PRE-TRAVEL ACADEMY

The Pre-Travel Academy (PTA) is DC Soccer Club’s bridge program between recreational and travel soccer for U6-U8 boys and girls. It prepares young players for the transition into the travel pathway by offering a higher level of training and competition while keeping the focus on fun and development.


PTA is specially designed for Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade players who show strong interest and ability in soccer, excel on their current teams, and are ready for a more competitive and challenging environment. The program  is built to provide an elevated structure to nurture players' confidence and passion for the game while developing the skills needed for the next level.


Led by professional coaches, sessions follow an age-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes technical skill development and introduces simple tactical concepts. The goal is to deliver the highest-quality training environment for young athletes preparing to join travel soccer.


  • PROGRAM GOALS:
  • Develop technical skills: dribbling, 1v1s, passing, receiving, and finishing
  • Create smarter players: improving perception and decision-making on and off the ball
  • Enhance motor skills & fitness: coordination, balance, agility, and speed
  • Foster love for the game: building passion, confidence, and joy in playing
  • Prepare for travel soccer: equipping players for a smooth and confident transition


  • ELIGIBILITY: Ages U6-U8


  • PROGRAM DETAILS: 
  • Fall/Spring: 8 week program, 1 practice/week and intra-club games on Sundays
  • Winter: 7 week program, 1 practice/week and games in Winter Futsal League on Saturdays
  • Choose NW or NE location; may include choice of practice day
  • Seasonal commitment/registration; program is offered fall, winter, spring
  • Uniforms required
  • Read more in FAQs


  • COST: $395 + processing fees. Financial aid available to apply.

  • CONTACT: Program Administrator Gabi Wlassits
REGISTER FOR WINTER

Winter 2026 Season Info and Key Dates

PTA - NW PRACTICE Tuesdays @ NW Field TBD Evenings TBD
PTA - NE PRACTICE Wednesdays @ NE Field TBD Evenings TBD
GAME DATES Saturdays (various fields) Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 21, Feb 28, March 7th
KEY DATES January 9, 2026 Team rosters posted on PlayMetrics
January 16, 2026 Game schedules posted on PlayMetrics
January 20, 2026 First week of practices
January 24, 2026 First day of games

Fall 2025 Season Info and Key Dates

PTA - NW PRACTICE (choose which day) Tuesdays @ Jelleff* 5:30pm or 6:30pm 9/2 - 10/21
Fridays @ Palisades* 5:00pm-6:00pm 9/5 - 10/24
PTA - NE PRACTICE Wednesdays @ Parkview 5:00pm-6:00pm
GAME DATES Sundays @ Garrison ES September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 19, 26

Uniforms

ORDER ONLINE: The PTA required uniform must be ordered online at our partner, PJs Soccer/Lacrosse Shop of Bethesda by using this direct link: https://dcsoccerpretravel.itemorder.com/shop/sale/


REQUIRED UNIFORM: 

  • Adidas Red jersey (Same jersey as Rec League)
  • Required but can be purchased anywhere: shinguards, soccer cleats, shorts, and soccer socks.
  • PJ's offers Adidas shorts and socks online to purchase, and carries a variety of soccer cleats and shinguards in store.


Please note that once your player has a uniform, they do not need to purchase a new one every season. Players may use hand-me-downs from siblings or friends.


SHIPPING/PICK UP: When adding items to your cart online, you may choose to have it shipped to your home ($10 fee) or to pick up in store (free). If you choose to pick up in store, you will receive an email when your purchase is ready and make sure to bring the email confirmation/receipt of your order.


FINANCIAL AID: For players that qualify for financial aid and who need a new jersey, make sure to select YES during registration when asked "Does this player need to order a uniform." Information will then be sent to your email to order and pick up. Questions for financial aid/uniforms may be directed to Jennifer Werth: jwerth@dcsoccerclub.org.

Pre-Travel Academy FAQs

  • Training Focus

    The focus at this age is always on individual player development--one player on one ball. Technical training is a priority in order to develop the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in later years. Long-term skill development is essential. Coaches will also introduce tactical decision-making, physical development and psychological development while developing a love for the game of soccer. 

  • Participating in Rec and PTA

    Players are encouraged to remain on their rec team while taking part in the Pre-Travel Academy. PTA games never conflict with Rec games since they are on different days of the weekend, and if a practice overlap occurs, families can choose the alternate day of PTA practice to attend. This allows players to benefit from the structured development of PTA while continuing to grow with their neighborhood team.

  • Parent Expectations

    The expectations for parents of players in the PTA program: 

    1. Arrange to get your child to training and play days on time  
    2. Be supportive of your child and fellow DC Soccer Club PTA players
    3. Leave the coaching to the coaches (cheer, but do not coach)
    4. Encourage your player to practice their skills at home 
    5. Trust the process. Some games or practice activities  may not look intuitive to parents, but all have a purpose to this age groups's development.

  • Financial Aid

    Financial Aid is availble for all of our programs for families that qualify. There is no fee to see if and how much your family qualifies for, but financial aid must be applied for BEFORE registering for the program and can not be applied retroactively. After applying, if you are approved for financial aid you, you will be notified about the discount. If you proceed with registration, the discount will automatically be applied to your player/account during registration. 


    In addition, players qualifying for financial aid will also have the cost of their uniform covered.