This Fall season sees the relaunch of D.C. United’s Youth Programs and with it, the first of many new programs, the Regional Development School (RDS). Before we get into the details of that program, it’s helpful to know why we’re here and where we’re heading.
Why Youth Programs?
The Regional Development School is the first step in the clubs build out of Youth Programs to support soccer development in the DMV. There are a number of different models that professional soccer clubs operate in the youth space, from running their own youth soccer clubs, maintaining networks of affiliate clubs or outsourcing programming to third party organizations.
With D.C. United relaunching their Youth Programs in 2025, the aim is to coexist with the many clubs and organizations that already operate in the youth space and 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 programs goals are threefold:
- Grow the game
- Support and provide value to the soccer community
- Develop players and coaches of all ages and stages of development
Where it Fits: Pathway to Pro
As a club, D.C. United’s Academy is tasked with developing players who have the potential to become Homegrown Players for D.C. United’s First Team. In order to do so, first we have to find them.
D.C. United does this in a number of ways:
- Scouting. The club employs a network of scouts who are responsible for identifying potential players for D.C. United Academy.
- 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.
- The Regional Development School (new this season!)
The Regional Development School (RDS)
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)
As a result, players now have an expanded opportunity to be identified for opportunities with the club, as well as consistent, challenging training sessions in which to hone their craft and develop their game every season.
The RDS will therefore grow the clubs 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 6-8weeks each season and requires players to tryout each season. We do this in order to a) ensure a high level of competition within the program and b) to sort players into developmentally appropriate groups.
Once successful in making the program, players are assigned groups for their weekly training sessions, which begin the week after tryouts. Players will progress through curricula that are built with individual technical development and decision making in mind. Every player is expected to compete and work hard within sessions to make not only themselves better, but everyone else in the group better too.
Sessions consist 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 to follow on this in the months to come)
Want to Know More?
As our programs grow, so will opportunities with D.C. United’s Youth Programs.
If you, your child, or your club has any questions about our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to rds@dcunited.com
Regional Development School
Our regional development school is holding fall tryouts throughout the DMV for youth soccer players aged 8-14. Tryouts to take place between 9/14 and 9/20.
