The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club is based in Spokane, Washington, and is a non-profit premier soccer club that plays under the Spokane Youth Sports Soccer Association (SYSA). SYSA involves more than 8,000 boys and girls who participate in soccer, baseball, softball, football, track and cross country.
The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club was formed in 1999 and today includes 19 teams and nearly 300 players, ages U-11 through U-18. The Club is committed to player development and the highest levels of training and competition for players committed to advancing their skills and love of soccer. Many area high school and college teams include current and former Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club players. Spokane Shadow has produced players who compete in the Olympic Development Program and in Division I, II, and III collegiate programs.
Mission Statement:
The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club serves the youth in our community by continually striving to achieve the highest standards of youth soccer development (training, instruction and competition) by focusing on player development in an atmosphere of teamwork, respect and professionalism.
Purpose:
It is our aim to bring out the joy that the game of soccer can provide our youth by fueling their passion, challenging them to grow, teaching them to persevere, and recognizing their strengths in contributing to those around them.
Club History:
1999: To better serve the needs of the local aspiring youth player, the Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club was established to serve as the premier soccer arm for the Spokane Youth Sports Association (SYSA). SYSA provides all children in the greater Spokane area with the opportunity to participate in sports activities. (www.sysa.com)
Goals of the Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club were established to ensure a high-quality training environment, knowledgeable instruction from licensed coaches, and the highest level of competition.
Use of the Spokane Shadow name was extended to the new youth Club from the Spokane Shadow Soccer Premier Development League team (age U-23 players), which was part of the United Soccer League. That team suspended operations in 2006. (www.spokaneshadow.com)
2000: The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club began league play within the Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA) in the fall of 2000. The founding Board of Directors included Dave Berto, Chris Stiles, Andy McDirmid, Jeff Heimbigner and Einar Thorarinsson. Jeff Robbins was hired as Executive Director and Stuart Saunders was hired as Coaching Director. Beginning with seven teams, the club has grown to include 19 teams.
Washington State Youth Soccer Association comprises 42 member associations, which include more than 250 clubs or leagues throughout the State. In turn, WSYSA is affiliated with United States Youth Soccer and United States Soccer Federation and ultimately with FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association). (www.wsysa.com)
2007: To provide for “like vs. like” competition among Washington state clubs that consistently demonstrate the ability to develop Premier League teams and share a commitment to appropriate developmental philosophies for youth, the Player Development League was formed. The Spokane Shadow is the ONLY PDL club in the Inland Empire (Spokane region).
The PDL utilizes shorter league seasons and fewer summer tournaments. The quality of instruction is emphasized over quantity to avoid player burnout. (www.PlayerDevelopmentLeague.org).
In April, 2007, the Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club adopted new Articles and Bylaws, approved by SYSAS and SYSA Boards of Directors. A new Board of Directors was elected by the membership. Concluding a national search in November, 2007, Sean Bushéy was hired as Club Director.
