Real Racing Santander x EPLWA x IFP 2025 Showcase Recap

On a rainy night in Tacoma, the Real Racing Santander x IFP Showcase brought together an unprecedented mix of talent from across the region. Players represented clubs and leagues including the EPLWA, UPSL, USL2, CPL1, ECNL, MASL and NWAC, with some traveling from as far as Spokane, Yakima, and Bellingham to compete. The players were placed onto 2 teams, silver and navy, the talent was evenly balanced and the level was high. Players got the chance to connect and meet new faces from around the state. 

"The EPLWA was excited to join forces with the newly formed IFP and Real Racing to offer unique opportunities to our players and to collaborate with other local adjacent leagues and their teams to showcase our regional talent, and just have a fun night of high level soccer. As the EPLWA looks to position our meaning in amateur soccer further, this event gave us an opportunity to show it instead of say it. We’re committed to developing young players while creating opportunities for experienced/older players to mentor, compete, and continue enjoying the beautiful game at a high level", said EPLWA/WSASA President Tim Busch. 

Coach Skyler Roehr and the silver team (Highline Community College/Tacoma Stars Reserves) Photo Credit Jon Brennan

The night highlighted the diversity of players on display, from 30-year-old veterans like Eddie Na (Stars/Nido, MASL/EPLWA/WPU23), goalkeeper Justin Savignon (BUFC, EPLWA), and winger Alex Vogt (FC Oly, EPLWA)—all proven talents in Washington’s competitive soccer scene—to rising stars like 16-year-old Fisher Jarzynka (Washington Premier FC, ECNL All-American), who ultimately won the trial opportunity in Spain.

Check out the full photo gallery here.

EPLWA GK of the Year- Justin Savignon Photo Credit Lexi Maslowski

Manny Nicasio of the MASL, USL League Two  (Tacoma Stars and FC Oly) - Photo Credit Lexi Maslowski

Fisher Jarzynka (Washington Premier FC B09 ECNL) and Keegan Brennan (Bellevue Athletic/EPLWA/UPSL) /Photo Credit Jon Brennan

“This has always been my philosophy,” said Adam Becker, head coach of the showcase’s Team Becker. “I believe in putting young players alongside veterans so they can learn the game in real time, under pressure, with the mentorship of experienced leaders. Tonight showed how powerful that mix can be.”

That balance of mentorship and opportunity has been at the core of the vision for John Crouch, co-founder of IFP/EPLWA and VP of Competition/Media EPLWA. John and Adam have been working together building teams and creating opportunities for players since 2009, including a U23 national USASA title with the collaboration of other EPLWA teams and the support of the WSASA.

John Crouch event leader Photo Credit Lexi Maslowski

“We’re building an organization that shines a light on young talent and provides pathways outside while also alongside the normal systems here in the US,” Crouch said. “For some players, the traditional track doesn’t open the right doors. We have a diverse group of soccer players in the US, much like our general population and we're interested in finding pathways for all of these young talents. In general, young players need more exposure to varied training, game experiences and cultural diversity to build a young man ready for the high level. We want to provide unique chances to be seen, to grow, and to dream bigger and we want it to be fun and drive a stronger desire to grow in the game and in life.”

The partnership with Real Racing Santander was central to the evening. “Our overseas partner clubs are asking for this,” said Anwar Begad, co-founder of IFP/Nido Seattle Founder and facilitator of the international connection.

Diego Hernandez (Nido Seattle/CPL1) Photo Credit Jon Brennan

“They are excited to see players from our region, and they want to give them opportunities. This showcase is just the start of creating a true two-way pathway for regional players to connect with professional environments abroad. We're looking forward to exploring all the opportunities we can with our local players and our partner clubs abroad.”

Eddie Na (Tacoma Stars /MASL/Washington Premier EPLWA Alumni) Photo Credit Jon Brennan

The match itself ended in a 4–3 scoreline, played in heavy rain but filled with energy, intensity, and skill offering minutes on the field for all players in attendance. The players took the field in El Toro-sponsored tops, emblazoned with both the IFP and Real Racing logos. Each player kept their jersey as a souvenir of the night.

Caleb Belcher (Sparta FC B09) Photo Credit Lexi Maslowski

For standout winner Fisher Jarzynka, the future is immediate. The 16-year-old winger will travel to Santander for a 1–2 week trial, living in the club’s residency, training with his age group, and sharing meals alongside the first team. His athleticism, pace, and attacking creativity made him the clear choice for the opportunity. He just received ECNL U16 All American accolades playing for Washington Premier FC on the B09 team.

Looking ahead, this event was just the beginning for IFP and it's partnership with the EPLWA.

Plans are already underway for:

       Women's/Girls and Men's/Boys Programming

More showcase opportunities with overseas scouts and high level coaches in attendance

High-level training, camps and pro-look events for youth players

The future is about building pathways to professional environments and continuing to merge the passion of local players with opportunities abroad.

👉 Players who want to be notified about future showcases and international opportunities can sign up now HERE

Thank you to all who put effort into making this happen, it was the first of it's kind for the EPLWA and we're excited to offer many more of these types of events. 

Here are the player rosters- 

Total Player Rosters

Thanks again El Toro!!