WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United's Youth Academy announced today its 2006 Summer Academy schedule that includes locations throughout the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. Open to youth soccer players ages 8-16, Academy camps will offer a range of training opportunities tailored to providing a fun and rewarding experience while encouraging players to develop to their full potential.
"This is a great opportunity for youth players in the D.C. area to be exposed to top-class professional instruction," said John Harkes, D.C. United Director of Youth Development. "D.C. United creates an environment for players to have fun while accelerating their learning process."
D.C. United's Soccer Academy campers are grouped according to age and/or ability, so that each child will receive the maximum contact possible from the coaching staff, ensuring a positive learning experience. Camps range from half-day sessions, designed for the beginning youth player aged 8-16, where basic technical skills are taught in a fun environment, to full-day camps, designed for advanced players aged 8-16 which introduce age-appropriate advanced technical, tactical and physical training.
D.C. United Academy also offers the Elite Academy, an intense week of training for serious soccer players aged 9-16 years old with competitive playing experience at the club, ODP, Y-League and high school level. In addition to other Academy programs, the Elite Academy will offer students top-class instruction from United's Technical Staff and players, former professional players and top area coaches. The week will focus on technical training, tactical training, fitness and speed, and small-sided and full-sided scrimmages alongside United's first team training sessions. Academy training also includes in-class videotape analysis of the professional game and discussion of what it takes to be a professional soccer player. Participants will also have an opportunity to observe United practice. Fees for the Academy are $275 per player and enrollment is limited. Players are encouraged to enroll early, as spots fill quickly.
In addition to top-class professional instruction, all participants in D.C. United Soccer Academy camps will receive an official D.C. United Academy ball and t-shirt, a ticket voucher to the Academy graduation or, if unable to attend the graduation, to any 2006 D.C. United regular season home match and membership in D.C. United's Youth Fan Club.
D.C. United is the leader of youth development in Major League Soccer. With the introduction of the Soccer Academy program, youth soccer clubs, leagues and area schools are able to sponsor a camp or series of camps to foster proper technical development and provide a better understanding of the game's overall tactics. Students will be put into a challenging environment that demands good training habits.
For more information or to schedule a D.C. United Soccer Academy camp, please visit the Academy page or contact the Academy 202-587-5468.
