BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
The Captain’s Club provides students more than an opportunity to give back to the soccer community. It establishes a foundation to provide them with hands-on learning opportunities through tailored mentorship, and meaningful responsibilities within DCSC. Students develop skillsets that can guide them in high school, college, workplace, their communities, and beyond.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Participate at no cost and scheduling will be designed to accommodate students academic and extracurricular commitments.
- Develop leadership and communication skillsets through mentoring younger athletes, supporting events, collaborating with staff members and parents.
- Earn credentials through referee certification, First Aid/CPR/AED training, and coaching experience.
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- Gain service and experience through verified hours that are aimed to align with school requirements.
ABOUT THE CAPTAINS CLUB
The DCSC Captains Club is a selective, 1-2 year leadership development program for high school sopohmores and juniors who are interested in growing beyond soccer players and making meaningful contributions to the DCSC community.
A "Captain" is a student-athlete who leads by example, supports others, and has a positive mindset. Within this program, "Captain" does not refer to leading a soccer team. Instead, it's a commitment to developing leadership skills and sharing their passion for sports with the generation that follows.
Captains will work alongside the DCSC leadership team, coaching staff, community partners, and referee community. They will assist with youth clinics, support game day operations, exposure to club management, and other projects that strengthen their desired skillsets.
Every student athlete participating in the Captains Club will arrive with a wide range of strengths, interests and goals. While we will have a guided leadership curriculum, each student will also have the opportunity to establish an individualized development and goal plan for their commitment as a DCSC Captain. The focus is to allow Captains to set goals, build skills, and reflect on their progress throughout their cohort.
To successfully be a part of the graduating Captains cohort, students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours per year, with at least 8 hours dedicated to each leadership curriculum, where applicable. Students are encouraged to exceed the minimum required hours if their schedule allows.
WHAT WE BUILD
Lead with Character- Captains hold themselves to the standard DC Soccer Club through accountability, commitment and integrity while inspiring other athletes and staff on and off the field.
Purse Excellence- Strive to be the best version of themselves daily. Captains will welcome a growth mindset and lead by example through how they show up for themselves and others.
Lead Through Service- Captains invest their time in giving back to the club and community. By leading and supporting community programming, assisting with youth development, and various club activities, Captains are serving and leading by example.
Inspire the Next Generation- Captains mentor younger players through their active leadership on and off the field. From helping them develop skills to their love for the game. By serving as a reliable role model, Captains provide players someone to look up to, learn from and aspire to become.
LEARN THE CURRICULUM
Modules are aimed to build leadership skills and earn credentials in coaching, refereeing, media, club operations, and more.
| MODULE | TITLE | DESCRIPTION | CREDENTIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOD 01 | Coaching & Player Development | Develop coaching skills & support youth players development | Coach License |
| MOD 02 | Refereeing & Game Management | Build officiating knowledge/skills & pursue certification | Referee Certification |
| MOD 03 | First Aid, CPR & AED, Athletic Performance | Nationally recognized emergency-response certification for anyone running a practice or sideline. Sports science fundamentals | First Aid / CPR Performance Certificate |
| MOD 04 | Social Media, Marketing & Storytelling | Learn a wide range of skills such as communication, content creation, and marketing | Program Certificate / credit hours |
| MOD 05 | Professional Development, Communication & Program Operations | Strengthen communication, collaboration and organizational skills while learning how the club operates. | Program Certificate / credit hours |
FOUNDING COHORT TIMELINE
Key Dates
CAPTAINS CLUB COHORT KEY DATES
| Nov 9, 2026 | Applications open — Rising sophomores and juniors submit the Captains Club application online. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Applications close — Rolling review by the Community Partnerships team as applications come in. |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Onboarding meeting — The Founding Cohort is announced, welcomed and introduced to the program. |
| Nov 30, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 Program begins — Sessions kick off once selected cohort completes their individualized development plans. |
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Eligibility
- Sophomores or Juniors — 10th or 11th grade in a DC-area high school.
- Current player in good standing — Must be a current player in good standing with DC Soccer Club who meets and exceeds the Clubs expectations for conduct, and commitment. Travel and Recreation players are encouraged to apply.
- Ready for a two-year commitment — Monthly sessions, November through May, across two full cycles.
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- Selected by application — Limited to 6 boys and 6 girls per Founding Cohort, to ensure their experience is personalized, meaningful mentorship and individual leadership development.
More than a Captain!
Apply to become a DCSC Captain Club Leader! Applications for the first-ever cohort will open on November 9. Email completed application to Myesha Green at myeshagreen@dcsoccerclub.org.
Have questions?
Contact our Director of Community Partnership, Myesha Green at
myeshagreen@dcsoccerclub.org.