Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Yakima, Washington

Sozo FC is a youth soccer organization based in Yakima, Washington, serving Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest region. While established as Sozo FC in 2018, the club's history dates back to 1985 as the Sun City Strikers, later becoming the Yakima Youth Soccer Association. The club offers programs for a wide range of age groups, including Micro Academy for players aged 3-5, Sozo Academy for Kindergarten through 7th grade, and competitive teams from U7 through U19 for both boys and girls. Sozo FC is recognized as the fastest-growing premier soccer club in Central Washington, emphasizing holistic player development that extends beyond the field to include character, leadership, responsibility, and resilience. The club operates as a non-profit organization, committed to providing affordable soccer experiences and offering scholarships to over 25% of its athletes. Sozo FC's boys' U13-U19 Gold teams compete in the MLS NEXT League, a top youth development platform. Additionally, the club's teams participate in the highly competitive Regional Club League (RCL) for age groups U7 through U19. Sozo FC also offers programs in the Washington Inland Soccer League (WISL) and hosts its own tournament, Copa Sozo. The club benefits from exceptional training facilities at the Sozo Sports Complex and maintains a strong community focus.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Central Washington Sounders is a youth soccer organization based in the Yakima Valley region of Central Washington state. The club operates as a key provider of competitive soccer in rural and semi-rural communities, fostering talent from local areas like Selah and surrounding districts. Established to support grassroots development, it draws inspiration from the Seattle Sounders FC model, emphasizing technical skills and team play. They serve age groups from U8 through U19 for both boys and girls, with structured pathways starting from introductory levels to advanced competitive teams. A distinguishing feature is their focus on affordable access to high-quality coaching in an underserved region, promoting inclusivity and long-term player retention. The club prioritizes character building alongside athletic growth, integrating life skills training into practices and matches. Their top teams compete in regional leagues such as the Washington Premier League (WPL) and US Youth Soccer National League (USYS NL) events, providing exposure to statewide tournaments. Central Washington Sounders maintains a strong emphasis on college recruitment, with alumni advancing to NCAA programs and some pursuing semi-professional opportunities. The organization hosts annual showcases and camps to connect players with scouts from higher divisions. Overall, the club stands out for bridging urban soccer resources to Central Washington's youth, creating a sustainable pipeline for regional talent.

Leagues: NPL