The Shadow Juniors Program creates an experiential learning environment where optimism, hard work and decision making is rewarded through positive reinforcement. More information below.

The Shadow Juniors Program (SJP) is the next step beyond recreational soccer. We recommend players and teams begin SJP for their U9, or U8 play-up, season. This is a no-cut program, rooted in our local regions, designed for players interested in exploring the next level of development and enjoyment in the beautiful game. The Spokane Shadow employs best practices for youth player development to create an amazing environment for fun, community and effective training. Players can expect to learn life lessons and develop fundamental technical soccer skills. The Shadow Juniors Program produces the highest quality youth development experience in the region. Whether your player is recreational, select, premier or elite, the SJP is the ideal program to develop your player’s game.

Our Team. Our SJP Director Ben Atkinson has focused on these specific age groups since he first joined the club over a decade ago. Licensed and seasoned for player development at this age, he has created, with the clubs support, an extremely impactful program that all players and coaches of any skill level can take advantage of and grow.

The Spokane Shadow are an affiliate club of the Seattle Sounders Youth Academy which provides our club exclusive regional access to Sounders coaching education, training curriculum, data analysis and scouting network. Sounder affiliate clubs have produced 46 youth national team call-ups over a five-year period. You can learn more about the leagues here. Player development comes first for the Spokane Sounders. Learn more about our mission.

Training Methodology. Our experienced and licensed director helps guide both our players, and coaches. If we can help develop the next generation of soccer coaches, then our local grass-roots soccer community will benefit. Training sessions will often begin with free play of the beautiful game, transition into individual technical skill development, progress into small-sided training exercises, and with a small-sided game. This method keeps enjoyment and fun levels high as players are able to play the game for a large portion of every training session while also building foundational technical skill.

Season & Training. The SJP is broken up into Fall and Spring seasons. Each season is 10-12 weeks long and consists of training twice a week for an hour each session with approximately six-eight games per season. Club program coaches are provided detailed session plans for individual team training, with a wide arrangement of sessions and topics that they can cover to best support player development. All club directors help create a cohesive growth plan that is designed for player development from U6-U19, with a clear pathway for players to follow to graduate to the next level, year over year.

Cost. The cost of SJP is $395 per year and includes Fall and Spring, with optional training and leagues teams can join upon request. Uniforms are not included and typically cost under $100 per player.

If you are a coach and are interested in continuing coaching, learning and developing, then the SJP is for you. You are guaranteed the support you need from the club for any challenges or goals you have.

If you are a parent and your player is enjoying the beautiful game, then the SJP is for you.

Our Director, is available and eager to chat with any interested parents, coaches, and teams!

We look forward to seeing you all out on the pitch!