D.C. United

About the Club

D.C. United's youth program, the D.C. United Academy, is the official youth and development program for the Major League Soccer club. Founded in 2005, it was one of the first MLS clubs to establish its own academy. The program aims to identify and develop young talent in the DMV region, providing a pathway to professional soccer. The Academy includes teams at various age levels, from under-12 to under-23, and competes in leagues like MLS Next. A full-time program for select Academy players was launched to provide a professional environment and schedule, including training sessions, individual development plans, online education, and nutritional support. The D.C. United Academy has a history of success, producing numerous Homegrown players who have gone on to play professionally, including for the D.C. United first team and national teams. In addition to the Academy, D.C. United also offers summer camps for young players of various skill levels, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and fostering a love for the game.