ABOUT US

Developing Culture, Strengthening Community

DC Soccer Club is the biggest youth soccer club in Washington, DC, with a long history and strong ties to the community, bringing people together through the love of soccer. We offer a variety of comprehensive programs for different levels of soccer training, education and competition. Beyond teaching players technical soccer skills, our philosophy is to develop our players as a whole; we strive to help our players grow as well-rounded people with respect, dedication and good sportsmanship. We are committed to making soccer accessible to all youth players in the Washington, DC area, regardless of background or athletic ability. We are a registered non-profit that provides between $150,000-$250,000 per year in financial assistance to players who need it most.

DC Soccer Club offers a variety of pathways and programs for roughly 6,500 participants of all ages and skill levels. We are the city's largest independent youth sports program and, as well, are proud to be the largest youth sports program for girls in the city.



DC Soccer Club provides opportunities for coaching education, adult and youth referee training, and adult soccer education clinics. DC Soccer Club’s coaching staff includes professional, licensed coaches, many of whom are current college and high school coaches, and current and former college and professional players.


DC Soccer Club is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization (FEIN 52-1340436, connected to legacy/legal name DC Stoddert Soccer).

MISSION AND VISION

At DC Soccer Club, our MISSION is to develop character and strengthen community by providing accessible, high-quality soccer experiences for youth of all backgrounds and abilities. Guided by our core values of Intention,  Inclusion,  Collaboration and  Community, we create opportunities that foster growth both on and off the field.

Through intentional coaching, player development, and holistic support, we nurture respect, dedication, and sportsmanship in players. We champion inclusion by ensuring every child has a place to learn, play, and belong—supported by one of the city’s most comprehensive youth sports programs.

As DC’s largest independent youth soccer organization and the city’s leader in girls’ participation, we unite thousands of players, families, coaches, and volunteers in a shared love of the game. Each season, we commit significant resources to financial assistance, coach and referee education, and sustainable programming that leaves a lasting impact on our community.


Our VISION is to promote sportsmanship, fair play, community-building and volunteerism among our members and to:

  • Attract, retain, and provide school-age youth of all backgrounds and abilities opportunities to play and enjoy the game;

  • Provide a unified soccer organization and seamless experience; and

  • Develop innovative solutions to the challenges of an urban environment.
CORE VALUES

Acting with Intention 

  • Strategizing priorities for meaningful impact
  • Connecting actions with core values and long-term vision
  • Inspiring others through deliberate and purposeful acts


Championing Inclusion

  • Providing a place to grow for every member
  • Nurturing an environment of empathy and shared belonging
  • Ensuring everyone feels valued and respected


Engaging Collaboration

  • Fostering teamwork with respect and trust
  • Uniting all members in a shared vision
  • Encouraging open communication and collective problem-solving


Strengthening Community 

  • Building connections that create meaning 
  • Embracing sustainable initiatives that leave a positive impact
  • Cultivating a strong culture of support and giving back
HISTORY

Founded in 1977 as DC Stoddert Soccer, our club began on the fields of Washington, DC, as a grassroots effort to give local children a chance to play the game they love. Over the decades, we grew into the city’s largest independent youth soccer organization, offering programs that serve thousands of players across all ages and skill levels.


In 2021, we became DC Soccer Club—a name that better reflects who we are today: the home for youth soccer in the nation’s capital. The change also marked an important step in living our values. While our roots trace back to Stoddert Elementary, we chose to move forward without the name of Benjamin Stoddert, whose history as a slaveowner stood in direct conflict with our commitment to inclusion, respect and community.


Though our name changed, our mission and spirit remain constant. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are committed to making soccer accessible to all youth, regardless of background or athletic ability. Each year, we invest significant resources in financial assistance, education and development, and community initiatives that extend our impact beyond the field.


For us, winning is more than goals scored—it is developing character, cultivating teamwork, and helping players thrive both on and off the field. Today, guided by our values of Intention, Inclusion, Collaboration and Community, DC Soccer Club continues to grow the game, support families and strengthen the fabric of our city through the love of soccer.