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Elite Academy

Year-round teams for players ready to make soccer their main sport. A real pathway to college and beyond.

  • Ages 6 to 18
  • Seed (U7-U8) · Roots (U9-U10) · Rise (U11-U12) · Forge (U13-U14) · Crown (U15-U16) · Legacy (U17-U19)
  • Boys and girls
Three smiling players in black DC Eleven kits celebrate together on a grass field.

Who it's for

Players who love the game, listen, work hard and want to compete, and families ready for a full-year commitment from mid-August to mid-June. Players join through a tryout, and tryouts run year-round. Ages 5 and 6 are usually best in Scorpion League. Our coaches start scouting at 5, because some players play up.

When and where

2026-27 season

Open
  • Mid-August 2026 to mid-June 2027
Seed (U7-U8), per year
$2,430
Roots (U9-U10), per year
$2,700
Rise (U11-U12), per year
$2,835
Forge (U13-U14), per year
$2,880
Crown (U15-U16), per year
$2,880
Legacy (U17-U19), per year
$2,640
  • Dues include a $400 acceptance fee, paid at registration. It can't be refunded or waived.
  • Pay in full by August 1 with no extra fees, or choose a 6-month or 10-month plan (August to May). Plans add a small statement fee per payment and must be set up in PlayMetrics by August 1.
  • Sibling discounts for the second and additional players in the same year. Returning families may get a loyalty discount. Both are confirmed at registration.
  • Partial scholarships through Play Footy Inc., our nonprofit partner. Apply during PlayMetrics registration.
  • The uniform kit is extra, about $150 to $300.
  • Dues are a full-year commitment and can't be refunded once the Fall period starts. Optional tuition protection insurance (Vertical Insure) can be added at registration only.
Request a tryout

What's included

  • A head coach for the full program year, plus an assistant or specialist coach as needed
  • Training in all three periods (Fall, Winter and Spring)
  • League registration for all three periods
  • Field and facility access across the DMV
  • Two tournaments a year, entry fees covered
  • Veo video analysis, depending on stage
  • STACII player evaluations and written development reports
  • The parent guide to our Freeform Football Development Framework (FFDF)
  • Club admin and operating costs

The kits

  • The DC Eleven home jersey: black with a faint diagonal pattern, the DC Eleven crest and the SYNVL logo.

    Home

  • The DC Eleven away jersey: red and black stripes, the DC Eleven crest and the SYNVL logo.

    Away

  • The DC Eleven practice jersey: sky blue with a zigzag pattern, the DC Eleven crest and the SYNVL logo.

    Practice

Seed to Legacy

Elite Academy follows six stages, from a player’s first years on a team to the edge of college and pro soccer. Every stage has its own playing format and focus. Our coaching follows the Freeform Football Development Framework (FFDF), and families get a parent guide to it before the Fall period starts.

Stage Age group Format Focus
Seed U7 to U8 4v4 Falling in love with the game
Roots U9 to U10 7v7 Building habits that last
Rise U11 to U12 9v9 Developing game intelligence
Forge U13 to U14 11v11 Building accountability and resilience
Crown U15 to U16 11v11 Competing and leading
Legacy U17 to U19 11v11 Preparing for the next level

How players join and move up

  1. Tryout. Coaches look for players who can commit to the Elite program. Tryouts run year-round, and our scouting focuses within about 15 miles of Takoma.
  2. Invitation. If it’s a fit, you get an official invitation.
  3. Register. Accept in PlayMetrics: sign the commitment agreement, set up payment and upload documents.
  4. Uniform. We send the uniform link. New players need every item.
  5. Roster. We register your player on the state roster (MSYSA).
  6. Get ready. Your player learns the club’s development plan, style of play and formations.
  7. First match. Their debut in a DCXI jersey.
  8. Evaluations. Coaches evaluate every player in December and again in April and May, so they know where they are on their journey.
  9. Re-sign. Players who meet expectations are invited to sign with the club again.

Age groups change every year on August 1 (the age-group year runs August 1 to July 31), and teams are re-formed in June.

The program year

The year runs from mid-August to mid-June, in three periods. Every team’s schedule is a little different, so always check your team’s PlayMetrics calendar.

Period When What happens
Fall Mid-August to mid-November Pre-season starts about 2 weeks before league play
Winter January to mid-March Mostly training. Some teams start in December, and select teams play Scorpion League Futsal
Spring Mid-March to mid-June League play resumes. The year ends with end-of-year evaluations

How often we train

Stage Fall and Spring Winter
Seed 2x a week 1x a week
Roots 2 to 3x a week 1 to 2x a week
Rise 2 to 3x a week 2x a week
Forge 2 to 3x a week 2x a week
Crown 3x a week 2x a week
Legacy 3x a week 2x a week

Practice days, times and fields are set each period, depending on field permits. Your team’s PlayMetrics calendar has the confirmed schedule.

