A photo of two Issaquah FC middle school-aged boys team posing with their coaches in a line on the field of Lumen Field, the Seattle Sounders soccer stadium in Seattle, WA.

SELECT SOCCER

Select soccer is for U9-U19 players looking to develop and compete at a higher level while still playing within the local community and not having significant travel. It offers advanced training and competition, while allowing athletes to maintain balance with school, family life, and other interests. Many Select players use this program as preparation for high school varsity soccer. Players are placed on teams through tryouts, ensuring a competitive environment where athletes can continue to grow their skills.

The Select program runs from Fall through late Spring, with a longer season and more competitive matches than recreational soccer. Tryouts are before the season.

In soccer, ages are labeled using a “U#” format—so, for example, a 10-year-old would be in the U11 group. Check out our Age Chart, which is based on birth year, to find the right Select program for your player.

You can also learn more about the difference between Select and Premier soccer in our Select FAQs.

For questions about the Select program or registration, contact Kaylee at Kaylee@IssaquahFC.org.

SELECT PROGRAM DETAILS

SEASON AND TIME COMMITMENT

In general, most Select teams train and play together from June or July through November or December. Practices are held twice a week for 1½ hours each. The Select season is longer than Recreational but shorter than Premier.

High school girls' and boys' teams take a break during the Select season for their local high school team's season, then resume to the Select season after. Overall, the Select soccer commitment ranges from 6 to 9 months, depending on the team.

Teams typically play in 1–3 tournaments during the summer, followed by the regular fall league season, which includes 10–12 games (depending on age). The fall season runs from the weekend after Labor Day to mid-December for most teams. High school girls’ league play runs from November to mid-March. After the fall league season, all teams are encouraged to participate in the Washington State Cup Tournaments (held December–February for most teams).

While the Select program supports a healthy balance of school, family, and other interests, players are expected to commit fully to their team. This means attending all practices and games unless otherwise discussed with the head coach. Players and families should plan for multiple summer tournaments and practices.

Parent involvement is also greater than in Recreational soccer. Each team requires a team manager, treasurer, and referee-in-pool to help support the season.

COSTS

In addition to the Issaquah FC registration fee, each team has its own costs, which can vary based on factors such as uniform kit price (purchased separately by individual players), number of tournaments, team first aid supplies, and team events or parties. Some players also choose to work with individual trainers, which each charge various fees.

Refer to our registration fees page for more details. There is also a more detailed breakdown of estimated costs on our Select FAQ page.

LEAGUE

All Issaquah FC Select teams compete in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL).

COACHES AND TRAINERS

All Issaquah FC Select coaches are volunteers. Select coaches must meet minimum qualifications, which include years of playing experience, coaching background, and required licensing. Issaquah FC supports its coaches by providing educational resources, coaching trainers, opportunities to work with premier coaches, and encourages them to continue developing their skills throughout their time with the club. Notably, Issaquah FC collaborates with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to ensure that our coaches and club are providing a positive youth soccer experience, while also developing competitive athletes and players with character.

Sometimes individual teams and players choose get extra training from professional soccer trainers.

TRYOUTS

All Issaquah FC Select players must try out each year to remain in the program. The registration fee for tryouts is $25. Tryouts typically consist of two 90-minute sessions before the season starts and results are communicated shortly after.

High school boys (BU16 and older) usually try out in late February or early March.
U10–U16 boys and girls, as well as GU17–GU19 girls usually try out in early May.

Tryout dates and locations are subject to change, as Issaquah FC coordinates our Select tryouts with the other clubs in the Eastside Youth Soccer Association (EYSA). Review our Tryout Page (updated in February) for the most current information.

We do host supplemental tryouts on an individual team-need basis. For questions about Supplemental Tryouts, contact our Select Registrar, Kaylee at: kaylee@issaquahfc.org.

FIELD LOCATIONS

Practices: Team practices are held at various times during the week and the fields are located throughout Issaquah and Sammamish. Individual teams' practice locations are announced to the coach at the beginning of the season and the coach communicates these times and locations with the parents. For more information: Practice FAQ
Games: Home games are played on fields within the Issaquah School District boundaries. Away games may take place anywhere in the greater North Puget Sound League region. For more information: Game FAQ