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 6 games in Winter Futsal League on Saturdays
- Choose package days which include NW or NE as a general location. Specific field and time will be announced for each package day at a later point once permits are secured.
- 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
Fall 2026 Season Info and Key Dates
| PRACTICE DAYS (Choose Package Day and Choose Coed or Girls when Registering)) | Tuesdays @ NW Location | 1-hour session between 5:30pm and 7:30pm (Time TBA) | Tuesdays, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 (make-up on 11/3) |
| Wednesdays @ NE Location (TBA) | 1-hour session between 5:30pm and 7:30pm (Time TBA) | Wednesdays, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28 (make-up on 11/4) | |
| Fridays @ NW Location (TBA) | 1-hour session between 5:30pm and 7:30pm (Time TBA) | Fridays, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 (make-up on 11/6) | |
| GAME DATES | Sundays @ TBA | 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1 (*No games on 10/11) | |
| KEY DATES | September 1, 2026 | Team rosters and practice schedules posted on PlayMetrics | |
| September 4, 2026 | Game schedules posted on PlayMetrics | ||
| Week of September 7 - 11, 2026 | First week of practices | ||
| September 13, 2026 | First day of games |
Uniforms
All New and Returning Players to the Pre-Travel Program must order uniforms for Fall. DC Soccer Club is entering a new uniform cycle with Adidas beginning in the fall season for 2026-2027 and these will be a new design, mandatory uniform purchase at that time. PTA uniforms are the same as our Rec League, since many PTA players also participate in Rec.
Uniforms available to purchase beginning July 5, 2026.
Uniform Supplier: PJ’s Soccer/Lacrosse Shop of Bethesda (10438 Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817)
All DC Soccer Club members receive a 10% club discount in store for non-uniform and non-sale items.
HOW TO PURCHASE
Uniforms may be purchased in one of two ways for the 2026–2027 season:
Online Ordering (Shipping Only): Families may place orders online through the PJ's Soccer website and have items shipped directly to their home. ONLINE STORE OPENS JULY 5th.
https://dcsoccerpretravel26.itemorder.com
In-Store Purchasing: After July 4, families may visit the PJ's Soccer retail store in Bethesda to purchase uniforms in person.
10438 Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817 (New Address)
Important: PJ's Soccer no longer offers online orders with in-store pickup for Pre-Travel (Rec) uniforms. Orders placed online must be shipped, while families wishing to pick up uniforms immediately should shop directly in the store.
NEW UNIFORMS REQUIRED FOR PRE-TRAVEL
Required to purchase from PJs:
- Adidas Navy Entrada 26 Graphic Jersey ($25)
- Adidas Red Entrada 26 Graphic Jersey ($25)
- Adidas Navy Entrada 26 Shorts ($13.50)
- Navy Socks - Washington Spirit Partnership( $12)
OTHER EQUIPMENT NEEDED
These items can be purchased anywhere, including PJ’s Soccer Shop.
- Shinguards,
- Soccer shoes
FINANCIAL AID: For players who qualified for uniform assistance within the financial aid (FA) program, additional information will be provided. Questions about FA or FA uniforms may be directed to Jennifer Werth: jenniferwerth@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:
- Arrange to get your child to training and play days on time
- Be supportive of your child and fellow DC Soccer Club PTA players
- Leave the coaching to the coaches (cheer, but do not coach)
- Encourage your player to practice their skills at home
- 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.