The year at a glance

Month What’s happening
August Pre-season, tournament
September Fall practice, leagues
October Fall practice, leagues, tournament
November Fall practice, leagues, break
December Fall practice, evaluations (all teams), break
January Winter practice, futsal league, tournament, returning-player deposit due
February Winter practice, futsal league, team invitations
March Tournament, spring practice, player acceptance
April Spring practice, league, evaluations (all teams)
May Spring practice, league, tournament, evaluations (all teams)
June Spring practice, league, summer league, end-of-season events, teams re-formed

Tournaments differ by team, so check your team’s calendar for save-the-dates. TPT runs all year; check PlayMetrics. Returning players pay a small deposit in January to hold their spot for the next year.

Tournaments

Every team gets two tournaments a year, with entry fees covered. Teams may play more based on performance, invitations or the coaches’ decision, and we always tell families before any extra fee. At the Seed stage, outside tournaments are replaced by the Director’s 3v3 Cup, our own club competition.

Video

Video is a development tool, used more as players get older. There’s none at Seed, a little at Roots, key matches at Rise, and full match review from Forge up, with college prep at Crown and highlight tools at Legacy.

Playing time

Playing time is a development tool, not a reward. Every player gets at least this share of every competitive match:

Stage Minimum playing time
Seed and Roots 50%
Rise 40%
Forge, Crown and Legacy 30%

Why your player plays different positions

We develop every player to be comfortable in at least three positions. We call it FreeForm Football. A midfielder who understands defending becomes a better midfielder. Positions become more defined from the Forge stage (U13) up.

Not included in dues

  • Uniform kit (required): about $150 to $300, ordered after registration
  • Extra tournaments beyond the two included, always announced first
  • State Cup or national event travel for teams that qualify
  • International programs: International Pathways Experience (IPE) trips from the Rise stage up, and European Camp
  • XI Performance Institute (La Fabrique) events, by invitation
  • Extra training like TPT and The Wall, which is optional
  • Transfer fees for players coming from another club

Uniform

Every player needs the official DCXI kit before the Fall period starts: 3 match jerseys, 3 shorts, 3 pairs of socks, a training jacket, training pants and a backpack. Kits run on a two-year cycle, so returning players in year two may only need replacements. The club sends ordering instructions after registration. Homemade or copied kits aren’t allowed on match days.

What we look for

Ages 5 to 7

  1. Respect for parents, teammates, coaches and referees
  2. Coachability and a willingness to learn
  3. Desire and love for the game
  4. Paying attention and listening
  5. Competitive drive

Ages 8 and up: all of the above, plus sharp decision-making on and off the ball and the courage to take players on.

We look at every player through STACII: Speed, Technique, Aptitude, Character, Intelligence and Instinct. Character counts most.

Leagues

  • Scorpion League, our in-house league for ages 5 to 10
  • MSA (Maryland Soccer Alliance)
  • SAM (Soccer Association of Montgomery), one of the top leagues in the DMV. Every game is at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD
  • EDP, with teams mostly from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and nearby states, placed by location and level for a good game every week with reasonable travel
  • N1 (National 1 League)
  • UCL
  • USL Youth (formerly Super Y League), with teams from the US and Canada, including MLS and USL club academies

Player promises

  • Make DCXI your main sport in the Fall and Spring. When there’s a clash, DCXI comes first.
  • Arrive on time and ready for every practice, game and team event.
  • Tell your coach or team manager early if you can’t make it.
  • Respect teammates, coaches, opponents and referees.
  • Accept the coach’s decisions on playing time, positions and tactics.

Missing practice often can affect a player’s place on the roster.

Parent promises

  • Leave the coaching to the coaches. No coaching from the sideline.
  • Get your player there on time and ready.
  • Tell the coach early about absences or late arrivals.
  • Keep up with the payment schedule you chose at registration.
  • Treat every player, coach, referee and family with respect.
  • Accept team placement decisions.

Extra training

TPT (small-group technique training) and The Wall (goalkeeper training) run through the year at extra cost, led by specialist coaches. They’re optional and never replace team practice. Camps and clinics are a chance to focus hard on one part of the game before a season.

La Fabrique

La Fabrique is an invitation-only program for high-potential DCXI players: specialized training, elite competition, national and international exposure, and guidance for players heading toward college or pro soccer. To be invited, a player must:

  • be at least 9 years old
  • play on a DCXI team
  • be recommended by a DCXI coach
  • keep up excellent grades at school
  • want to play in college or professionally

Our promise to you

  • A clear development plan for your player every season, using the FFDF from Seed to Legacy
  • Trained, prepared coaches held to a professional standard
  • Honest, proactive communication all year
  • Long-term development, not just winning
  • A safe, professional environment at every practice
  • Equal respect for every family at every level

Common questions

What's the difference between Elite Academy and Scorpion League?

Scorpion League is our neighborhood league for ages 5 to 12. There's no tryout, it runs 8 weeks in the fall and spring. Elite Academy is our year-round team program, mid-August to mid-June, for players ready to make soccer their main sport. Players join through a tryout, teams play in outside leagues, and there are annual dues with payment plans and scholarships.

How much are Elite Academy dues, and how can we pay?

