Curriculum Corner: All Formats, Just Play  This month, our entire club, from 7v7 to 11v11, is centered on games-based learning. The emphasis is simple: PLAY . Technical Focus : All major ball skills Tactical Focus : Game scenarios and decisions Physical Focus : Movement, agility, and game fitness HPFC Core Value : Fun! 🎉⚽ We know the weather is cold, attention spans are short, and the holidays are near. That’s why December is designed to keep players moving, engaged, and enjoying the game while still developing core skills through small-sided games. Let them play. Let them learn. Let them love it.

As winter settles into the Pacific Northwest, Highline Premier FC shifts into our cold‑weather operations mode. Player safety is always the priority, and this article is meant to give families clarity on how we make decisions, what to expect, and how you can help keep your player safe and comfortable all season long. How Highline Premier FC Makes Weather Decisions We monitor cold weather through a combination of methods including: Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) guidelines Zelus weather monitoring Real‑time updates from our field partners at Highline Public Schools, Seattle Parks, King County Parks, and City of Burien Parks Cold weather decisions consider actual temperature, wind chill, field conditions, and the ability to safely travel to and from the field. Here’s how we interpret WCT: Below 0° WCT: Activities canceled or moved indoors 1°–15° WCT: Frequent warming breaks required; indoor alternatives strongly considered 16°–24° WCT: Additional protective clothing required 25°–30° WCT: Normal activity with extra precautions Above 30° WCT: Standard operations When conditions look concerning, we communicate early and often through PlayMetrics, email, coaches and team managers. Who Makes the Call? Understanding Field & Game Protocols Cold weather affects training and matches differently. Depending on the situation, several groups may step in to determine whether play can proceed: Multiple authorities may cancel or postpone a practice or match: HPFC Leadership: Monitor weather and field conditions constantly and update coaches immediately when a decision is made to cancel or postpone. Field Vendors (Schools or Parks): Turf with snow is automatically unplayable. Frozen surfaces and flooding may close a field at any time. WPL or RCL: May cancel across the board if region‑wide playing conditions or travel becomes unsafe. Referee: Once teams arrive onsite, the referee has full authority to delay, pause, or cancel a game. Coaches: If both teams agree conditions are unsafe, the match can be postponed, but it must be documented. If a referee is present, they must acknowledge the decision. How Families Can Help Keep Players Safe Even with great field partners and monitoring tools, the most important voice in cold weather safety is yours. Dress in Layers A strong cold‑weather setup includes: Base Layer: Moisture‑wicking (avoid cotton) Insulating Layer: Fleece or similar Outer Layer: Waterproof, wind‑resistant shell Accessories: Hat, gloves, neck gaiter, extra dry socks Stay Dry Moisture is the enemy of warmth. Pack an extra pair of socks Change out of wet clothes immediately Keep gear in dry bags or trash bags Bring blankets, jackets, and warm drinks for the sidelines Hydrate Cold weather masks dehydration. Encourage water breaks Warm water in insulated bottles works well Communicate Early If your player: Is too cold Feels unwell Can’t safely travel…please keep them home and update your RSVP in PlayMetrics so coaches can adjust their plans. Bottom line: If you don’t feel it’s safe for your child, we support that decision every time . Cold weather is part of our environment, but safety always comes first. We’ll communicate clearly, follow established guidelines, and do everything we can to provide a safe and fun soccer experience. And if at any point you feel conditions are unsafe for your child, please keep them home and update PlayMetrics. We’ll support your decision every time. If you ever have questions about weather calls, field closures, or safety protocols, just reach out. We’re here to help.

As we move into November, our players are being challenged to raise the intensity and refine the details. With WPL Fall play finishing, High School Boys State Cup underway, and the RCL season’s rhythm established, this month’s club-wide themes focus on movement off the ball, defending as a unit, and bringing maximum Effort to every moment — a core value across all teams at HPFC. Players are learning that effort isn’t just about working hard, it’s about moving with intention, supporting teammates before the ball arrives, and staying connected in and out of possession. 🧭 Why This Matters Soccer demands more than technical skill. The ability to read the game , support others, and respond under pressure separates good players from great ones. In November, players will: Learn to move in advance of the ball to create space and angles Practice turning under pressure and switching play with longer passes Strengthen communication in team defending — pressure, cover, and balance Build physical strength and agility with bounding, leaping, and skipping drills Embrace Effort as a non-negotiable: showing up fully, every session From first touches to full-field transitions, November’s work builds a foundation for how we play — together, committed, and alert. 🏠 For Parents: What You’ll Notice This month, you might notice: Players checking their shoulders more often before receiving More movement off the ball to give teammates options Coaches emphasizing team shape and vocal leadership in defending A heavier focus on speed of play and field awareness You may also hear coaches referencing defensive cues like "cover the gap" or "show inside" — signs that players are developing a deeper tactical understanding. ✏️ Homework & Habits Want to reinforce this month’s learning at home? Here’s a simple activity by age band: 7v7 → First Touch to Space Set up a cone 5–10 feet away. Have your player receive the ball and push it toward the cone with their first touch, then dribble through. Focus on movement before the ball arrives. 9v9 → Passing to Switch Play Create a mini grid with four corner targets. Have your player receive the ball, turn, and pass diagonally to the farthest corner. Add a time limit to mimic decision-making under pressure. 11v11 → Shadow Defending Partner with your player and have them mirror your movements for 30 seconds at a time. Focus on footwork, distance, and body shape —core skills for team defense. These 5–10 minute activities help build habits that translate directly to the field. For more information about our curriculum, please contact Director of Coaching Alex Dixon at a.dixon@highlinepremier.com. Let’s finish summer strong and step into fall sharp, united, and ready to play.

