Getting to know D.C. United’s Regional Development School Program

D.C. United will relaunch its Regional Development Youth Programs this fall season, with the Regional Development School (RDS) being the first step in creating programs to support soccer development in the DMV. Understanding the objectives and highlighting the strategic importance of clubs' investments in youth initiatives is crucial to the overall success of the players in the program.

Why Youth Programs?

The Regional Development School aims to position D.C. United as one of the top tier youth programs in MLS and to provide professional expertise and programming that supports youth soccer from the ground up. The objective is to utilize the resources, knowledge, and expertise of nearly 30 years in professional soccer, to supplement youth development in the area. The program focus is threefold with growing the game, supporting and providing value to the soccer community, and developing players and coaches of all ages and stages of development.

The Regional Development School is a fundamental part of our mission to identify and develop the very best talent across the DMV area,” Kevin Flanagan, D.C. United’s Director of Academy and Player Development, said. “It allows us to connect with young players and provide them with a clear pathway to the highest levels of the game. D.C. United has a proud reputation for discovering and developing homegrown talent, and this initiative is a key step in continuing that tradition for years to come.

Where it Fits: Pathway to Pro

As a club, D.C. United has had numerous youth players come from the academy that go on to make their debut with the first team or end up going abroad to take the next step in their careers. The Academy is tasked with developing these players who have the potential to become Homegrown Players for the Black-and-Red's first team. Given the multitude of talent in the DMV area, D.C. United have several ways to do this.

1. Scouting: The club employs a network of scouts who are responsible for identifying potential players for D.C. United Academy.
2. Recommendations: The DMV Pathway to Pro program is a collaboration between D.C. United and top youth soccer organizations that share our region, mission and values. Clubs in the DMV Pathway to Pro program have the ability to recommend players for D.C. United’s Academy and partner with us in growing, supporting and developing the game at all levels.
3. The Regional Development School (new this season): The RDS program is set to be introduced this season in order to further strengthen our commitment to youth development and assist in the identification and development of talent in the DMV. What makes the program unique, is the satellite nature of the program. Professional coaches from D.C. United will coach across the DMV in a variety of locations throughout the year (with new locations set to be added in future seasons)

Players now have another opportunity to be identified for the club as well as have access to top tier training sessions to further their development. The RDS will ultimately grow the club's talent ID network (Scouting and DMV Pathway to Pro), in identifying and monitoring players in the area.

What Can Players Expect From RDS Sessions

The RDS program runs for 6-8 weeks each season and requires players to tryout each season. We do this in order to ensure a high level of competition within the program and to sort players into developmentally appropriate groups.

Once the player makes the program, they are assigned groups for their weekly training sessions, which begin the week after tryouts. Players will progress through curricula catered to their specific needs that are built with individual technical development and decision making in mind. Sessions consist of a variety of ball mastery, technical development, conditioned activities and small sided games. Competitions and tournaments are implemented throughout, to encourage the competitive mentality of the program.

In making the RDS program, players will also unlock access to program specific apparel, exclusive camps and club experiences that can only be earned through taking part in the RDS program each year. More information to follow in the near future.

Want to Know More?

As the programs grow, the opportunities with D.C. United’s Youth Programs will also expand. If you, your child, or your club has any questions about our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to rds@dcunited.com.