United have announced a partnership with DeMatha Soccer Academy in an effort to improve player advancement for a professional pathway starting at a young age.
"Partnering with the DeMatha Soccer Academy is extremely exciting," Ryan Martin, director of United's academy, said. "In an effort to continue identifying talented local players, this partnership allows for more players to be exposed to professional development at an early age."
Through the partnership, both D.C. United and DeMatha Soccer will cooperate to combine and enhance resources for player development, with top players from DeMatha transitioning to the United academy at an age to be determined. The two teams will have annual scrimmages against each other and United coaching staff will lead educational sessions for DeMatha coaches while also expanding the scouting network between both clubs.
"On behalf of the DeMatha Soccer Academy, we are thrilled to establish a relationship with D.C. United," Andrew Quinn, executive director of DeMatha Soccer Academy, said. "Our partnership will provide our players with a pathway to take their game to the next level."
For more information on DeMatha Soccer, please click here.
