:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46257786/SEAvMTL_U18-7-7-14_MikeRussellFoto-39.1404813585.0.jpg)
The focus on youth development continues to intensify for the Sounders as they are now building a partnership with Spokane Shadow Soccer Club, the largest premier youth soccer organization on the east side of the state. The current details of the partnership are few but we do know that the partnership will allow players in the Spokane Shadow system to be eligible for Sounders Academy teams.
The Spokane Shadow have around 1000 competitive and recreational players in their system currently and continue to expand. They also have partnered with the Spokane Youth Sports Association which has over 3500 recreational soccer players.
In addition to their youth soccer program, the Spokane Shadow play in the Evergreen Premier League. In 2014, the Shadow won the EPLWA title and boasted the best attendance of all EPL and PDL clubs in the state. From 1996 to 2005, the Shadow also fielded a PDL team with notable players like Brian Ching and Craig Waibel.
The Sounders had not done much when it came to recruiting and finding talent in the 509 but with the announcement of this partnership expect the Sounders to start bringing in Spokane talent to the Academy.