Capitol Hill Winter League

Welcome to the Winter Indoor Capitol Hill League! When the weather turns cold, the energy doesn’t stop — it just moves indoors! Our Winter Futsal League is the perfect way for your child to stay active, have fun, and keep building their love for soccer all winter long.

Each session is packed with fast-paced games, big smiles, and skill-building moments that help kids grow both on and off the field. Players will enjoy exciting matches in a supportive, team-centered environment — where fun, friendship, and confidence come first. Join our league and watch them shine with every game!

All DC Way Academy players receive 10% off the Winter League.

REGISTER NOW

Preschool Division (U4–U5)

At this stage, we focus on play-based learning and joy. Each game day introduces our youngest players to movement, balance, ball familiarity, and the basic ideas of teamwork. Our goal is to create a welcoming and fun experience — with no pressure, just positive energy and lots of smiles.

Your preschooler will learn:

  • Dribbling and ball control through playful games

  • How to follow simple instructions in a group setting

  • Basic concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship

  • Confidence, independence, and movement coordination

 Kindergarten Division (U6)

Kindergarteners are ready to take the next step. Our U6 division blends structured skill development with playful team interaction. We encourage listening, following directions, and learning how to be a good teammate while introducing soccer fundamentals like spacing, positioning, and passing.

Players will work on:

  • Basic dribbling, passing, and shooting

  • Explore concepts like spacing and positioning

  • Learn teamwork and how to support one another

  • Grow coordination, focus, and self-confidence

1st–2nd Grade Division (U7–U8)

By 1st and 2nd grade, players are more confident on the field and eager to put their skills into action. This division provides a dynamic environment where they can build on what they’ve learned—improving technique, learning teamwork, and growing as players and individuals. Small-sided games allow for plenty of touches, smart decision-making, and moments of creativity and leadership.

They’ll develop:

  • Technical skills like dribbling, passing, and defending

  • Tactical awareness — spacing, transitions, and working as a team

  • Confidence, resilience, and decision-making under pressure

  • A solid foundation to move into our Challenge Level or travel programs

League Information

Dates: January 3 – February 22 (8 games)

Locations:

Ages & Time:

  • Preschool on Sundays at 10 or 11 am | Playing 3v3 and 4v4 – 8 players max

  • Kindergarten on Sundays at 12, 1, 2, or 3 pm | Futsal 5v5 – 12 players max

  • 1st-2nd Grade Girls on Sundays at 4, 5, or 6 pm | Futsal 5v5 – 12 players max

  • 1st-2nd Grade Boys on Saturdays at 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 pm | Futsal 5v5 – 12 players max

*Please note: Game times are subject to slight adjustments based on final registration and team schedules.

Early Bird Fee: $245 per individual spot | $373 per individual spot + 1 weekday skills session

Team Registration: If a team wants to register, please email Coach Denis at denis@dcwayacademy.org.

What to Bring: Indoor shoes, water bottle, and shin guards (optional)

Rules: The game is 40 minutes long.

  • Teams will do a 10-15 minute warm-up, 20-minute halves, and 5-minute breaks.

  • Each team will have a 2-minute timeout each half.

  • Girls are welcome to play in the boys’ league!

  • Preschool Division: Sessions include a learning segment (20–35 minutes), followed by a match (20–30 minutes).

1 Weekday Skills Session Options: Practices start on January 5th and will be held at St. Coletta. Click here to learn more.

  • Preschool: Mondays at 5:15-6:15 pm

  • Kindergarten: Mondays at 6:15-7:15 pm | Fridays at 5:15-6:15 pm

  • 1st-2nd Grade Girls: Mondays at 7:15-8:15 pm

  • 1st-2nd Grade Boys: Mondays at 7:15-8:15 pm | Fridays at 5:15-6:15 pm

Challenge Level Program: Designed for 3rd-6th graders, this high-energy, development-focused program combines 8 training sessions with competitive league matches in the Alexandria Futsal League starting in January. Players will sharpen their skills, gain valuable real-game experience, and compete in a structured, supportive environment. Click here to learn more and sign up today!

REGISTER NOW

How Our League Works

Each Saturday or Sunday, players will enjoy a structured and supportive game-day experience at St. Coletta. A DC Way coach will act as the referee, helping guide the match and ensuring a positive environment for everyone on the field.

Before each game (or during halftime), we’ll introduce a weekly skill theme—like dribbling, passing, teamwork, or spacing—giving young players a fun focus to explore through play.

With futsal’s fast pace and smaller court, players develop quick thinking, precise control, and creativity under pressure—skills that directly translate to outdoor soccer and beyond.

Team Spirit Starts with You

Our Capitol Hill League is built on community, and we welcome parent participation to help make each weekend a success! Each team will need at least one parent volunteer to serve as a Team Manager. Don’t worry — no coaching experience needed! Managers help with team communication, organizing subs on game day, and acting as the point of contact with DC Way.