Dues depend on your player's stage and include a $400 acceptance fee paid at registration. You can:

  • Pay in full by August 1, with no extra fees
  • Choose a 6-month plan of equal payments
  • Choose a 10-month plan, August to May

Plans add a small statement fee to each payment and must be set up in PlayMetrics by August 1. All payments go through PlayMetrics. We don't take cash or personal checks without written approval first. If a card fails, please update it within 5 business days. The uniform kit (about $150 to $300) is extra. Payment questions: support@dcxiproject.com.

What happens if we miss an Elite Academy payment?

If you think you'll have trouble paying, tell us before the payment is due. Talking early gives us the most ways to help.

  • 15 days late: a reminder comes through PlayMetrics. Nothing changes for your player.
  • 30 days late: our club administrator contacts you, and your player's coach is told the account needs attention.
  • 45 days late: without contact or a written plan, your player's participation may be paused until the account is settled. We'll always talk to you before that happens.

We can't release a transfer while there's a balance, and returning players need a zero balance to register again.

Why does my player keep changing positions?

It's on purpose. We call it FreeForm Football: every player learns to play at least three positions, because players who understand the whole field read the game better and are harder to plan against. From the Forge stage (U13) up, positions become more defined, but players still learn every role.

How much will my player play in games?

Playing time is a development tool, not a reward or a punishment. In every competitive match, each player gets at least:

  • Seed and Roots: 50%
  • Rise: 40%
  • Forge, Crown and Legacy: 30%

Those are minimums, and coaches give more whenever they can. If you think a minimum wasn't met, talk to the coach privately, not on the sideline or right after the game.

Can we get Elite Academy dues back if our player leaves?

Elite Academy is a full-year commitment, because the club commits to coaches, fields and leagues for your player's team before the year starts. Dues can't be refunded once the Fall period begins, and the $400 acceptance fee is never refundable. This applies to players who leave for any reason, including suspension or dismissal for conduct.

The only way to get money back is optional tuition protection insurance, which you can add at registration. See "What is tuition protection insurance?"

Are there scholarships for Elite Academy?

Yes. Scholarships come through Play Footy Inc., our nonprofit partner. Awards are partial, so families still pay part of the dues, and the $400 acceptance fee can't be waived. Apply during PlayMetrics registration (we can only review an application after registration is complete). Funds are limited and reviewed first come, first served, so apply early. Every request is kept confidential. If your finances change unexpectedly during the year, contact us right away at support@dcxiproject.com.

What uniform does my Elite Academy player need?

Every player needs the official DCXI kit before the Fall period starts: 3 match jerseys, 3 shorts, 3 pairs of socks, a training jacket, training pants and a backpack. It costs about $150 to $300 and isn't part of dues. We send ordering instructions after registration. Kits run on a two-year cycle, so returning players in year two may only need replacements. Homemade, customized or copied kits aren't allowed, and a player in the wrong kit may be held out of a match.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Aid is based on financial need and on our coaches' view of the player. Aid lowers program dues; it isn't paid in cash. Families apply again each year, and aid one year doesn't guarantee aid the next. For Elite Academy, scholarships come through Play Footy Inc., our nonprofit partner. See "Are there scholarships for Elite Academy?" To ask about aid, email support@dcxiproject.com.

How does my child join Elite Academy?

Through a tryout, and tryouts run year-round. Request one from our tryout page, which takes you to PlayMetrics. If your player is offered a spot, the offer arrives as a PlayMetrics invitation. It's usually good for 7 days (the exact date is in the invitation), and you accept it by completing registration. For younger players, our coaches also scout and invite.

Is there a discount for siblings?

Yes, for Summer Camp and Elite Academy. At camp, sibling and multi-week discounts are applied automatically when you register. At Elite Academy, the sibling discount usually applies to the second and additional players in the same year, and returning families may get a loyalty discount; both are confirmed at registration.

What is tuition protection insurance?

It's optional insurance from Vertical Insure that you can add only while registering in PlayMetrics. It can't be added later.

  • What it pays: up to 75% of the dues left in the year (not the $400 acceptance fee)
  • Covered: a serious injury or illness confirmed in writing by a doctor, or a parent's or guardian's job moving the family outside the DC area when they didn't choose the move
  • Not covered: choosing to leave, being unhappy with coaching or playing time, suspension or removal for conduct, switching sport or club, or money trouble unrelated to a covered event
  • Cost: about 2% to 8% of dues, depending on the plan. See verticalinsure.com for real prices
  • Claims: you file with Vertical Insure directly; the club isn't part of the claim

We strongly encourage families to consider it.

When are tryouts?

Year-round. Request a tryout any time from our tryout page, and a coach will contact you within 24 hours to set a date.

Where next

The next step up the ladder after Elite Academy.

  • Players in red and navy kits chase a loose ball while a goalkeeper in a green bib reaches for it.
    CompeteComing soon

    Summer 2027

    USL Youth

    A high-level summer league for boys' teams, part of USL's youth-to-pro pathway. Open to non-DC Eleven players by tryout.

    • Ages 9 and up
    • June to August 2027 (estimated)
  • The DCXI Pro men's team poses together on a turf field in white striped kits.
    Compete

    DCXI Pro

    DCXI Pro, the DC Eleven men's team.

    • Ages 16 and up