TRAVEL PROGRAM INFORMATION

DC Soccer Club’s Travel Program is designed for players and families ready to make a stronger commitment to soccer and player development. With greater commitment comes greater reward: players who dedicate themselves to regular training and competition see the most growth in their skills, confidence, and connection with their teammates. Our program offers three levels — Select, Travel, and Academy — so each player can develop at the pace and intensity best suited for them.


  • Commitment to the Travel Program is driven by competitive player development through the tryout process, not placement by friend request or practice location.
  • Practice schedules and field locations are determined by the permits the club secures each season.
  • Families are expected to support and adapt to the team schedule, understanding that many factors are considered to ensure all players and teams have the opportunity to train and compete successfully.
  • ï»żWhile the level of competition and time commitment may vary across Select, Travel, and Academy, all teams share the same expectation: consistent attendance at practices and games with a focus on player growth and development.


At DC Soccer Club, we recognize that the financial commitment of Travel soccer can be significant, and we encourage families to apply for financial aid to understand what support may be available before accepting a team invitation.


We also encourage families to follow DC Soccer Club on our social media so they share a greater connection to our club, and receive the latest news and events--including tryouts--about our travel program.

Select Level (Entry Point)

Overview:
Select is the entry level of DC Soccer Club’s Travel Program pathway, designed for players ready  for a greater challenge than rec but with a more manageable commitment than the travel and academy levels within the travel program. Select acts as a bridge between the rec/pre-travel and travel/academy levels with professional coaching, travel program curriculum and player tracking that focuses on player development at a level appropriate for the player.


2026-2027 Select Season Details


Age Groups: U8–U14 (eligibility beginning in fall 2026 will follow Aug 1 - July 31 age group cutoff)

Commitment & Expectations:

  • Practices: 2 sessions per week in fall/spring and 1 session per week in winter with licensed coaches
  • Practice Location: Schedule varies each season due to DC permits; commitment is based on the program, not on location
  • Games: League competition in Fall and Spring on Saturday or Sunday
  • Season Length: 10-month commitment September-June
  • Travel: Away games localized to Montgomery County, MD

Player Profile:

  • Players eager to advance beyond recreational soccer
  • Development-oriented, building technical foundation and tactical understanding
  • Mix of players  new to competitive development and those players still solidifying skills as a pathway to the travel level, as well as skilled players aligned specifically with the commitment level

League and Competition:

  • MDSL (Maryland Developmental Soccer League) - local/regional league appropriate for development stage
  • Emphasis on skill-building and competitive experience without heavy travel demands

Cost Range:

  • 2026-2027 Season: $1700 - $1750 + processing fees — covers professional coaching, league fees, tournament, field costs, and club operations
  • Uniforms purchased separately
  • Financial aid available for qualifying families - apply before accepting a team invite


Tryouts:

  • Held in spring to form teams for the following seasonal year
  • Contact Travel Director if interested in attending practice for evaluation in age group at other points of the year


Contact:

Travel Level (Core of Travel Program)

Overview:
The Travel level in our Travel Program represents the broadest tier of DC Soccer Club’s competitive pathway. With multiple teams at each age group, players are placed at the level best suited for their growth. This ensures opportunities for advancement while keeping training and competition challenging and engaging.


2026-2027 Travel Season Details


Age Groups: U8–U19 (eligibility beginning in fall 2026 will follow Aug 1 - July 31 age group cutoff)


Commitment & Expectations:

  • Practices: 2 team sessions per week plus 1 optional club training in fall/spring and 2 team sessions in winter with licensed coach (adjustments made for high school players in fall)
  • Games: Competitive league play across the DMV
  • Season Length: 10.5 month commitment August-June
  • Tournaments: 2-3 depending on age/level
  • Travel: Away games are across DMV plus travel to tournaments


Player Profile:

  • Wider range of team levels in each age group to place players accordingly
  • Seeking structured development and regular competition
  • Families prepared for consistent training and weekend matches


League and Competition:

  • Local/regional leagues depending on level in age group:
  • CPSL (Chesapeake Premier Soccer League)
  • NCSL (National Capital Soccer League)
  • EDP (Elite Development Program)
  • Tournaments for added competition and exposure


Cost Range:

  • 2025-2026 Season: $2100 - $3195 + processing fees — covers professional coaching, league fees, select tournaments, field costs, and club operations. Varies due to different league costs and added tournaments
  • Uniforms purchased separately
  • Financial aid available for qualifying families - apply before accepting a team invite


Tryouts:

  • Held in spring to form teams for the following seasonal year
  • Contact Technical Director if interested in attending practice for evaluation in age group at other points of the year


Contact:

Academy Level (Elite)

Overview:
The Academy Program is the highest level within DC Soccer Club’s Travel pathway, designed for the club’s most advanced players. Academy teams compete at the national level and represent the highest commitment to player development, training, and competitive play.

2026-2027 Academy Season Details


Age Groups: U11–U19 (eligibility beginning in fall 2026 will follow Aug 1 - July 31 age group cutoff)


Commitment & Expectations:

  • Practices: 3 team sessions per week in fall/spring and 2-3 team sessions per week in winter with high-licensed coaches
  • Games: Top-tier league play, showcases, and tournaments across the region and potentially nation
  • Season Length: 10.5 month commitment August-June
  • Travel: Away games are across Virginia plus travel to competitive tournaments


Player Profile:

  • Most elite players in the club committed to pursuing advanced soccer opportunities
  • Strong technical skills, tactical understanding, and competitive drive
  • Families prepared for the highest commitment of time and travel


Boys Academy Leagues and Competition (beginning 2026-2027 Season):

  • U13-U19 compete in the MLS NEXT Academy Division
  • U11-U12 Boys Pre-Academy compete in NCSL to develop and prepare alongside other clubs' pre-academy teams
  • High-level tournaments and events including MLS NEXT Fest national event and MLS NEXT regional qualifier


Girls Academy Leagues and Competition (Current Seaon):

  • U13-U19 Girls Academy compete in ECNL Regional League Virginia
  • U11-U12 Girls Pre-Academy compete in Pre-ECNL Virginia
  • High-level tournaments, events and showcases

Cost Range:

  • $3395 - $3500 + processing fees — All-Inclusive club fees covers league fees, select tournaments and league events, winter programming, professional coaching, field costs, and club operations.
  • Uniforms purchased separately
  • Financial aid available for qualifying families - apply before accepting a team invite


Tryouts:

  • ID sessions held at various times throughout the year; ID Sessions held in early spring  are for the following seasonal year


Contact: