Enthusiasm for the game of soccer is rampant, not only worldwide, but across Western Washington.

The Bellevue-based Heron Athletic Club, which offers soccer instruction to boys and girls between six and 17 years of age, is a non-profit community based club that is part of US Club Soccer and the Puget Sound Premier League. Heron, which was founded in March, currently fields a total of seven teams and is looking to expand into the future. Heron Athletic Club Vice President Rick Schroeder said there are 80 players between the seven teams and the numbers are continuing to increase.

“Every day we have more and more parents calling us to get their kids signed up,” Schroeder said. “We’re hoping in the next two years to be able to field a team at every age level for both girls and boys. The reason we started this club was because of the demand in the area. Kids and parents wanted options.”

Heron’s home fields consist of the International School Field and Robinswood Park in Bellevue. Teams practice at Tillicum Middle School as well. Heron Assistant Director of Coaching Sheldon Daniel said Heron embraces the “academy” style coaching philosophy championed by many teams in Europe.

“We have a philosophy here where we coach all of the kids the same way. It doesn’t matter if its boys, girls or necessarily the age group. They get the same type of training, so if I’m not here another coach and step in and lead them the exact same way. We all coach with that academy style and that is what we’re looking for. With the way we have things structured, we have ensured that all the kids have the same message all the way through,” said Daniel.

Daniel, who is from Trinidad and Tobago, has coached soccer for the past 10 years. The experienced coach plans on continuing to guide youthful soccer players for years to go.

“At the end of the day, seeing them get better and seeing them having fun is what it’s all about. That is why we do this,” he said.

Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com