Program FAQ

1. What is DC Way Academy?

DC Way Academy is a Capitol Hill-based travel soccer club that is dedicated to cultivating talent and potential in children through advanced coaching and technical development using high-level gameplay. We aim to grow intelligent, healthy, mentally strong, and creative players! Our club currently offers competitive training for U8/U14 Boys (2011-2017) and U8/U15 Girls (2010-2017). All teams compete in EDP, MCL, MSI, and EDP Futures for their respective leagues.

2. What is DC Way Academy’s mission?

Our mission is to positively impact the development of youth in our community by providing soccer and life-enriching opportunities to young players of all ages and playing abilities, to create a lifelong passion for the sport of soccer, and to help raise the level of soccer in our city. Our goal is to foster a welcoming, enjoyable, safe, and competitive environment that will assist in the social and physical development of children of all skill levels. 

3. What programs/camps/clinics do you offer?

Girls Travel Team: U8/U15 Girls (2010-2017)

Boys Travel Team: U8/U14 Boys (2011-2017)

Capitol Hill League: Preschool - 4th grade

Skills Clinics: 3-9 years old

Goalkeeping School: 7-15 years old

Kids Academy: 4-8 years old

4. What skills does your training curriculum help to develop?

Technical: Body positioning, ball handling, diving, movement, closing angles, footwork, flexibility, coordination, set piece positioning, and more.

Tactical: Positioning (in goal and on field), reading the game, ball trajectories, ball distribution, and communication.

Mental: Concentration, total commitment, managing emotions, competitive mindset, rigorous work ethic, and the will to succeed.

Physical: Strength & agility, speed, gestures, coordination, power, and balance.

5. How does your curriculum help players improve their physical and mental skills?

We commit to helping our players reach their full potential, instill a passion for the game, boost their confidence, and have a positive effect on their lives. To prepare them for success, we offer cutting-edge training sessions from highly experienced coaches. Our staff is exclusively dedicated to DC Way Academy training, using their vast knowledge of the game in their position and their personal playing experience. Our methods include high-intensity drills that translate into realistic gameplay. We don’t simply teach moves; we also teach why each move, drill, or skill is effective to help all of our players gain a deeper understanding of the game. 

6. What do you do to ensure that children progress in their playing skills?

At DC Way Academy, we track players’ development in 4 different environments — practices (training), own development (homework), games (all kinds), and street soccer (with no supervision and total freedom). We prepare our players for every situation in practice. The training curriculum offers high-intensity training with a high workout rate. We offer different sets of games and exercises to meet the needs and interests of each age group. Every season, we schedule a house league so that each player gets to play in a real match environment and work on their individual skills.

7. What should my child wear? Should they bring anything with them?

To ensure a consistent and professional appearance, all players are expected to adhere to the following attire requirements for both practices and game days:

• Game Days: Players are required to wear the designated game day jersey. Additionally, they must bring the alternate jersey to the game. Along with this, players are to wear their official DCWA uniform shorts, black New Balance socks, shin guards, and appropriate cleats.

• Practices: During practice sessions, players are to wear the white practice shirts provided, paired with black shorts and matching black socks.

• Footwear: For both practices and games, participants are encouraged to equip themselves with soccer-specific cleats and shin guards to ensure optimal safety and performance on the field.

• Essential Gear: All players must have their DC Way Academy backpack on hand for both practices and games, further fostering a sense of unity and preparedness.

• Stay Hydrated: We strongly recommend all participants bring an ample supply of water to stay hydrated during training sessions and matches.

By adhering to these attire and equipment guidelines, players contribute to a unified team aesthetic while being adequately equipped for both practice and game day scenarios.

8. Who are the Coaches?

Our team of coaches is led by Head Coach, Programs Director, and Founder, Denis Chekuristov, who comes from a long tradition of soccer. The coaches are a group of amazing men and women who come from extensive and successful soccer backgrounds. We are truly proud to say that every member of our staff has exceptional personality traits and coaching skills such as a positive approach to coaching, honesty and fairness with players, a love for the game, a passion for teaching and instructing, and a wide knowledge of games, activities, and skills to develop players.

Each valuable member of the team contributes to the unique culture that is DC Way Academy. The members of our team strive to accomplish our mission by exhibiting strong characteristics and holding our values. DC Way Academy is based on a culture of honesty, fairness, expertise, and a passion for soccer and coaching. To learn more, please visit our staff page.

9. What happens if I have to cancel my registration?

Please visit our refund policy page to learn more about the cancellation terms. Anyone wishing to cancel their registration must email their request to our Head Coach Denis Chekuristov at denis@dcwayacademy.org, Travel Administrator Amalia Proper at amalia@dcwayacademy.org, or DC Way Academy at contact@dcwayacademy.org.

10. What happens if my child is sick or there is inclement weather?

If a player attending a program is injured or ill, the Administrator will consider a program credit. A physician's note outlining that the player cannot continue to participate may be requested in order for the credit to be granted. If the weather becomes unplayable and you must pick up your kid or our program is canceled ahead of time, a refund or credit will be available. Please refer to our refund policy, for weather-related cancellations.

11. How can I contact DC Way Academy?

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email us. We are available by phone at +1 (571) 490-1275 or by email at contact@dcwayacademy.org. If you want to stay informed on all club happenings, please like our Facebook page, and follow our Instagram page.