MIFC teams - boys and girls - dominated the Washington Youth Soccer Founders Cup Tournament this year, producing two Championship teams at the Gold level (Boys 2009 team coached by Aaron Byers and Boys 2010 team coached by Colin Rigby); a Gold Division Championship finalist team that battled but lost in PKs (Girls 2009 team coached by Elliot Fauske); and a Silver Division Semi-Finalist (Girls 2010 team coached by Francois Delafosse). These successes are a testament to MIFC's consistent, effective player development pathway; the talent and dedication of our well-trained coaches; and a mindset that when soccer is fun and collaborative first, teams stay together to play together for success. Congratulations to all players and coaches!

Speaking of fun and collaboration, the MIFC Board participated in a session moderated by Positive Coaching Alliance in early February. Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is a national non-profit organization with the mission of creating a positive, character-building youth sports environment that results in BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE. It provides a wealth of written material and seminars on how to develop children in all sports with good character and positive self image as well as foster a love of the game. It offers programs for players, coaches, clubs and parents. One key takeaway is to encourage all sports enthusiasts to stay in their lane -- coaches coach; players play; parents spectate and SUPPORT! As parents, the best thing you can do is to cheer positively for both teams playing from the sidelines; do NOT coach from the sideline or after the game; and emphasize during the drive home how much you enjoy seeing your children have fun on the field and improve their skills. All participants should be demonstrating good sportsmanship at all time - treating the team, opposing players/parents, coaches and referees with respect. At MIFC, we strive to foster an environment that provides positive role models and offers programs for every child to enjoy the game, learn to develop skills at his or her own pace, form healthy team relationships, and retain a lifetime affection for the sport. It's important for parents to assist MIFC in that mission by intervening and redirecting those who exhibit behavior inconsistent with those core values. Check out PCA parent resources here .

MIHS Boys Varsity Season Commences In Partnership With MIFC

Gear Up For Spring Break and Summer Camps

Parent Camp Rumble on March 7

Turn out on March 7 at the Mercer Island High School stadium to watch the annual Parent Rumble! Winter Parent Camp participants will showcase their newly honed skills, drawing hilarious color commentary by Coach Colin Rigby. Fun for all!

Former MIFC Player/UW Phenom Gives Back

He's baack! Last month, we featured a profile of MIFC alum and youth coach Lucas Meek, who wrapped a terrific season as mid-fielder playing for the University of Washington. He contacted us to let us know that the culture of service we stress at MIFC - by encouraging youth players to step up as coaches, referees and in the community - is playing out on a larger scale for Meek at UW. Meek was selected as one of 20 UW athletes to travel to Marlie Hill, Jamaica to build sports courts for kids this summer. Part of his mission is to fundraise for the trip. If you are inspired to support Meek in this magnanimous effort, you can donate here , selecting “Donate to a North American Volunteer,” then “Jamaica – UW Athletics” and write "Lucas Meek" in the “additional comments or questions” box. Congratulations, Lucas!