Academy is the highest level of play at DC Soccer Club for elite players U11–U19.  Academy teams are designed for players who are ready for a more demanding, development-focused environment — including a higher training frequency, stronger competition, and a greater overall commitment.

At DCSC, players can participate in several competitive pathways, including:

• Academy (Elite/Top Level)
• Travel (Competitive)
• Select (Competitive/Developmental)

Beginning at U13, DCSC Academy teams will compete in MLS NEXT Academy Division, while our U11–U12 Academy teams will compete in a league designed to support development and prepare players for the MLS NEXT pathway at U13.

MLS NEXT is widely regarded as the highest competitive youth soccer platform for boys in the United States. In 2025, the league expanded by adding a second competition tier and formally naming its two divisions:

• MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division (Top Tier)
• MLS NEXT Academy Division (Second Tier)

The Homegrown Division represents the highest level of MLS NEXT competition and serves as the primary pathway connected to the MLS Player Development ecosystem. It includes all 30 MLS club academies along with 123 Elite Academies from across North America.

MLS NEXT introduced the Academy Division beginning in the 2025-2026 season to expand access to its competitive standards and development model. This addition broadened the league to 273 total clubs, more than doubling participation and strengthening MLS NEXT’s position as the most comprehensive elite youth platform in the region.

The Academy Division provides high-level clubs outside the MLS club system the opportunity to compete within MLS NEXT’s structure — including regional league play, national events, and enhanced scouting exposure — while upholding the same core standards for player development. This expansion builds on MLS NEXT’s track record of preparing players for success in MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, NCAA programs, and professional environments worldwide.

Beginning next season, DC Soccer Club’s top Boys Academy teams U13–U19 will compete in MLS NEXT Academy Division.

These teams represent the highest competitive level within DCSC for those age groups.

DC Soccer Club will compete in the Virginia Region against other top clubs, including (subject to annual league alignment):

• Loudoun Soccer
• Alexandria SA
• McLean Youth Soccer
• FC Richmond
• Springfield/South County Youth Club (SYC)
• The St. James
• Virginia Revolution SC
• Virginia Rush

DCSC pursued MLS NEXT Academy Division because it aligns with the club’s long-term development strategy for elite players.

MLS NEXT provides:

• A direct pathway to professional MLS Academies and to the professional level
• Access to professional development opportunities for coaches
• Greater access to college soccer opportunities

This move reflects DCSC’s commitment to continuing to raise the level of player development in the club.

MLS NEXT Academy Division is designed to be primarily regional, with most league matches requiring travel within our region.

Families should expect:

• Regular weekend travel within the DMV / Virginia region
• Occasional longer travel for MLS NEXT events, qualifiers, and showcases
• At least one major regional event and one national event (final calendar TBD)

The full calendar and anticipated travel schedule will be shared once teams are formed and league schedules are released.

MLS NEXT Academy Division includes both regular season league play and opportunities for teams to compete in regional and national events.

DCSC Academy teams will participate in:

• A 10-month season structure (fall through spring)
• League matches 
• A set number of tournaments and MLS NEXT events (final calendar to be confirmed)

MLS NEXT Cup Qualifiers:

MLS NEXT Cup Qualifiers are regional tournaments that determine which Academy Division teams advance to MLS NEXT Cup. These events also serve as talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts.

DC Soccer Club will compete in the MLS NEXT Cup Qualifier – Virginia Regional. 

The qualifier events occur in April/May in Virginia. In addition, DC Soccer Club may compete in MLS Next Fest, a national event held each winter that brings hundreds of clubs from both levels of MLS Next to participate.

Players are expected to attend these events, as they are an important part of the league pathway and competitive calendar.

DCSC Academy teams will follow a high-level training schedule designed to support player development and performance.

Typical training expectations include:

• Fall & Spring: 3 trainings per week
• Winter: 2-3 trainings per week

In addition, players should expect training to be focused, competitive, and fast-paced, with strong expectations around effort, attitude, and attendance.

