Season Information

1. What age groups do you offer?

DC Way Academy offers teams for boys and girls ages U7-U17:

Boys: U7-U15 (birth years 2019-2011)
Girls: U7-U17 (birth years 2019-2010)

2. How long is the season?

Our players train year-round. Here's how the calendar breaks down:

Fall: August to November | U9-U17: 12 to 14 weeks | U7-U8: 10 to 11 weeks

Winter: January to February

Spring: March to June

Summer: Evening camps typically run 3 to 4 weeks from July to August

3. How often will teams practice?

Teams practice 2 to 3 times per week during the fall and spring seasons, and once less per week during the winter. Practice schedules vary by team and age group.

4. When will games be held?

Games are typically held on weekends. Specific game times vary by league, age group, and team.

5. How many players will be on the field?

Field size and team format vary by age group:

  • U7-U8: 5v5 and/or 6v6

  • U9-U10: 7v

  • U11-U12: 9v9

  • U13-older: 11v11 (full field)

6. What leagues do you play in?

Our teams participate in the following leagues, which vary by age group and team:

N1 (Starting fall 2026), EDP, UCL (Starting fall 2026), NCSL, MDSL, MCL Juniors

7. Where do you practice and play?

Practices are held at outdoor fields at various locations across Washington, DC.

Games are played across the DMV area. Specific locations vary by team and league.

8. What equipment does my child need?

Players need cleats and shinguards for all practices and games. All players must wear their official DCWA uniform for practices and games. All players will be required to purchase a new full uniform kit for the 2026-2027 season. The kit includes:

Away Jersey, Home Jersey, Practice Jersey, Away Shorts, Home Shorts, Home socks, Away socks, Jacket, DC Way backpack, and Pinnie/Bib.

9. What if my child misses practice or a game?

Commitment to training and games is very important. Please update your RSVP in the PlayMetrics app as soon as possible if your child cannot attend. Make sure to also contact your coach directly with an explanation for the absence.

10. When are tryouts?

Rolling Tryouts are open for U7/U15 Boys (2019-2011) and U7/U16Girls (2019-2010). Once you register through PlayMetrics, we'll reach out with tryout dates, times, and locations. There is a $25 fee for new players.

Register for tryouts: www.playmetrics.com/signup
Questions? Contact amalia@dcwayacademy.org