When can my child play soccer with Highline Premier FC?
Premier soccer typically begins at the 8U age group (i.e., players aged 7 or older). Highline Premier FC does not generally recommend that children "play up" except when the team coach identifies that a child is specifically capable of competing with older players. Premier teams in WPL follow the birth year age chart. You can find the age chart here.
How much commitment is it to play soccer with Highline Premier FC?
Typically, teams from older age groups have a greater time commitment than younger age groups. Highline Premier FC teams practice two to three times a week for most of the year, and the practice schedule may be increased during tournaments or league play preparation. Birth years 2015 through 2011 practice 2x per week. Birth years 2010 and older train 3x per week year-round.
Additionally, HPFC provides optional Skills clinics for these age groups on Friday nights in the Fall and Spring. Most teams will also participate in several tournaments each year, which may require travel and overnight stays in other cities. Again, older teams generally travel more than younger teams, and due consideration is always given to school and holiday schedules.
What is the annual Highline Premier FC club fee?
The Highline Premier FC club fee pays for all costs associated with the delivery of the club program, including Club Directors and Coaching Staff, registration fees, team practices, league fees, WA Cup, equipment (excluding uniform), fields and lighting rentals, referee fees, and other administrative costs.
Highline Premier FC's annual club fee depends on the age group your child is playing in.
Annual club fees are collected upon acceptance to a team. You may pay the entire club fee in full or elect a 10-month payment plan.
What are the annual Highline Premier FC "team fees"?
Team fees are different from the Highline Premier club fees. Each year, our teams incur modest miscellaneous costs such as additional tournaments and additional team gear. These costs are all paid at the team level and will vary from team to team within Highline Premier, depending on the team's specific activities.
We anticipate that the average team fee will be $150-$200. For information about annual estimated costs for a specific team, contact the team manager or coach.
My child is playing for a different soccer club or association - can I still have them try out for Highline Premier FC?
Yes, any youth player of the correct age can try out for Highline Premier - if selected for a team, we will register them with the appropriate state and national associations.
Can my child play for a recreational team while still playing for Highline Premier FC?
Typically, players are only allowed to play for Highline Premier FC and cannot participate with another recreational team while rostered to a Highline Premier team.
However, players may participate in their school soccer and CYO teams. In addition, for the recreational season, HSA players may complete their spring recreational league commitments while participating with Highline Premier. Development age players (2015-2012) are generally allowed to continue with the Rec teams, but Premier should take precedence in case of a conflict.
What does the "U" in 10U or 11U mean?
In the State of Washington, teams are formed based on the player's age and not school grade. The U means 'under,' and the player's age must be under the number on January 1st for teams. See the chart on the tryouts page for specific age ranges.
What are the benefits of playing Premier soccer?
The benefits are:
- Professional coaching
- Higher-level competition
- More intensive skills development
- Longer seasons
- More playing opportunities
- More training sessions
- Having teammates who share a joint commitment for becoming high-level soccer players
Players who strive to play on teams in Junior High, High School, College, and beyond will benefit from the high-quality soccer training they receive from playing Premier soccer.
The simple truth is that soccer requires advanced foot-eye coordination, which is only mastered by putting many touches on the ball at a relatively young age. Many coaches believe that proper "feel" for the ball must be learned before age 14. In countries where soccer is the primary sport, young players play the game early and often. Premier soccer with Highline Premier FC gives aspiring players more opportunities to develop their skills at a young age to reach their true potential.
What is the difference between the "Blue" and "Red" Premier Teams?
Traditionally, the club selects two boys and two girls teams to represent each age group. The "A" team is designated as Blue, and the "B" team is designated as Red. The make-up and character of each team are at the coaches' discretion.
Our teams often train together, and coaches pool their resources to meet the needs of the players. As a result, many "B" team players develop into "A" team players during their playing careers with Highline Premier. "B" teams play a full schedule of tournaments and train as often as their "A" team counterparts. The club strives to provide equal training resources for all teams and players to help each player reach their fullest potential.
How do I know in which age group a player will participate?
