional select level.  BTW, regional select is a SU term; I don't know what this level is called in the rest of the state.  (The SU term "regional" reflects that the teams play in different regions of the city, and the regions encompass the territories of from 2-5 rec clubs each. It would be like two or three adjacent clubs in TPJSA deciding to pool their players for select play.) There are only 2 RCL teams and probably 8-12 regional select teams in Seattle proper (counting both SU and independents).   If you think your kid is only going to play at the regional level , then do research on the team schedule, club offerings, club cost and find one that fits well.   If it is an independent club, they'll usually let you attend practices and you can see if you like the coach and feel of the team before joining.   For SU, you can check the website as tryouts are coming up and at least see who the coaches of the teams will be.   If it is important for your kid to play with their best friend, then independents often accommodate that better however keep in mind all the kids are coming new onto a U11 team and most kids do bond quickly.  If your kid wants to play on a RCL team (ok, they're U10, so I mean if you think they have what it takes and want them to be maximally challenged), then obviously they need to tryout at a WYSA club, which in Seattle means SU.  You do hear of Seattle U11s playing for NWN or Crossfire, but it's not really that common. Re playing on a non-RCL team when your child is "RCL calibre" (at the moment).   Well, if you talk to SU coaches (and I have), they tell you that it is essential that your child play at the highest possible level with kids of similar ability and be pushed to reach their potential.  Ok, those aren't the precise words but that's the message I think.  If you talk to ECFC coaches (and I have), they say that it's more important that kids play a lot of soccer and shouldn't feel so compelled to 'win' that they won't take chances and it's not important to obsess about being on the A team or all-city team or whether the team is winning.  It seems to me that each one has a strong vested interest so I'm not sure what, if anything, to make of what coaches from individual clubs say.   I think there are elements of truth to both and that different families and kids will want different things.

[chadliz]

Just a couple additional points.  The RCL has started a 8-9 league and many clubs have started team selection this week in fact.  X-fire, Eastside, GRFC, Premeire and Rush I know at least.  I suspect the other clubs will be starting their programs in May for a fall start.  None of the RCL clubs jr teams will continue to play in the pspl as I see it.

[anyudes]

Just a couple additional points.  The RCL has started a 8-9 league and many clubs have started team selection this week in fact.  X-fire, Eastside, GRFC, Premeire and Rush I know at least.  I suspect the other clubs will be starting their programs in May for a fall start.  None of the RCL clubs jr teams will continue to play in the pspl as I see it.

I have heard that WP & Xfire have not decided & may stick with PSPL for the Spring for U8 & U9 & then reevaluate...

[lastplanet]

Thanks We are One for reading it over and correcting some of the info.  I'll make the changes.  

One of the things that puzzles me though is the pricing for regional SU teams since some teams end the year at the end of state cup while others are playing until end of April in the PSPL.  That's 2 extra months of coach time.  Also some teams have 2 team practices a week and others have 3 team practices, again big difference in coaching costs.  Do regional SU teams have big differences in their team-specific fees--excluding tournaments?

Anyhow, I think I'll revamp the pricing section to just say  U11 at the select level runs you $100 to $250 a month depending on the level of play, level of coaching, level of training whether the team plays both fall and spring, and whether they play a state cup.  I don't want to do a detailed price comparison, just give parents a feel for the level and they can do their own detailed research.  

[lastplanet]

EFC picked up a number of players from Seattle in the wake of the ECFC/SU thing.  Making the trek straight out on I-90, I've been told, is easier and more predictable than negotiating Seattle rush hour traffic to get from anywhere on the South side of downtown to just about anywhere on the North side of downtown.  More miles, yes, but less stressful.

lol, a number of clubs picked up ECFC players.   I thought EFC trained at Preston out past Issaquah.  That's a trek unless you live somewhere where you have easy access to I-90.  Well, it wouldn't be that bad if you didn't have to do it at rush hour....  But I could see doing that at the older ages to get on a particular team.  I'd be surprised if they have many U8-U12s living in Seattle proper though.

[lastplanet]

Good summary.  A lot of the Independents (GDI) in the north end at least are clustered as part of the Seattle Soccer Club.  They're the ones listed in PSPL as SSC Whatevers.  I think Kajumulo FC is putting together a GU10 or GU11 team.

Thanks for the link to the Kajumulo FC.  They weren't on my radar since their teams are 2-3 years older.   http://www.kajumulofc.org/   Their website is great; that is the definition of "independent".   "Tembo is Swahili for elephant and like the elephant, our boys are strong and intelligent. They play with steadfast determination and intelligence and have no natural predators."  I've seem them around for years, since they use the same fields as SYSA, but I didn't know what team/club it was.

Do you have a link to the Seattle Soccer Club?  I tried to find info on them but couldn't.

Also do you know the story behind the 'Saprissa' team(s)?  I thought I saw a post on Tynecastle's website that they were picking up a Saprissa team, but then I saw 'Saprissa' associated with SSC on PSPL.

Also, the Pumas run a pretty big program too at multiple ages, although mostly boys teams.
[\quote]
Yes, the Pumas usually seem to have 1 team per level in the PSPL U8-U14 or so.  I've yet to see a girls Pumas team.  Also there is a new Seattle-based U11 Hispanic team in the PSPL, TFI Tecos.  No idea what club, if any, they are associated with though.

And, another edit, a lot of players on the north side go to NorthWest Nationals.
[\quote]
I added a "30min" outside of Seattle section and put NW Nationals.  This is the big non-SU club I hear kids going to, but then I'm in north Seattle.  I just added the big clubs to this section.  Too many independents to keep track of, so I didn't add them.

[Bathos]

I don't really know what is the story behind Saprissa.  I think they were an independent which folded some, but not all, of their teams into Tynecastle. 

Seattle Soccer Club doesn't have a website as far as I know.  In addition to the Kajumulo teams they've got a bunch of U13 boys teams and some U15 teams, I think.

I forgot about the Ticos.  I should have mentioned them too.  Overall I think there are around a dozen different independents in Seattle scattered between genders and age groups.

You really did do an excellent summary, in particular delving into the all the options.  I tried to do a similar thing for the Emerald City Supporters (ECS) explaining the youth soccer landscape, but didn't get into that much detail on the particulars of Seattle.

[wanderer]

The other RCL club that services players in the Seattle area is HIGHLINE PREMIER FC (http://www.highlinepremier.com).  Affiliated with Highline Soccer Association, plays in RCL.  Trains on Seattle Parks & Rec fields (as well as others).  Trains in West Seattle, Burien, and Seatac.  Draws from those areas which is its home association as well as has meaningful numbers from Seattle, Renton, Federal Way, Normandy Park, Des Moines and Kent for the most part.  Stone's throw from downtown Seattle however so should be in the mix.  

[ThiKuBC]

That's great you wrote this up. I hope the parents read it! Having coached u11/12 the last two seasons I can tell ya the parents seem to be generally too busy with their young kids (of which they typically have more than one) to read all these emails and absorb and I end up repeating myself in person when they ask me "what's going to happen?".

One tip - I've learned to bullet-point, and put like-information together.

Also, I created a team blog (for free of course on blogspot) and provide a link to that in my email "signature" - then advise the parents all their questions can be answered on the blog, so please check there first, then ask. It's worked wonders. Kids never miss games, practices, and are rarely late now. They all also seem more knowledgeable about what's happening around them - and the kids log onto the internet and read the web page when of course they don't read their parents' emails.

[lastplanet]

Thanks for all the comments!  Keep them coming and I'm going to re-write this over next week.  I see now that I've got a N Seattle bias (being as I am in N Seattle), and I need to add better info on the RCL options for S. Seattle and W. Seattle.  Also I want to revamp the "independent" section and independent clubs/teams that I left off.  And I want to distinguish between the independent "bigger" clubs (like ECFC, Tynecastle, ISC, etc) that have a DOC, a board, bylaws, teams at each level, etc versus independent small "clubs" which have just have a few teams or a training program and less internal structure, and then the truly independent teams.  I might also list the larger independent clubs in my 'just outside of Seattle' list.

@ThKuBC, Oh yeah I don't really have illusions that parents would read all this   As much as anything, it is interesting to me to follow what is happening at the U8-U14 level because it is always changing and the growth of the PSPL seems to be a real game-changer as independents now have a viable league to put their teams in.  'Viable' meaning 6-8 teams per division, with decent like-like competition.  Obviously the formation of SU was the biggest game changer in Seattle and it's interesting to watch how that is evolving and changing rec and select soccer in Seattle.  The growth of youth indoor leagues in Seattle is also interesting.  As smaller (tiny) independents seek to grow and add age groups, an indoor team seems like a logical first step.  'Course N. Seattle's indoor capacity (3 fields) is maxed out...

[LWRoller]

If we're going to mention clubs as far north as TIFC, then we might as well put Washington Rush on the list for the RCL option (Everett/Lake Stevens).  They are involved in the new so-called "Jr RCL" for U8/U9 as well.  There's also FC Edmonds through Sno-King for select.  Add Everett Soccer Arena to the indoor list.

**  As a side note, for those kiddos that don't have access to Fox Soccer Channel, the regular Fox network (ch 13/113) is broadcasting this Sunday's  Manchester United @ Chelsea match live at 7:30a PST.  It's a great opportunity for a lot of kids (and parents!) to watch some soccer at the Premier League level.  Unfortuntely many kids don't get the chance see the game played this way very often. **

[ThiKuBC]

@LWroller - we get a national sports channel playing EPL and another playing Serie A live every weekend on your pretty basic channel package. That isn't the case in Washington/USA?

[Bathos]

@LWroller - we get a national sports channel playing EPL and another playing Serie A live every weekend on your pretty basic channel package. That isn't the case in Washington/USA?

What LWroller was referring to is Fox, which is a national broadcast channel.  That's unusual to get games on broadcast, instead of cable. 

[LWRoller]

Fox Soccer Channel is part of Comcast's separate sports package - I pay something like $5.99/mo for it.  A small price to pay for my nightly Fox Soccer Report fix.  Soccer on our standard cable is pretty much limited to MLS and rare international contests, let alone the networks.  I hope a lot of kids get the chance to watch.

[chadliz]

http://www.fcalliance.net/docs/PremierJuniors/Premier%20Jr%20Flyer%20for%20NYSA%20and%20FCA.pdf

Another Jr. program announced.

[ThiKuBC]

I see why it's cool they are showing it then! That's too bad. We get loads of soccer on regular networks up here....