WASHINGTON, DC (June 29, 2026) — Girls from across Washington, DC and the DMV came together at The Fields at RFK Campus for an inspiring day of soccer, learning, and mentorship during the second annual DC Soccer Club and Washington Spirit Girls Clinic on Sunday, June 28. The event welcomed 220 players ages U9 through U14, who trained alongside licensed female coaches from across the area before meeting Washington Spirit players Gift Monday and Deborah Abiodun for a special Q&A session, photos, and autographs.

Participants trained in small groups led by experienced female coaches, receiving high-quality instruction in a fun, supportive environment designed to build confidence and foster a lifelong love of the game. The morning concluded with the opportunity for players to engage directly with Gift Monday and Deborah Abiodun, creating lasting memories through an interactive Q&A session, photos, and autographs.

The clinic reflected the shared commitment of DC Soccer Club and the Washington Spirit to expand opportunities for girls in soccer by connecting player development with visible role models from the professional game. Every participant also received an event t-shirt, DCSC x Washington Spirit partnership water bottle, and a ticket to an upcoming Washington Spirit home match.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: DCSC x Washington Spirit June 28th Clinic Photo Gallery



One of the most impactful aspects of the clinic was the opportunity to bring together licensed female coaches from across the DMV to mentor, encourage, and inspire the next generation of girls in soccer. Their leadership throughout the morning demonstrated the importance of representation and created an environment where participants could see women succeeding throughout every level of the game—as players, coaches, and leaders. By learning from accomplished female coaches while interacting with professional athletes, players experienced firsthand the many pathways available to them in soccer.

"I am incredibly proud of what we have built alongside the Washington Spirit and the amazing female coaches from across the DMV who have come together to make this event possible," said Jane Dawber, DC Soccer Club Director of Recreation and Youth Player Development. "Soccer has the power to change lives, but only when young players can see a pathway for themselves in the game. This clinic is about opening doors, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every girl in the District has access to the sport regardless of her background or circumstances. By learning from women who have played, coached, led, and succeeded in soccer, meeting professional players, and attending professional matches, participants can see firsthand that their dreams are possible. Together, we are building a community where girls feel welcomed, supported, represented, and inspired to pursue their goals both on and off the field. Seeing so many women come together with one mission—to grow the game and create opportunities for girls—is something I am truly proud to be a part of."

The clinic represented another successful milestone in the growing partnership between DC Soccer Club and the Washington Spirit, bringing together professional players, licensed female coaches, and community partners to create an unforgettable experience for girls across the region. Beyond developing technical skills, participants left with new confidence, meaningful connections, and memories that will inspire them long after the final whistle.

The 2026 clinic was proudly presented through the partnership between DC Soccer Club, the Washington Spirit, and CareFirst. Together, the organizations continue to expand access to the game, create meaningful developmental opportunities, and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue their goals both on and off the field.

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ABOUT DC SOCCER CLUB
DC Soccer Club is the largest independent youth soccer organization in Washington, D.C., serving more than 7,500 players each year. 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.

We champion inclusion by ensuring every child has a place to learn, play, and belong—supported by one of the city’s most comprehensive soccer programs and the leading provider of girls’ participation in DC. Each season, we invest in significant financial assistance, coach and referee education, and sustainable programming that unite players, families, coaches and volunteers in a shared love of the game.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON SPIRIT
The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012, and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) , the fastest-growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. For more information about the club, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

ABOUT CAREFIRST BLUECROSS BLUE SHIELD
Nearing its 90th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2025, CareFirst infused over $356 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.