Junior Allies

Ages 5-8 | Pre-Competitive Soccer

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Junior Allies is Eastshore Alliance FC’s pre-competitive soccer development program for players 5-8 who are ready for more structure, challenge, and skill progression. Whether your chid is eager to join a competitive team or simply loves the game and wants to grow, Junior Allies bridges the gap between toddler and recreational soccer and our Competitive Soccer Program.

    • Players ages 5-8 who are ready to take the next step from recreational soccer

    • Athletes looking to develop in preparation for future competitive team placement

    • Families who want high-quality coaching in a low-pressure setting

    • Advanced ball control — dribbling while being defended, first touch, passing/receiving

    • Introduction to attacking and defending principles

    • 1v1s, small-sided games, and quick decision-making

    • Emphasis on engagement, focus, and work ethic

  • PRACTICES:

    • 2 sessions/week

    • Weekday afternoons/early evenings

    GAMES:

    • Playdates on weekends vs other local U8 teams

    • Weekend home and away matchups (small-sided games)

  • $1,600

    Full Year (Fall & Spring Seasons)

    • Athletic clothing appropriate for the weather

    • Cleats

    • Shin guards

    • Water bottle

    • Preparedness to work hard and have fun!

READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL?

Learn more about how you can get started with Junior Allies!

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Two young boys compete for the ball on a grass field during a Junior Allies training session with Eastshore Alliance FC, part of the U8 pre-competitive soccer program for ages 5-8 in Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito.

Build the Foundation for Competitive Soccer

Eastshore Alliance FC’s Junior Allies program is a U8 pre-competitive soccer program designed for motivated young players who are ready to transition from recreational soccer to structured training. Open to players ages 5-8, this program introduces competitive soccer principles in a developmentally appropriate environment. Our goal is to prepare athletes for the U9 Competitive Program (7v7) within 12 months.

We emphasize skill-building, confidence, and love for the game through a mix of fun, high-quality training and small-sided games aligned with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s 3v3-5v5 standards.

Program Highlights:

  • Low coach-to-player ratio (approx. 1:12) for focused development

  • Emphasis on Play-Practice-Play methodology to balance learning and fun

  • 15 minutes of free play each session to foster creativity and connection

  • Small group training pods matched by skill and development level

  • Matches in teams of 6 with 40 minute games

Additional Opportunities:

  • Turkey Bowl In-House Showcase (November)

  • Intro-to-Futsal (January-February)

  • Pre-Tryout Observation Days for players born in 2020 (April)

  • Fútbol Fiesta 3v3 Tournament (Memorial Day weekend)

Why Choose Junior Allies?

At Eastshore Alliance FC, we believe youth soccer is more than a game - it’s a path to confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. The Junior Allies program serves as a stepping stone to competitive soccer, offering a positive, professional environment where kids can thrive on and off the field. Led by our U8 Development Program Coordinator and a team of trained youth coaches, we nurture each child’s technical, tactical, physical, and social-emotional growth. Our holistic, player-centered approach helps players fall in love with soccer while building the foundation for future success.

Ready to Begin? Spots in Junior Allies are limited and invite-only. Contact us today to see if your child is ready for the next step in their soccer journey.

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LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about our Mini Allies Soccer program, please reach out to info@eastshorealliancefc.org