Harbor Premier Elite Academy (EA) – Program Overview

Harbor Premier Elite Academy represents the highest level of competition for Boys U11–U19 within our club. EA teams compete in top local, regional, and national platforms, providing a premier training and match environment for committed, motivated athletes.

Our goal is to prepare players for the next level by combining high-level competition, professional standards, and intentional player development.

Coaching & Development Environment

All Elite Academy teams benefit from access to a highly qualified, experienced, and collaborative coaching staff. Players will learn from coaches holding USSF and UEFA licenses, working within a unified development framework.

We pride ourselves on:

• Collaboration between coaches and directors

• Consistent standards across all EA teams

• A long-term, player-centered development model

Who Will We Be Playing Against?

The Elite Academy League is currently expanding, with new clubs joining nationwide between now and April. While final club lists for the 2026/27 season are still being confirmed, the following clubs competed in the Pacific Northwest Division during the 2025/26 season.

2025/26 EA Clubs – U13–U19

• Sting Soccer Club (ID)

• Valencia CF Academy – Seattle

• BVB International Academy Washington

• Athletico Rojo (WA)

• Mount Rainier FC

• Western WA Surf Elite Central

• Seattle Celtic

• Western WA Surf Elite South

• Washington East Surf – Columbia Basin

• Athletico Azul (WA)

• Sparta Tacoma

• Albion SC Hawaii (all matches played in Washington)

The PNW Division was split into two divisions for the 2025/26 season.
All clubs are required to field U13–U19 teams.

2025/26 EA Clubs – U11 & U12 (Optional Division)

• Western WA Surf Elite Central

• Mount Rainier FC

• Valencia CF Academy – Seattle

• Athletico Rojo (WA)

• Athletico Azul (WA)

• Western WA Surf Elite South

• Seattle Celtic

Training Structure & EA Compete

• Three (3) training sessions per week for all EA teams

• If field space becomes limited, one session may be replaced with:

  • Video analysis

  • Team meetings

  • Classroom learning

  • Team-building or social activities

EA Compete (Mondays)

• One session per week is designated as “EA Compete” for U11–U19

• Designed collaboratively by:

  • EA Coaches

  • EA Director

  • Director of Coaching (DOC)

• Focused on exposing players to varied competitive and developmental experiences on a 5-7 week rotation

• Example: Summer EA Compete sessions will include Futsal

The remaining two weekly sessions are team-based training, planned and led by each team’s Head Coach.

Seasonal Overview

Summer

June

• All Boys EA teams attend Rainier Challenge (Boys)
  June 26–29 | Puyallup, WA

July

• Start of a 6-week summer periodization plan, led by each Head Coach

• Full EA staff collaboration immediately following Rainier Challenge to align on summer development goals

• Optional July tournament at coach discretion (TBD)

August

• All EA teams compete in Harbor Cup
  August 7–10 | Gig Harbor, WA

Fall / Winter / Spring

• League Season

  • U15–U19: September – February

  • U11–U14: September – May

• U13–U19 teams will generally play:

  • On the same dates

  • Against the same opponents

• Some rescheduling may occur, but stand-alone games will be avoided whenever possible

• During High School season (late February):

  • Only U13 & U14 teams will continue league play simultaneously

• All EA teams must attend:

  • PAC NW Winter Classic – January 2027

Elite Academy Events

Required for U13–U19 (Minimum One Event)

• EA Winter Event
  December 5–9, 2026 | Lakewood Ranch, Florida

• EA National Championships (if qualified)
  June 2027 | St. Louis, MO

U11 & U12

• Opportunity to qualify for a national championship event

• Additional details to be announced

How We Will #RaiseTheBar

• Clear coaching framework and expectations provided to all EA coaches prior to accepting position

• Mandatory collaboration between players, coaches, and directors

• Seasonal video analysis (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring etc)

  • All league matches recorded and uploaded

  • Staff review meetings every 5–6 weeks

  • Data-driven planning for upcoming training blocks

• Individual Development Plans (IDPs) aligned with MLS NEXT & Elite Academy standards:

  • U11–U14: 3 IDPs per year (Summer, Winter, Spring)

  • U15–U19: 2 IDPs per year (Summer, Winter)

• Transition to Nike as our official uniform provider

  • Elevated club standards and professional identity

• Continued investment in:

  • Coach education and licensure

  • Retaining committed staff

  • Recruiting coaches aligned with our long-term vision

Talent Identification (Talent ID)

Joining the Elite Academy also provides enhanced exposure through the EA Talent ID Program, creating additional pathways for player recognition and advancement.

Learn more here:
👉 https://eliteacademyleague.com/talent-id/