Why Choose Harbor Premier?

At Harbor Soccer Club, we believe in developing the whole player—on and off the field. Our commitment to player growth, meaningful experiences, and age-appropriate development has always been at the heart of who we are.

The goal of Harbor Premier is to offer intentional development pathways and competitive opportunities for players of all ages and ability levels. From our earliest stages through the highest levels of competition, we build environments that support growth, inspire confidence, and nurture a lifelong love for the game.

Our Development Pathway

We offer a clear progression for players based on age, developmental needs, and personal goals:

• Jr. Academy (Bambini) – U6 to U9
  A foundational stage focused on fun, technical development, and falling in love with the ball.

• Harbor Premier
  A competitive, structured environment with three key phases:

  • Prospective Development Phase (U9–U11)
    Building core skills and game understanding through guided discovery and repetition.

  • Potential Development Phase (U12–U15)
    Focusing on position-specific roles, tactical thinking, and stronger team dynamics.

  • Performance Phase (U16–U19)
    Preparing athletes for high-level play, high school and college pathways, and leadership on and off the field.

Learn more about each phase on our Player Pathway page.

Premier Tryout FAQs

What is the tryout procedure?

All players—new and returning—must attend tryouts each year. Evaluation is based on current performance and fit within the team environment.

How many tryout sessions should players attend?

We encourage players to attend all scheduled sessions to give coaches ample time for evaluation.

Can players try out for an older age group?

Players are expected to try out with their birth-year age group. However, if a player demonstrates consistent success and exceptional ability, they may be considered to play up at the discretion of coaches and program directors.

How are teams formed?

Players are evaluated through a consistent framework to ensure proper placement in the right developmental environment.

What do coaches look for during evaluations?

Coaches assess players based on four key areas:

• Engagement & Coachability: Do they listen, focus, and respond to instruction?
• Resilience: How do they handle mistakes and bounce back from adversity?
• Ability: Are they willing to take risks and show “wow” moments in training?
• Game Intelligence: Can they solve problems and make decisions in real-time?

Who will coach my child?

Coaches are typically announced prior to tryouts. While some coaching assignments may shift based on team needs, our goal is always to place players with coaches who best support their development. Some coaches also lead high school or college programs, which may occasionally require a guest coach during those seasons.

Will my child remain on the same team next season?

U7–U8 teams may adjust to ensure balanced skill levels and player fit. From U9 and up, teams are re-evaluated annually during tryouts, and rosters may change based on development and performance.

Can I bring an existing team into Harbor SC?

All teams are formed through our open tryout process. While groups of players are welcome to attend together, all placements are based on individual evaluations to ensure competitive balance and appropriate development environments.