Players born between January 1st and December 31st of any given year will all play on the same team unless a player is "playing up" in an older age group. For example, a player born on or after January 1st, 2009, would play on the 14U team in 2022-2023. See the US Soccer Age Chart or the chart we have in our tryout section.
How do the tryouts work?
Tryouts are conducted annually over two or three 90-minute sessions for each age group. First, all player candidates are asked to register and pick up a numbered bib. Players will then be organized on the field to perform various soccer drills and scrimmages. Coaches will organize the drills and conduct evaluations for each player by number.
At the end of all sessions, coaches will discuss the evaluation results and select players in order of choice. For example, the 'A' team coach will have the first choice to pick the top 12 to 18 players, after which the 'B' team coach will have the second choice to pick the following 12 to 18 players.
All Players will be informed of their team selections at the end of the tryout process. Players/ family members receive a phone call or email from the coach within three days. Selected players' names (first name, last initial) may also be posted on our website.
Does a player trying out for a Highline Premier FC team have to attend all the tryout sessions for that age group?
We strongly recommend that every player trying out for a Highline Premier team attend all tryout sessions. Attending every session provides the best opportunity for the coaches to see all players in action and make the best selections. It also allows players to overcome any problems from a single day's session.
How many teams are selected?
Highline Premier will look to form two teams for each age group, depending on the strength of the player turnout for the tryouts. The first squad selected will form the 'A' team, and the second squad chosen will form the 'B' team.
How many players make the team?
At the oldest level, youth teams may have 18 players on their game roster.
This amount will reduce depending on league rules and the number of players allowed on the pitch during the match.
Also, Coaches may choose to have fewer than the maximum number of players on their team rosters, as this provides the coach with more flexibility with playing time.
Do all players get equal playing time?
Although coaches will attempt to make sure that all players get a chance to play as much as possible in each game, the amount of playing time per player in Premier soccer will depend on game circumstances and the competitive situation. This is especially true for older teams playing at Premier levels, where substitutions may not generally be done as often as for younger teams.
Highline Premier coaches are trained on youth soccer development and understand that "the game is the teacher" and that players need field time to develop their skills. For younger age group teams, the emphasis will be on player development which means that playing time will be based on the growth of the individual players and the team as a whole.
When do practices start? How many practices per week?
Practices generally start after tryouts are completed and team rosters are set. Most teams practice two or three times a week, but this depends on the schedule and the team's requirements. For example, teams preparing for specific competitions throughout the calendar year may have more practices before those events. When convenient, teams may also have additional optional scrimmages (either indoor or outdoor).
Where are practices held?
Highline Premier considers Walt Hundley, Moshier Park, Highline Memorial Stadium, Valley Ridge, Delridge, Evergreen High School, Glacier Middle School and Steve Cox our primary fields.
How long is the season?
All Highline Premier teams participate in a WPL Fall League, which generally runs from early September to mid-December. The number of games will vary by league and level, but in most cases, teams will play 10 to 14 games during the fall season. Teams will also play in a shorter spring league (5-9 games). Teams will also play in various summer tournaments in preparation for the fall season or post-season State tournaments.
Note: The Developmental U8 through U-10 teams will typically have a lighter schedule with fewer tournament commitments.
When are games played?
League games are usually played on Saturdays or Sundays during daylight hours (9 AM to 6 PM). Some games or scrimmages may be played on lighted fields after 6 PM, but games will not be scheduled for late in the evening. Some make-up games may be scheduled for weekday evenings. Summer tournament games may be played any time on Thursdays through Mondays.
Where are games played?
Highline Premier considers Moshier Field, Highline Memorial Stadium, Walt Hundley Playfield its primary "home" fields. In addition, Highline Premier may use Valley Ridge and other West Seattle area fields.
Depending on the league the team is participating in, away games will be played as close as West Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila and as far away as Spokane, Yakima, and Vancouver, WA.
Tournament locations will vary in geographic location as well. For example, younger teams will be more likely to participate in local area tournaments, whereas older, competitive teams may travel out of state at least once a year.
