Select Soccer

The Eastshore Alliance FC (EAFC) Select Program is designed for U9-U10 players who are ready for more structure, challenge, and a clearer pathway into competitive soccer. This program bridges the gap between Grassroots and Competitive, providing an environment where players can continue to grow, compete, and prepare for the next step in their development journey.

Who The Select Program Is For

The Select Program is for players who:

• Are motivated to improve and compete at higher level

• Are not currently on a Competitive team but are working towards that goal

• Have not been selected for a competitive team during tryouts

• Thrive in structured, team oriented environments

We intentionally focus on U9 and U10 (2026-2027 season), recognizing these as critical years to build strong foundations, maximize growth, and prepare players for future competitive opportunities.

Select Program Age Groups

As always, our club must balance its resources to provide the best possible soccer experience for all players. For the 2026-27 soccer year, the Select Program will only be offered to players in the U9 and U10 age groups.

League Play

Like the Alliance Competitive teams, Alliance Select teams will participate in a localized NorCal league, allowing players to compete against teams from other clubs in the local area. Teams will be placed in Copper or Bronze divisions to ensure appropriate level for growth and challenge

Season Timeline:

• Fall Season: August - November

• Spring Season: March - May

Tournament Play

Each Alliance Select team will participate in one local fall tournament, likely taking place at the end of October.

Training Environment

Each Select team will train two times per week. Led by a dedicated Head Coach that may be a parent volunteer or a young coach within our club, in addition to being supported by an EAFC professional coach 1 session a week.

• Fall Season: Mid-August to mid-November

• Spring Season: Early March to early May

This structure creates:

• Consistency in development

• Alignment with EAFC Competitive standards

• A clear progression model into our competitive programs

The club will provide a training schedule based on available resources and the team’s developmental needs.

Coaching Approach

Select teams are supported by:

• Club staff coach

• Grassroots Director

• Trained parent/Grassroots Coach

• Competitive team training environment alignment

Player Expectations

The Select Program requires a higher level of commitment than Grassroots.

Players are expected to:

• Attend training and games consistently

• Compete with focus, effort, and intent

• Take ownership of their development

We support multi-sport athletes but during the season, soccer should be a priority.

Team Selection and Formation

During the club’s regular competitive tryouts, if there are more players trying out than the competitive teams can accommodate, the club will begin forming Select teams. The club aims to form up to two teams per age group.

After tryouts, selected players will receive an invitation to join a Select team.

• Up to 2 teams per age group

• Max 11 players per team

If additional players are needed, supplemental tryouts may be held.

If a team cannot be formed, players will be guided back into Grassroots with continued development support.

Player Pathway

The Select Program is part of a clear pathway: Grassroots » Select » Competitive

At EAFC, every player has a place to grow. Select is where players begin to raise their standard, compete with purpose, and move closer to their potential.

Uniforms

Players in the Select Program will be required to purchase the club Adidas uniform, which is worn by all Eastshore Alliance Competitive and Select players.