💪 Why We Need You: Volunteering at Highline Premier FC It takes a community to run a community club. At Highline Premier FC, we rely on our families and supporters to help us do more than just run practices and play games. From team formation to tryouts, from auction night to HSA Stars — volunteers are the engine behind nearly everything we do. We ask throughout the year — in emails, at team meetings, on the sidelines, and yes, even right here in this newsletter — because the need is real. And so is the impact. 🧭 Why Volunteering Matters When you step up to volunteer, you’re doing more than lending a hand. You’re making our programs more accessible, more organized, and more community-driven. You’re helping players show up to ready fields, coaches feel supported, and events run smoothly. You’re helping your child’s team thrive and you’re helping kids across the club grow through sport. From Team Managers who help keep rosters, schedules, and communication on track to event volunteers who step up for just a few hours at a time, there’s a role for every level of time and experience. 🌟 HSA Stars: Where It All Begins One of our biggest volunteer needs of the season is HSA Stars. This special give-back event introduces coach-nominated players from West Seattle and Highline Soccer Clubs to the Highline Premier FC environment. For many families, HSA Stars is the very first time they hear about our club. It’s their introduction to professional coaching, to our community values, and to the idea that there’s a soccer pathway waiting for them if they want it. This year’s event includes two evening training sessions and a Sunday 5v5 jamboree — and we need help to pull it all off. 🎯 Roles We Need Filled: Check-in tables and registration support Field setup and equipment crew Game marshals and team guides during the jamboree Snack station helpers Sideline hosts and general support staff Every shift makes a difference. Most roles are one to two hours. Some roles come with a front-row seat to a young player’s first spark of joy in a new soccer experience. 🙌 Let’s Build Something Together Whether you’ve volunteered before or you’re brand new to the club, we invite you to get involved. Volunteering isn’t just about helping us run events; it’s about modeling effort, accountability, and care for our players. It’s about showing them that soccer is about more than just the score; it’s about community. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump in, this is it. Let’s keep building something great together.

🎶 Velvet & Vinyl Gala & Auction On Saturday, November 15, we’ll come together at South Seattle College for an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and purpose: the Velvet & Vinyl Gala & Auction. It’s our biggest community event of the year — and this year, we’re going big, with a bold goal to raise $100,000 for our Financial Assistance Fund (FAF). ⚽ Why We Do It At Highline Premier, we believe that every child deserves a place on the field. Talent knows no zip code, and a family’s financial situation shouldn’t limit potential. The Financial Assistance Fund exists to remove barriers and open doors — providing players with a pathway to grow, belong, and thrive in the game they love. In 2025, 61 of our 460 players received support through our FAF. Some were awarded up to 75% of their tuition, while others received help with uniforms and team fees. These players are not anonymous—they’re your kids’ teammates, your neighbors, your friends. When we support the FAF, we’re making sure no child is left on the sidelines. ✨ What to Expect The Velvet & Vinyl theme brings together glam and grit, retro flair, rockstar energy, and a little sparkle. Come dressed to impress or keep it classic. Either way, the vibe will be lively, welcoming, and full of heart. 🎤 Expect: A fun, high-energy atmosphere with friends and fellow soccer families Silent & live auctions featuring trips, experiences, sports memorabilia, local favorites, and themed baskets A night that brings our entire community together for something bigger than ourselves 🎟 Still Time to Join Us Tickets are still on sale! If you haven’t grabbed yours yet, this is your chance to support a night that fuels dreams and breaks down barriers. And if you’re interested in volunteering, we’d love to have you — all volunteers receive free admission to the event. 👉 Buy Tickets 👉 Volunteer at the Gala  💬 Final Thought The Velvet & Vinyl Gala isn’t just a night out it’s a night that stands up for kids. It’s how we ensure that players from all backgrounds feel like they belong, from their very first practice to the final whistle. Let’s show our players what real community looks like. See you on the dance floor.

Big Shift Ahead: U.S. Soccer Returns to School-Year Age Grouping

🎶 Velvet & Vinyl Gala & Auction — November 15 Get ready for a night of music, celebration, and community impact! The Velvet & Vinyl Gala & Auction takes place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at South Seattle College. This year, we’ve set our most ambitious fundraising goal ever: $100,000 . Funds raised are allocated directly to our Financial Assistance Fund, which helps reduce barriers to soccer by covering up to 75% of annual player tuition, as well as uniforms and team fees. Nearly one in four Highline Premier FC players receives financial assistance, and this event helps to keep our program accessible for all who wish to play. ✨ This Year’s Theme: Velvet & Vinyl Think sparkle and edge. Glam and grit. Our theme this year blends retro rock-and-roll vibes with a touch of glamor. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to dress in a glamorous or rock-and-roll flair featuring sequins, velvet, leather jackets, vintage tees, and more. Whether you show up as Bowie or Beyoncé, we’re here for it. 🎤 What to Expect A high-energy night filled with music, laughter, and connection Silent and live auctions with exclusive items, gift cards, trips, experiences, and team-themed baskets Stories from the community about what this night means to our players and families A chance to show up for something bigger than yourself 🙌 How You Can Help Buy Tickets : Join us for an unforgettable evening Donate Items : Unique items, experiences, and baskets are all welcome (deadline is October 12) Volunteer: Be part of the magic behind the scenes 💬 Why It Matters This isn’t just a party. It’s a statement. It's about equity in youth sports and our shared commitment that cost should never keep a kid from playing the game they love. Your attendance, donations, and energy all fuel our mission, ensuring every player has a chance to grow, learn, and thrive. Let’s make November 15 a night to remember. Together, we can hit our $100,000 goal and keep building a stronger, more inclusive Highline Premier FC.