As we close the book on 2025, it’s clear this has been a year of growth, connection, and a shared commitment to building something special together. From record player counts to expanded programming, our progress wasn’t just about numbers. It was about staying true to who we are and the values that shape our club. 📈 Biggest Year in Club History This year, we reached our highest player and team counts ever, ending the calendar year with 472 players and 38 teams, including expanding further for high school aged players and teams. That growth is thanks to the trust our families place in us, and the effort of our coaches and staff who show up week after week to serve our community. This matters especially as just a few short years ago, we had no high school-aged teams or players. Now, as our younger players grow and age up, those older players are who our youngest ones can look to and dream to be. HPFC remains committed to matching that momentum with continued investment in programming and support. 👧 Just for Girls — A Weeklong Celebration of Belonging This year also marked the fourth year of our Just for Girls initiative and the biggest version of it yet. What began as a weekend back in 2022, has grown into a week-long celebration, designed to build connection, confidence, and community among our girls players. This year, we even moved the event to June more and had more than 150 players participate in mixed-age scrimmages, technical sessions, and fun-filled activities, capped off by a match night with Rhodies FC, our local USL W League partner. In 2025, we also expanded Just for Girls into the fall, hosting two free clinics (with more coming in spring). As the program continues to grow, so does our commitment to creating a space where girls feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our goal is simple: to make sure every girl at Highline Premier knows she belongs, and has role models to look up to both on and off the field. 🤝 Community First: Events That Brought Us Together We started the year marching proudly in the West Seattle Grand Parade and ended as we welcomed again 160 WSSC and HSC players to the HSA Stars Jamboree. Inbetween, we packed donation bins during our cleat and food drive, and we cheered for Huskies and Redhawks as a club at college games and so many more community events. We reimagined our goalkeeper pathway, not just for our players, but for the community too. With free clinics for WSSC keepers and expanded sessions for our own, we showed what creativity and accountability can look like when you're focused on service. And in 2026, we’ll go even bigger hosting events around the FIFA World Cup and celebrating 30 Years of Highline Premier FC soccer. 🧤 Coaching + Curriculum: Building the Culture We Want In early 2024, we launched a clubwide curriculum, developed by our then-Technical Director Alex Dixon (now Director of Coaching), with one simple goal: create a consistent foundation across all teams, rooted in our playing style and values. At the time, we kept it intentionally broad. Coaches and club leaders knew that trying to do too much too quickly could overwhelm players and staff. So we started with shared principles. This year, we expanded to age-band-specific frameworks for 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 training that balances technical and tactical goals with the developmental needs of each stage. Coaches have continued to meet monthly, leaning into shared discipline, refining our feedback loops, and modeling what it means to coach the Highline way. What’s next? We expect to go even deeper with even more targeted resources for player development. That future is still taking shape, but the direction is clear. This foundational work isn’t just preparing players, it’s preparing us. And with our move to the Regional Club League, we’re now competing in the highest league in Washington Youth Soccer, measuring our growth against clubs like Crossfire and Seattle United. Every step forward in this process reflects Effort, Accountability, and a shared commitment to long-term growth. 💸 Financial Aid Fund: Supporting Access at Every Level We set a goal to raise $100,000 in this year’s auction and we hit it. This was our most successful fundraiser ever. Proceeds support our Family Assistance Fund, keeping high-level soccer accessible to anyone in our community. Thanks to those efforts, we can continue to offer up to 75% tuition coverage for eligible families. We’ve also expanded financial aid to include team fees and uniforms. That’s Accountability in action backing our mission with real support. 🛟 Safety, Belonging, and a Culture of Care For years, families have asked: Do we have AEDs on site? Are coaches CPR certified? This was the year we were finally able to say, Yes! We’ve updated our Emergency Action Plan (EAP), available in the Parent Resources tab on PlayMetrics, to now include AED locations at Evergreen High School, Walt Hundley Playfield, and Moshier Park. Glacier Middle School scheduled to join in 2026. For the first time, we can confidently say those life-saving devices are in place. We also partnered with the American Red Cross to certify all staff in CPR and emergency response, completing a long-time goal. And we matched that training with the deployment of enhanced first aid kits across our field hubs. 🎯 Final Word: Thank You This year, we didn’t just grow. We leveled up. From player safety to curriculum depth, from girls’ programming to community connection, every step reflected our core values: Effort, Accountability, Discipline, Respect, and Creativity. We’re building a club that’s built to last. Here comes 2026. Year 30. Let’s make it count. Highline on 3! 1, 2, 3, Highline FC huh!

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.