Our top U11–U12 Pre-Academy teams will compete in NCSL (National Capital Soccer League), a regional league in the DMV consisting of 72 member clubs. NCSL offers multiple competitive divisions (typically 10–12 divisions within the U11 and U12 boys age groups) allowing teams to compete at an appropriate and challenging level.

This structure provides a strong developmental environment while keeping league travel manageable and preparing players for MLS NEXT at U13. Many other clubs in the area place their Pre-Academy teams in this league.

League placement for U11–U12 teams is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with team level, scheduling, and long-term development goals.

Yes. Players in MLS NEXT Academy Division, where DC Soccer Club will compete, are permitted to participate in high school soccer.

This is a key distinction from the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division (the top tier), which has different restrictions.

At DCSC, we support families in balancing high school soccer and Academy soccer in a way that prioritizes development, health, and long-term success.

DCSC Academy teams are formed through an Academy ID process.

Who can attend ID Sessions?

• Current DCSC Academy players
• Invited players from other DCSC levels
• Players from outside the club who register to be considered

How does selection work?

DCSC technical staff evaluates players based on:

• Technical ability
• Tactical understanding
• Athleticism
• Competitive mindset
• Coachability and attitude
• Long-term development potential

For current DCSC players, evaluation is year-round through our internal Player Tracker system, not based only on a short tryout window. This allows our staff to make more accurate and player-centered decisions.

Registration requirement: Players interested in being considered must register for our Academy ID Sessions.

Players selected for ID Sessions will receive a notification via PlayMetrics and/or email.

Players not selected will be contacted with guidance on the most appropriate development opportunities at DCSC.

MLS NEXT Academy is a significant commitment. Families should expect a more demanding schedule than typical travel soccer, and participation at this level should be a clear priority in a player’s athletic life.

Key expectations include:

• Consistent, reliable training attendance
• Full commitment to league matches and MLS NEXT events
• Participation in required tournaments and showcases
• Professionalism, effort, and coachability
• Clear communication and accountability from both players and families

While we understand that unavoidable conflicts or illness may arise, attendance at trainings, games, and league events is expected. 

MLS NEXT Academy is designed for players who are committed to maximizing their development, and consistent participation is essential to both individual growth and team success.

High School Participation

Players may participate in high school soccer. During the high school season, families should communicate proactively with their Academy coach to help manage training load, prevent overtraining, and ensure appropriate attendance expectations.

Club fees and program details will be shared before invitations are sent, so families can make an informed decision.

Financial aid will continue to be available for eligible families. Families interested should apply before tryouts to allow time for the process to see if and how much they qualify for prior to accepting an invitation if selected.

DC Soccer Typical costs cover:

• Coaching
• League registration
• Referee fees 
• Registration for club-selected tournaments/events 
• Winter programming
• Administrative and operational support
• Coaching and player development
• Player carding
• Insurance
• Fields and facility fees
• PlayMetrics platform

Unlike many clubs that separate “club fees” and additional “team fees,” DC Soccer Club’s Travel Program fees are structured as an all-inclusive club fee—making it easier for families to anticipate costs throughout the season and pay through consistent monthly installments.

Estimated range: $3300-$3600

(Exact fees will be published prior to roster acceptance deadlines.)

What is not covered:

• Uniforms
• Any travel costs associated with events (i.e. parking, hotels, travel)
• Additional tournaments outside selected 3-4 tournaments/events included in club fees

MLS NEXT Academy Division league play typically begins in September.

A general season flow is:

• Fall: September through November
• December: break from league play
• Winter: some matches/events may be scheduled in January and February depending on age
• Spring: return to league play through late May/early June

Exact schedules are released by the league and vary slightly each year.

MLS NEXT Academy Division is best for players who are highly motivated and committed, ready for a demanding training environment, and excited to compete against top-level opponents — while balancing soccer with academics and (if desired) high school participation.