BOYS: THE ALBION SC WASHINGTON PLAYER PATHWAY
Our programs support every stage of a player’s development from first‑time players to elite athletes preparing for college or professional pathways. We are a volunteer-supported, community‑driven club offering futbol for everyone, at every level. We offer significant financial aid to support families, and we expect all families to participate in our fundraising efforts, which help keep our programs affordable for our whole community. Additionally, through our Community Focused Teams—including partnerships with Atlético Lobos and Seatown FC—we ensure players across the wider region have a direct link to elite soccer.
Overview: Boys Programs
Tier 1: MLS NEXT
This is our highest‑level program for boys who want a serious pathway to college or professional futbol. We have one team at each age-group at this level, branded Atletico. Players train in a very competitive, professional environment and travel nationally for games and events.
What you are committing to when you join
- Year‑round training and competition
- Expectation to be available for practice 2-3 days a week year round, and matches every weekend during the season
- National travel for showcases and tournaments, and travel to Portland and Eastern Washington during the season
- A professional, demanding environment focused on long‑term development
Tier 2: Elite Academy (EA)
This program is for strong, motivated players who want to train at a high level and prepare for possible advancement to MLS NEXT. We have multiple teams at every age group for this level, some branded Atletico, some ALBION SC. The environment is competitive, technical, and challenging, with some national travel. Our academy system is built on flexibility, and players who are ready will be invited to play and travel with the MLS Next teams.
What you are committing to when you join
- Year‑round training and competition
- Expectation to be available for practice 2 days a week year round, and matches every weekend during the season
- Some national travel, including attendance at EA showcases and tournaments, and travel to Portland and Eastern Washington during the season
- A strong focus on technical growth and competitive development
Tier 3: ALBION Academy (WPL or EA2 leagues)
This program is for competitive players who want quality coaching, structured development, and a clear pathway upward, but may also play other sports. Teams travel regionally and may have 1-2 trips for tournaments and showcases. These teams focus on building tactical understanding and consistency. We may have multiple teams at every age group at this level, all branded ALBION.
What you are committing to when you join
- Year-round practice
- Attendance at practice twice a week, and matches every weekend during the season
- A focus on teamwork, learning, and steady improvement
Tier 4: Select
Our select teams comprise strong and dedicated athletes, who love our competitive environment, but may also play other sports. Select teams have two seasons; you'll be expected to be available for our Fall season, with Spring being an additional optional season, with a separate sign-up. We focus on building tactical understanding and development for each player. Although these teams do not include any airplane travel, you will play teams that can be up to a four-hour drive, or a ferry ride away.
What you are committing to when you join
- Fall season, plus optional add-on in Spring
- Attendance at practice twice a week, and being available for matches many weekends during the season
- Some local travel, e.g. to the islands or up to four hour drive.
- A focus on teamwork, learning, and steady improvement
Tier 5: Futures (The Bridge)
Futures is our developmental program for young players who are ready for more soccer than a traditional recreational season or MLS Go offers. Led by professional coaches, Futures provides a bridge into competitive play and helps families get to know our club, coaches, and training routines. Players learn our style of play and club methodology in a fun, low‑pressure environment.
Ideal players are motivated learners who can focus at practices and games, want a step beyond recreational soccer, and can attend most trainings and matches.
What you are committing to when you join
- Open enrollment, no tryouts or cuts
- Team placement based on evaluation
- Minimal travel
- 2 trainings per week
Learn more about Futures
Tier 6: MLS GO (Recreational)
This is our entry‑level, recreational program for boys and girls who want to learn futbol in a fun, low‑pressure environment. There are no tryouts, no cuts, and kids play with friends while learning basic skills. We honor buddy requests wherever we can, and we love to have parents volunteer to play alongside the kids.
What you are committing to when you join:
- Low commitment
- No tryouts, cuts or travel
- Volunteer coaches
- A fun, welcoming environment focused on confidence and basic skill development.