Annual Schedule
Typical Year Schedule for Highline Premier Teams
Our annual schedule is based on the Washington Premier League schedule and may change yearly. Our teams are formed annually at competitive tryouts and play soccer from late spring to the tryouts for the following year, with holiday breaks. Therefore, the annual schedule may change periodically as Washington Premier League, US Club Soccer, or other governing authorities adjust.
Annual Tryouts (February thru May) All players (new and returning) go through competitive tryouts for each age group, with evaluation by Highline Premier coaches. Teams from different age groups may have tryouts based on schedule requirements published by the Washington Premier League and other governing bodies. Highline Premier will publish tryout dates as early as possible each year. All players are required to try out each year.
Pre-season (May-August): Teams generally practice two or three times a week, 90-120 minutes each session. The weekly schedule will be determined based on field availability. Additional practice sessions, scrimmage games, and training camps may also be scheduled.
Summer tournaments (May-August): Most teams will typically participate in several tournaments before the end of August – more information will be provided at the first team/parent meeting after tryouts. Check with the coach or team manager for details for each team.
Fall Season League Play (September – December): Teams will play in Washington Premier League according to age and competitive level. The fall league season typically runs 10-16 weeks, from early September to December, taking into account girls' high school soccer season.
Winter Tournaments, Spring Leagues, State Cups (January - May): Teams may participate in winter tournaments or spring leagues as schedules permit. The tournaments and league schedules will vary for different age groups and take into account the boys' high school soccer season. U11 to U19 teams may participate in the Washington Cup tournaments at the appropriate level to be determined by the coaches. Check with the coach or team manager for details for each team.
How far do Highline Premier FC teams travel for games?
The amount of travel done by a Highline Premier team can vary from season to season. Development teams (U8-U10) generally travel around the Seattle metro area, while older teams playing at State Premier levels may travel around the state. Depending on the coach's and parents’ decisions, teams may travel further for summer tournaments (including out of state).
Are there "away" tournaments that would require staying overnight?
Yes, some tournaments may require overnight stays, especially for older teams. This is usually decided between the coach, the Director of Coaching, and the parents of each team. Some teams may choose to travel and stay together, while others may prefer to arrange for individual travel plans. While tournament registration fees are typically included in a team's budget, teams will incur additional out-of-pocket expenses for away tournaments such as meals, lodging, transportation.
Do the teams play at different competitive levels?
Yes, there are several levels of play organized by the Washington Premier League. Please refer to the league page for more information.
Highline Premier teams will play at the highest competitive level judged to be appropriate for them by the head coach of each team and the Technical Director, and teams may move from one level/division to another each year as best fits their competitive level.
What is the Washington Premier League?
The Washington Premier League (WPL) is a competitive US Club Soccer league. The league is open to all clubs within Washington State and northern Idaho affiliated with US Club Soccer. Visit www.wpl-soccer.com to learn more.
Do I have to participate in fundraising?
Fundraising is a necessary part of any volunteer organization. Fundraising and donations reduce the cost of participation for all team members and enable a team to provide financial assistance when necessary. All parents and players are expected to do their fair share of fundraising for the team's expenses.
In addition to the individual team fundraising events, Highline Premier conducts an annual auction dinner to offset club costs not covered by the annual club fee. Each Highline Premier team must purchase or sell a certain number of tickets (determined annually) to the auction dinner. Additionally, each player must donate an item or cash worth a minimum value (determined annually).
What participation is expected of parents?
Volunteers run Highline Premier, and each family is expected to volunteer at either the team or club level – or both if you wish! We prefer that our coaches concentrate on coaching and training and leave the organization and management of the team to the parents. There are many volunteer positions available with each team, so there's bound to be something for everybody.
Can I donate to Highline Premier FC for operating costs or tournament fees?
Yes, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Club Treasurer for details on how to contribute. Highline Premier is a 501c3 non-profit organization, so all or part of your contribution may be tax-deductible. Your employer might also have a charitable donation matching program that could allow you to increase your donation to Highline Premier.