General Information 

Club Background

NORTAC was formed in 1972 in Tacoma, WA as a non-profit organization to bring soccer to kids of all ages, ethnic background and economic status.  We serve boys and girls from ages four to nineteen through programs that are geared to the player's age and skill level:  Micro, Mod, Recreational and Select.  

At an early age, teams and fields are small, allowing a focus on soccer basics and having fun.  As players progress, the size of the teams and fields increases, and players can choose from recreational or highly competitive play.  The level of coaching also varies based on the program.  At an early age, volunteers provide a majority of the effort, with help and support from the club.  At the other end of the spectrum is the select program where coaches have professional licenses and significant experience.  Regardless of the program, however, the focus is always on the enjoyment of the game, allowing kids to grow mentally, physically and socially.  Please see the Programs page for more detail on these excellent programs.

Club Organization

For those who are new to youth soccer, the organization can be a bit confusing.  While most parents and players just want to kick a ball and have fun, the reality is that there are many things that happen behind the scenes (fields, referees, uniforms, equipment, insurance, clinics, finance, etc.).  When everything goes right, these aspects of the game are invisible (as they should be).  For those who are curious about the organization of the club, here's a quick overview:

• The NORTAC soccer club has 700+ players organized into 60 teams.  There are 18 soccer clubs in Pierce County.  NORTAC is governed by an Executive Board that adheres to the club By Laws and Constitution.
• NORTAC is part of the Tacoma Pierce County Junior Soccer Association (TPCJSA). There is 1 soccer association in Pierce County.
• TPCJSA is part of District III of the Washington State Youth Soccer Association (WSYSA).  The state is divided into 7 districts.
• WSYSA is part of national organizations that culminate with the US Soccer Federation, the sponsor for US National teams.
• NORTAC does not own any fields, but works with Tacoma Metro Parks, the Tacoma School District and the Boys and Girls Club to obtain fields.
• NORTAC provides its own referees for games played by younger kids.  This is a great opportunity for club players to develop leadership skills and earn some money.  For games played by older kids, we use the Pierce County Soccer Referee Association (PSCRA).        

Every club in the state has a geographical boundary that dictates where home games are played.  Players themselves do not need to live within this boundary.  The club's southern boundary is South 19th Street in Tacoma.  The north, east and west boundaries are the waters of Puget Sound.

 Why Choose Nortac?

If you are considering playing soccer, there are many choices.  In addition to the 18 clubs in the county, some of the local park and athletic associations also run soccer programs.  All of them are good, but each has their own focus.  Here's what NORTAC offers:

• NORTAC's fees are very reasonable when compared with other clubs & parks in the area.  While you may be able to find a cheaper fee, you won't find the same value.  The NORTAC coaches and volunteers have a depth of experience that most local soccer organizations can't match.
• With NORTAC, you can to play from age 4 to 19 with the same club.  Some parks and athletic associations stop at age 12, so kids that want to keep playing must find a new team and make new friends.  
• We offer the opportunity to play at a level that best fits the player's ability and the parent's level of commitment.  Less than 50% of the clubs in the county have a select program.  If you are at NORTAC and want to tryout for a select team, no need to change clubs.  If you want to play on a recreational team, we do that too!
• Unlike other clubs, we do not require players on select teams to give up other sports.  Being a kid only happens once and we belive that they should have balance in their lives.
• All of our home games and practices are played in Tacoma.  If you live there, you have the opportunity to share the joy of the game without making a long drive for every practice or game. 
• If you are from Tacoma, you can play soccer with your school friends  and parents can sit on the sidelines with their neighbors.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the key to the club's success, and thus, our ability to make a difference with kids.  Parents and interested adults can serve as coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, club volunteers or club officers.  If you are interested, please contact the club at Nortac72@yahoo.com or leave a message on our club phone #: (253) 353-2108. 

NORTAC uses the WSYSA Risk Management program to ensure the safety of kids.  This program requires most volunteers to complete a background check with the Washington State Patrol.