
D.C. United Launches Soccer Academy
Published on March 1, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release
CHANTILLY, VA (March 1, 2004) - D.C. United announced today the creation of the D.C. United Soccer Academy. Open to youth soccer players ages 5-18, Academy camps will offer a range of training opportunities tailored to guarantee a fun and rewarding experience while helping 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. "The environment will be one where kids will have fun in the game and at the same time accelerate 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 a three-day camp, designed for the beginning youth player aged 5-10, where basic technical skills are taught in a fun environment, to week-long full-day camps, designed for advanced players aged 8-18, introducing age-appropriate advanced technical, tactical and physical skills.
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 can 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.
In addition to top-class professional instruction, all participants in D.C. United Soccer Academy camps will receive an official D.C. United camp ball and t-shirt, a ticket voucher for any 2004 D.C. United regular season home match and membership in D.C. United's Youth Fan Club (for campers aged 16 and younger).
For more information or to schedule a D.C. United Soccer Academy camp, please contact John Harkes, D.C. United Director of Youth Development at 703-397-5468.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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