D.C. United and Beach FC – in conjunction with adidas – today announced a regional affiliate agreement, the third of its kind for D.C. United and a youth soccer club. Under the agreement, Beach FC will be one of D.C. United’s primary sources in identifying and developing the top youth talent. United will share its coaching resources and will work with Beach FC to follow its training curriculum and system of play. Top players in the Beach FC system, identified by both D.C. United and Beach FC, will have the opportunity to join the D.C. United Academy teams, with a strong priority being placed on the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 age groups.
“We are very excited that Beach FC will join us as our third affiliate club,” said Sonny Silooy, D.C. United’s Director of Youth Development. “Beach FC has a proven track record of cultivating talent for top college programs, Major League Soccer and the U.S. Men’s National Team pool, and we look forward to combining resources and expertise to further develop players in the region."
"Beach FC is extremely proud and excited to be invited into an affiliate partnership with DC United,” said Beach FC Executive Director Steve Danbusky. “To be able to align with a professional club at the highest level, with a rich tradition both on and off the field, was very appealing to us. The exposure and access that our staff and players will receive will most certainly enhance their development and serve as an added motivator to push on to the next level. In addition, the partnership will provide the opportunity for our elite male players to be identified and train in D.C. United's Youth Academy, which will serve as a tremendous supplement to their Beach FC and ODP participation.”
In addition to the player identification and development component of the affiliate agreement, Beach FC will be outfitted with D.C. United and adidas-branded training gear, uniforms and coaching gear, and will receive special D.C. United ticketing opportunities for players and their families.
“The United States has some of the best athletic talent in the world, and it's our goal to provide homegrown athletes with opportunities to play elite soccer,” said Antonio Zea, Director of Soccer for adidas America. “With our recent extension of the Major League Soccer contract, we have put the importance of youth development at a premium, and are excited about helping create Youth Club Alliances with local MLS clubs. This partnership between Beach FC, D.C. United and adidas will prove to be a great step in developing the next generation of American soccer icons.”
"'This agreement continues our development of strategically integrated business initiatives,” said Doug Hicks, D.C. United’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We look forward to engaging with additional local and regional clubs in the weeks ahead.”
About Beach FC
Beach FC aims to provide every child from ages 3 to 18 the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive, rewarding and safe environment that emphasizes fun, a balance between individual skill development and team building, learning of life skills at a level that fits each player’s interest and ability, and which creates a challenging environment for the teams and players that aspire to reach their full potential.
A strong select program is provided for Beach FC players who choose to play at the highest competitive levels. All Beach FC Travel Coaches are coaching professional who hold coaching licenses at the State and National level. Coaches with the highest skills and values are sought and developed. All Recreation Coaches are required to hold a coaching license consistent with the ages that he/she coaches. These guidelines are set by the State governing body, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA).
Beach FC has won 10 overall Virginia Club Champions League Championships, 27 State Cup Championships, one Regional Championship and one U.S. Club Soccer National Championship.
Prominent Past Beach FC Players
- Corey Ashe (U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team; Major League Soccer)
- Wade Barrett (U.S. Men’s National Team; Major League Soccer)
- Adam Cristman (U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team; Major League Soccer)
- Steve Jolley (U.S. Men’s National Team; Major League Soccer)
- Evan Newton (U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team; Major League Soccer)
- Noah Palmer (Major League Soccer)
