PUYALLUP, WA, August 24, 2007 - WPFC has been providing the highest level of development training for the past 27 years, and is honored to continue to provide a positive soccer experience, development and opportunities to the striving young soccer athletes of Washington in the US Soccer Development Academy.
“WPFC has been preparing the elite soccer athlete for the next level of soccer opportunities for the last 20 years," says Jeff Woodworth, President of WPFC. Woodworth adds “Our athletes, both girls and boys, have gone on to represent the top colleges in America including Notre Dame, UCLA, North Carolina and Santa Clara. We are very proud to promote that not only have we placed players at the highest level but we are proud to promote a college education and community responsibility.”
WPFC will place a 1989 pool and a 1991 pool of players from within the current Club program to compete in the newly-formed US Soccer Development Academy league. WPFC will continue to provide the best coaching, training, facilities and opportunities to all players in the program.
“Not too much changes for us,” say Reece Olney, Director of Development. “Our club has continued to offer the highest level of coaches, facilities and development model. Our history of developing the top athletes is why we were invited into this elite program. Our Academy coaching staff includes Fran O’Brien and Jimmy McAlister, who have both had long professional playing careers and have directed players to the professional level and the highest college levels.”
In the last 10 years, WPFC has won three Nationals Championships, placed more players in college than any other program in the region, had the number one Major League Soccer draft pick in Nik Besagno, the A League player of the year in Joe Gjertsen and developed current US Soccer U-17 National Team player, Dan Wenzel.
WPFC will continue to provide the same opportunities for our male and female athletes. “The youth soccer landscape is always changing,” says Greg Ion, Administrative Director. Ion adds, “Youth soccer has changed from mother and father coaches, community-based teams and minimal costs to play. Over the past 7 years, soccer is now a sport that can provide a substantial support to athletes and families. College education, National team experience and professional opportunities are all possibilities to the girls and boys in our program. WPFC has always been committed to help all families afford to participate in our elite-level program. We have always had a scholarship program for those families who need financial assistance. Our commitment is to find the dollars to support our families.”
Jeff Woodworth continues, “Nothing changes in our mission: providing the best soccer opportunities to the striving athlete, which includes working hard to find financial solutions to the rising costs.”
WPFC will break ground September 4, 2007 to provide an added turf facility to our 11-field, 25-acre training center. The turf facility will help us continue to build revenues to offset the costs of the program. “Sponsorships, field rentals, and events were all in our long-term plans to help our athletes and the timing couldn’t be better. The turf facility provides stability to our members and a place to generate outside revenues. The lighted facility will also be a great place to showcase our senior girls and boys as well as host community events," adds Woodworth.
WPFC ’s academy teams will compete in the West Conference with LWYSA Crossfire, FC Portland, Colorado Rapids (MLS), Colorado Storm, Colorado Rush, De Anza (N. California) and Mustang (N. California). Crossover games will be against MLS Clubs LA Galaxy, Chivas USA and So. Cal powerhouses, Irvine Strikers, Arsenal, Pateadores, Real SOCAL, Nomads and Surf.
WPFC is proud to be selected into the Academy program with our neighbors from the north and south. LWYSA Crossfire has achieved great club success over the last 5 years and has been a soccer force that has challenged all clubs in Seattle to raise the bar. WPFC has a longstanding relationship with FC Portland and their history in the northwest is by far one of youth soccer’s finest development programs.
WPFC will play 30 games over the next 10 months and will include three showcase events to promote our players. WPFC’s schedule is built around the high school season so the players can participate with their high school teams and participate within the US Soccer Development Academy program. “While we are honored to be part of the US National team program, our main goal is still to provide our players the opportunity to play at the college level,” says Woodworth. Woodworth notes, “We are proud to be an extension of the US National team programs. We are also proud to be a youth club that values education, not only providing opportunities for soccer development but opportunities for education and cultural experiences. We understand the value of a high school soccer experience and the value of the college soccer experience. We believe we can provide both soccer development and high school cultural experience, and we are committed to our families to provide that opportunity.”
If you are interested in more information about WPFC, please email Reece Olney at rolney@ups.edu.
