Select Program Overview


MIFC's Select program provides an opportunity to develop and play at the highest level of soccer within the local community while maintaining a balance between school, family life, and other interests. Select soccer is the middle tier of competition and commitment between Recreational and Premier. MIFC provides Recreational and Select programs to our community, and most MI players who are interested in Premier join our partner organization, Eastside FC, that draws talent from the greater Seattle area. MIFC's Select program is also designed to help prepare athletes to play high school varsity soccer.

Interested players must tryout for the Select program and must be willing to meet the higher level of commitment than Recreational requires. Most MIFC Select teams play in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL), which means the travel area for away games is a little further than Recreational soccer.

Registration

There are two registration events for Select soccer: (1) to participate in tryouts and (2) to commit to a team after tryouts. Registration for tryouts will open in March for BU16 and May for all other teams/age groups. Player registration for a team opens immediately after tryouts. Players need to register ASAP after making a Select team.

Age

MIFC offers Select soccer from U10 to U18. See our Age Chart to determine the appropriate level for your kid(s).

Playing Up Restrictions. If your appropriate age group is U11 through U14, you may only play up 1 year. A player must be determined by the independent evaluators to be in the top five of the age group they are trying out for. No more than five players may play up on any one team. Once a player reaches high school (U15 and above), the play-up restrictions are lifted, and the player merely has to be selected in the top 18 players. There are no play ups for U10.

Commitment Level

A typical Select season starts with tryouts sometime in May (except U16-U19 boys' tryouts are held around the end of February). Practices begin in June and are twice a week, continuing through the summer when teams typically participate in friendly games or tournaments. The regular fall season consists of about twelve games and runs from the first weekend after Labor Day to early December. State Cups start in January and could go through the first weekend in February. Spring season for boys is optional and is not included in the fees already paid. This schedule is very generic and can vary a lot based on the intensity level that the team is willing to commit to and their level of success. U15 - U18 girls teams train and play some friendly games or tournament in the summer, take a break for the high school season in the fall, and then resume with their regular season from December through April for the state cup.

While the Select program is designed to support a well-rounded balance of school, family life, and other interests, players must make a commitment to their teammates and coaches. The Club expects that all players attempt to make every practice and game unless otherwise discussed with the head coach. Each player and their parents should plan on the player being available for multiple summer tournaments and practices. The parent commitment for Select is higher than Recreational as well, with each team requiring a team manager, treasurer, and referee-in-pool.

The Select season for U15-U18 girls occurs during the winter (December through March) to avoid conflicting with the Fall high school soccer season.

Coaches and Professional Trainers

All MIFC Select teams are trained by soccer Professionals. MIFC Select coaches are required to meet minimum qualifications including years of playing, coaching and licensing, whether they are paid or volunteer. MIFC provides our coaches with educational resources and all coaches are encouraged to continue their education throughout their tenure. To see a list of our Select teams coaches, visit our Coaches and Referees tab.

U10-U13 Development Standards

The U10-U13 years are widely recognized as critical "developmental" years in soccer and most other sports. This is the main reason the Club offers Select at these ages. Coaches are instructed to focus on the development of the players on the team, not the wins and losses. They are encouraged to rotate players to different positions on the field during games and practice to allow development of players in different elements of the game (defensive shape, midfield support, attacking positions, etc). Playing time should be approximately equal for all players, but may be modified due to practice attendance and behavior.

Playing Time

For U10 through U14 all players should play on average at least ½ of each game, provided they attend most practice sessions. Players may receive less playing time if there are a significant number of absences from practices or team functions. However, a player shall not be penalized for missing a team function or practice due to occasional "excused absences" such as religious, illness, family events or school activities. Excused absences must be prearranged with the head coach.

Logistics

All players must pay a $25 fee to tryout.
Players must register online. Players are NOT to wear any items (jerseys, shorts, etc.) identifying them with any soccer teams.
Soccer shoes with cleats and shin guards are mandatory, and each player must have his or her own ball.

Uniforms

Order uniforms online

Costs

In addition to the MIFC registration fee, costs by team vary depending on the purchase of uniforms, the number of tournaments entered,  team first aid kits, team events, parties, etc. An estimate of the cost appears on our fees page.