You can sign up as a Team Manager during registration or on the first day of the season. Once selected, please notify us and we’ll support you every step of the way!

WANT TO SEE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAPITOL HILL LEAGUE?

Please click the button below to check out the games and winners from the previous leagues. Get a look at all the fun we had and the games we played!

ARCHIVES
 

Our Mission & Goals

At DC Way Academy, we believe youth sports should be about more than just wins and scores. Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of soccer through joyful experiences, inclusive play, and positive role models. We want every child to feel confident, seen, and supported on and off the field. By blending fun with fundamentals, we help young players build lasting skills, strong friendships, and a love for movement that stays with them for life.

REGISTER NOW

What is Futsal?

Futsal is a fast-paced, 5-a-side version of soccer played indoors on a hard court with a smaller, low-bounce ball. The smaller field and quick transitions mean players are constantly involved — dribbling, passing, defending, and making split-second decisions. With more touches and less time to react, futsal naturally develops first touch, quick decision-making, creativity, and composure under pressure — all essential skills for success on the outdoor field.

At DC Way Academy, we believe futsal is one of the best ways for young athletes to grow. It encourages players to think faster, move smarter, and play with confidence.

Why Choose Futsal? 

  • More Touches, More Confidence: With fewer players and a smaller court, every child stays involved and gets plenty of ball time — building confidence and creativity.

  • Sharper Skills: The fast-paced game helps kids improve ball control, footwork, and decision-making in real, game-like situations.

  • Smarter Play: No walls means players learn to pass, move, and keep possession instead of just kicking the ball away.

  • Better Habits: The heavier, low-bounce ball encourages players to keep the ball on the ground and focus on precision.

  • Quick Thinking: Tight spaces and constant action help players think faster, react quicker, and stay composed under pressure.

Futsal vs. Indoor Soccer

While both are played indoors, futsal is played on a hard court without walls and uses a smaller, low-bounce ball. This setup helps players focus on precise control, quick decisions, and smart passing — all the fundamentals that make great soccer players. Indoor soccer, by contrast, is played on turf with walls, creating a more physical, fast-paced game where the ball stays in play longer.

Both are fun and competitive, but futsal builds the technical foundation that gives young players an edge when they return to the outdoor field.

League Information

  • DC Way Academy is committed to providing a safe, structured, and positive environment for every player, both on and off the field.

  • Each player is expected to bring their own water bottle and shin guards.

  • In case of bad weather conditions, please click here to follow our updates on program cancellations.

All of the DC Way Academy coaches are certified soccer coaches with extensive experience working with children. Our coaches have all passed mandatory background checks, have at least two years of experience working with children, and have received First Aid training.

CODE OF CONDUCT

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

As a Player I will:

  • Ensure that I arrive on time for all games.

  • Always play by the rules.

  • Wear the assigned uniform.

  • Respect referees and the decisions they make.

  • Understand the rules of the game.

  • Listen and follow the instructions of the coaching staff.

  • Respect my teammates and opponents at all times.

  • Not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or negative communication with players, coaching staff, or families of the opposing team.

  • Maintain a positive attitude during all games.

  • Immediately report any injury to the coaching staff.

  • Never use vulgar or profane language.

  • Not engage in negative comments towards players or teams through any social networking sites.


CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS

As a Parent/Guardian I will:

  • Read, understand, and adhere to all applicable club policies.

  • Ensure the player arrives at games on time.

  • Not pressure my child in any way – I know that this is their game, not mine.

  • Applaud good plays/performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.

  • Not criticize game referees.

  • Encourage my child to respect the efforts of their opponents.

  • Not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or negative communication with players, coaching staff, or families of the opposing team.

  • Communicate with respect to scheduling or any logistical concerns with the team manager.

  • Give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.

  • Focus on my child’s and their team’s efforts and performance – not the score.

  • Learn the rules of the game.

  • Thank the coaches, officials, and other volunteers who give up their time to conduct the event for my child.


CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES AND MANAGERS

As a Coach/Manager I will:

  • Never place the value of winning before the safety and welfare of all players.

  • Always show respect for players, other coaches, and game referees.

  • Lead by example, demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship at all times.

  • Be a positive role model for players and parents, by consistently acting in a positive, controlled, and mature manner.

  • Never use abusive or insulting language. I will treat everyone with dignity.

  • Not tolerate inappropriate behavior, regardless of the situation.

  • Provide a positive, enjoyable atmosphere for the players and parents.

  • Maintain the safety and well-being of their players.

  • Ensure that the competition site is safe at all times.

  • Be prepared to act quickly and appropriately in case of an emergency.

  • Encourage parents to support the team with their presence as much as possible.

  • Provide necessary guidance and equipment at games.

  • Discipline players in a fair and consistent manner.

  • Refrain from making negative comments about other coaches, players, parents, and referees.

  • Ensure that everyone is treated equally, regardless of age, color, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, language, religion, athletic potential, disability, family status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation.