Over the past two years, Seattle Sounders FC has implemented various projects targeted at improving youth development. From the Sounders Discovery Program (SDP) to the advent of S2, the club now possesses a clear pipeline for developing players and bringing them through to the First Team.
The focus of the Youth Academy system is to develop each player into their full potential. Playing competitive matches is instrumental in developing top-class soccer players. So when the Sounders announced the creation of their U-14 and U-15 Pre-Academy teams, there was a clear need for important games.
The Washington State Youth Soccer Association has been re-shaping its youth leagues during the same time frame. Operating in Region IV of the United States Youth Soccer Association, the best teams in state competed against each other for a spot in the Far West Regional Tournament. The finalists of this tournament would then advance to the National Tournament and compete for top honors in the country. While this system had been in place for a long-time, it rewarded one-off performances rather than consistency and development.
With both the WYSA and Sounders FC seeking a system in which to develop the best players in the region, the union between the two organizations appeared perfect. So, last year the U-14 pre-academy team participated in the U-15 division of the Far West Regional League. The teams competing in the league are very the best in the region, and the winner automatically qualifies for Regionals and the National League. These two conditions make each match competitive and an excellent opportunity for development.
The NW division of the FWRL is comprised of eight automatic qualifiers, as well as several other spots selected through an application process. The State Cup winners from Washington, Oregon and Idaho are all guaranteed a place. Furthermore, the top three and top two finishers from each of Washington and Oregon’s respective state leagues qualify as well.
After the success enjoyed the Sounders U-14 squad in their inaugural year in the competition, more Pre-Academy teams have joined. Currently the U-14 and U-15 sides from both Sounders FC and Timbers FC are competing in FWRL, while Vancouver Whitecaps FC may join in the future.
The key reason this joint venture between the WYSA and Sounders FC has been a success is their shared mutual goal for the league. Both organizations are excited about a competition where the top teams in the Region play matches against each other each weekend, and are rewarded consistency, preparation, and development.
For the older club teams in the league, this represents an opportunity for them to improve and qualify for Regionals and Nationals. Since the Sounders are not eligible for either of these tournaments, FRWL presents them with a chance to play against older opposition. The Sounders FC Academy staff has been thrilled with their participation in the new regional format.
“Almost every single Saturday from September to the middle of December we have a game against top local teams,” said Sounders FC U-15 Assistant Coach Michael Morris.
With the focus of the Academy on developing players for successful college and professional careers, a heavy premium is placed on matches. Participation in the FWRL gives the Pre-Academy teams an occasion to play relevant matches against older players on the best teams in the region. Such an experience at a young age will help ease the transition for the young Sounders moving up to the U-16 Development Academy, and hopefully one day the First Team.
