D.C. United to hold
tryouts for newly formed U-12 Pre-Academy team, as well as for U-13s and U-15s
United searching for preeminent
Pre-Academy talent ahead of 2013 fall season
Washington
D.C. (April 26, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that it will be holding
tryouts for its newly
formed U-12 Pre-Academy side, as well as its U-13 and U-15 Pre-Academy
teams. The U-12 squad will serve as a feeder system for the U-14, U-16 and U-18
Academy teams and will ultimately carve a path for players to become part of
D.C. United’s First Team. D.C. United’s Pre-Academy system aims to
provide its members with intensive, more frequent training sessions (3-4 times
per week) with an added competitive element, while offering the opportunity for
young players to connect with D.C. United’s local professional team. The
U-12s will compete in the Pre-Academy league, as well as local leagues, MLS
events, elite tournaments and matches with affiliate clubs.
“While
identifying players is a priority, it is only a small part of what we
do,” said D.C. United’s Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy.
“The bigger part is to develop the identified talented players to reach
the First Team. Our system has also proven that our Academy players will
succeed in the next step of top-level colleges. Moving to the U-12 age group is
the natural progression so that we can train and develop players for a longer
period of time.”