MIFC Juniors Program
What is MIFC Juniors?
MIFC Juniors is a program for seven and eight-year-olds (U8 and U9 age groups) that love soccer and are interested in discovering what a high-level training and playing environment looks and feels like. MIFC Juniors teaches the fundamental principles that enable players to compete at the highest levels someday, all while growing their passion for the sport.
The MIFC Age Chart is a guide to soccer opportunities at each birth age.
Registration for MIFC's Full Year and Summer/Fall Juniors is closed.
Full Year: Mid-June, 2024 through April 27, 2025
Summer/Fall: Mid-June, 2024 through November 23, 2024
Cost: Full Year: U8 $1100 / U9 $1400
Summer/Fall: U8 $700 / U9 $900
Practices: Mon/Wed Boys 4:30-5:45 pm @ Islander Middle School
Girls Mon/Wed 5:00-6:15 @ Islander Middle School
For the month of June 2024 - training will only be on Wednesday. Mon/Wed training will start July 8.
When does the Juniors season start and end?
Families can join for a full year, June through April, or for those that would like more flexibility, we offer two "seasons" for MIFC Juniors (Summer/Fall session and Winter/Spring session).
The Summer/Fall starts in June and ends in late November. The Winter/Spring session starts in in January and runs through the end of April.
When, where, and how often, are practices and games?
During the Summer, players train twice a week on Mercer Island and might play in one or two weekend jamborees. In September, twice-per-week training on the Island continues, and games begin on the weekends. Training sessions are on Monday/Wednesday from 4:15-5:30pm.
U8 Juniors games in Fall and Winter/Spring are on Sundays at Newport Heights Elementary.
U9 Juniors will play in the WPL Development League or North Puget Sound Leage with games on Saturdays or Sundays around the greater Puget Sound Region. Teams may choose to participate in Washington Cup which is held in late April.
What is the cost?
U9 - $1400 year round ($900 summer/fall; $600 winter/spring) - sign up for a full year; save $100
U8 - $1100 year round ($700 summer/fall; $500 winter/spring) - sign up for a full year; save $100
Uniforms one-time purchase
Optional tournaments will be an additional fee
How are teams formed?
Teams train academy style and are usually formed after the first few weeks of training depending on the developmental level (skills, ability to focus and listen, etc.). The goal is to create the most effective training and playing environment for your child to learn and grow. Because players learn and grow at different rates, players might switch between training and game groups throughout the season.
What is the difference between Recreational Soccer and MIFC Juniors? How do I know which one to sign-up for?
The key differences are that Recreational soccer has volunteer coaches and plays from late August through mid-November, while MIFC Juniors hires a paid coaching staff and has a longer season from June through mid-November. Juniors also offers a Winter/Spring season for those that want to keep going.
Both programs are open to all, but Juniors is generally best suited for kids who are motivated to learn, can focus at practices and games, and can commit to a longer season than the recreational program.
Still not sure which program is right for your child? Send a note to [email protected] for advice.
When is registration?
Registration for Summer/Fall Juniors opens in April. Winter registration will open in December.