MIFC, XL, and Eastside FC are thrilled to announce a new, but familiar, partnership to create a fresh entity, Eastside FC West. This collaboration reinforces the EYSA, our governing association, and provides clear and unparalleled pathways for players, ranging from the recreational level, all the way to the top competitive youth level available.

Both clubs have aligned philosophies and missions for prioritizing player needs, holistic development of the complete person, and providing tools and life skills through the sport to enable them to excel and be champions in life. This new framework sets the foundation to strengthen our existing connection to EFC and the EYSA, and build a platform to provide growth and strength across the association.

MIFC Director of Soccer & Community, Sean Morris, commented on the partnership:

Putting together a statement for messaging, let me know if this works, Jay:

"I’m thrilled about the opportunity this new, but familiar, partnership represents. When we learned that XL was coming to an end, we saw it as a moment to step back and re-evaluate how we could best serve our players and our community at every level. Through conversations with Eastside FC leadership, it quickly became clear that we share the same core principles: prioritizing player well-being, development, and access to meaningful opportunities across all competitive standards.

We’re equally energized by the chance to strengthen MIFC’s ties within the Mercer Island community and deepen our relationship with EYSA. As a community-based club with 61 years of history, our focus has always been on creating a clear, sustainable pathway that truly serves Mercer Island players. From micro soccer and juniors through rec, select, and beyond, our commitment remains simple: soccer should be accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for everyone who wants to play.

This partnership provides a strong platform to grow at the grassroots level while also expanding internal, high-level pathways, particularly for our girls’ program, with direct access to the ECNL pathway through Eastside FC. I couldn’t be more excited about this next step forward, as it allows us to better support our most competitive players while continuing to build stability, opportunity, and a strong sense of community across all MIFC programs."

Stay tuned for more information and updates, as we take this exciting step forward!