Why DC Way Academy?
At DC Way Academy, we don’t just train players — we develop complete athletes with intelligence, creativity, and resilience. Our mission is to create an environment where every player thrives, both on and off the field. We combine modern coaching, science-based training, and unmatched dedication to player growth.
Whether your child is just beginning or pushing toward elite levels, DC Way offers the tools, vision, and care needed to unlock their full potential.
Here’s what makes us different:
Top-Level Turf Facilities
We train at some of the best turf fields in Washington, D.C., including the RFK Fields, Gallaudet University, Eliot-Hine Middle School, and Stuart-Hobson Middle School. These fields provide a consistent and high-quality playing surface that supports safe, technical, and high-intensity development.
Highly Trained and Caring Coaches
Our coaching staff is hand-picked for their qualifications and their character. We hire coaches who care deeply about the players and are here for the right reasons — to develop athletes and people.
Leadership with Proven Experience
Our program is led by Toti (Salvatore Lisciandrello), a UEFA Pro coach with over 20 years of experience at clubs like Inter Milan and Palermo. His expertise shapes our methodology and daily training structure.
Advanced Video Analysis System
We record matches using multi-angle Veo cameras. Our video analyst, David, and his elite Italian team deliver detailed reports that fuel focused, data-driven training sessions and player-specific improvements.
Individual Player Pathways
We speak with each family to ensure players are placed on the right team, in the right environment. Our goal is to challenge every player while supporting their confidence and growth — on and off the field.
Comprehensive Development Philosophy
Our methodology is rooted in neuroscience and complex systems thinking — meaning we train players to think, adapt, and respond under real game pressure. We develop not just skills, but game intelligence.
Reliable Support Team
From registration to scheduling, our administrative staff is responsive and dedicated to making every family’s experience smooth and positive.
Exclusive Year-Round Benefits
All DC Way Academy members receive a 10% discount on DC Way programs including camps, clinics, private lessons, and birthday parties.
If you want to become a DC Way Academy player and receive professional training, contact us at denis@dcwayacademy.org to schedule a tryout date and time!
The Technical-Sporting Area Behind the Scenes
At DC Way Academy, we are dedicated to providing young soccer players with a premier training environment, focusing our efforts on player development. We believe that learning through play is the most effective way to master skills while enjoying the game. This approach fosters both individual and team growth in a positive and engaging manner. Behind the scenes, our commitment unfolds through rigorous planning and structured data collection, with the goal of making DC Way Academy the most distinguished soccer academy in the city.
Technical Work
Detailed Match Observation
Using an Observation Form, we systematically collect data during each match to analyze individual and team performances. This tool allows us to capture a comprehensive overview of the academy's progress and identify specific areas of improvement at both group and academy-wide levels. The insights gathered serve as a foundation for determining training priorities and addressing skills that need reinforcement.
Connection Between Observation and Training Customization
The match observations form a cornerstone of our training approach. The findings feed into a structured Match Analysis that identifies the technical and tactical needs of our teams. Based on this analysis, we design tailored lessons and exercises that directly address the needs of each group and the academy as a whole. Through this feedback loop, our training sessions evolve to meet the specific requirements highlighted during match evaluations, emphasizing the skills that matter most for players' growth.
Organized and Shared Exercise Database
To further support targeted training, we maintain a shared folder containing hundreds of exercises, categorized by developmental focus and subdivided by specific skill areas. This library of exercises enables coaches to quickly access and implement drills that directly align with the priorities identified through match analysis, ensuring that training is precise and goal-oriented.
Video Analysis of Matches
Our smart camera system records each match, enabling us to conduct detailed performance analyses. This sophisticated tool provides us with advanced statistics, allowing coaches to simulate real game situations during practice. These tailored drills help players prepare for future challenges by recreating scenarios observed in match footage, enhancing their situational awareness and response on the field.
Match Analysis Team
Our analysis team, led by David, a certified video match analyst and professional sporting director, plays a critical role in this process. Together with our skilled Italian match analysts, David’s expertise ensures that each analysis is accurate and actionable, providing critical feedback to guide training sessions.
The Hiring Process Behind Our Team
Our commitment to quality extends to our hiring practices. For each coaching position, we typically review around 25 applicants. From these, we conduct approximately 12 one-hour interviews, during which candidates answer five questions, including two technical questions assessing their expertise. Only three candidates are shortlisted, and from this pool, one or two are invited to lead a trial lesson and participate in a follow-up interview with Denis. Upon successful completion of these steps, final details are coordinated with our administrative team, ensuring that only the most capable and dedicated coaches join our staff.
Next Steps: Individual Player Analysis
We are developing a personal analysis system for each player, which will provide detailed feedback on individual statistics such as passes, shots, and minutes played. Integrating this data into our training process will allow us to offer more personalized and precise guidance, enhancing each player’s development.
We are proud of the progress we have achieved so far and remain dedicated to our vision. By keeping players at the heart of our mission, we aim to set a new standard in youth soccer training, providing every young footballer with a structured and comprehensive pathway for growth and success.