CALENDAR

FC Dulles FAQ's

FC Dulles FAQ's

FC Dulles Soccer Program Information
Updated: 7/28/25

Why FC Dulles Is One of the Top Soccer Clubs in the Region

In a crowded youth soccer landscape, FC Dulles stands out as one of the premier clubs in Northern Virginia for one simple reason: we focus on what truly matters in youth development—fun, growth, inclusivity, and long-term player success.

At FC Dulles, we believe that cultivating a love for the game is the foundation for excellence. We combine a proven, development-driven curriculum with a holistic, player-centric philosophy that emphasizes technical skill, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and psycho-social growth.

Unlike many clubs that chase short-term wins, we prioritize long-term individual development. Our approach is grounded in the US Youth Soccer Development Model, which we view as the gold standard in the U.S.—if not globally. Through the Play-Practice-Play method, players experience high-quality, realistic, and fun training that mirrors the game, encourages creativity, and minimizes the monotony of outdated drills.

What sets us apart?

  • Certified, SafeSport-trained coaches who uphold the highest standards in safety, professionalism, and coaching excellence.

  • A growth mindset culture that values effort, learning, and continuous improvement over trophies and rankings.

  • A deep commitment to inclusion and access—welcoming players of all backgrounds, genders, races, and orientations.

  • A balanced philosophy that encourages multi-sport participation through age 12, ensuring physical literacy and preventing burnout.

  • Competitive placement for both players and teams to ensure challenge without overwhelming, where winning is a byproduct of development—not the goal.

  • An unwavering focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and community citizenship.

Whether your child dreams of playing at the next level or simply wants to enjoy the game in a supportive, enriching environment, FC Dulles offers a pathway grounded in integrity, purpose, and passion.

At FC Dulles, it’s not just about soccer. It’s about developing better players, better teammates, and better people.

What ages does FC Dulles serve?

FC Dulles serves the following age groups. (Click here for the 2025-26 birth year age group chart). The "U" stands for "Under," followed by the player's age.

  • GRASSROOTS/REC:
    • Eaglets (Fall only): U3-U4
    • Micro-Academy: U5-U6
    • REC Academy 1: U7-U9
    • ADAP (Advanced Development Academy Program - Spring only): U7 & U8 (and highly skilled U6 players): Evaluations required.
    • NCSL REC: U10-U19
  • TRAVEL ACADEMY: U9-U19 (tryouts required)

What area does FC Dulles serve?

We primarily serve Northern Virginia, with most players from Chantilly, Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax (and City of Fairfax), Herndon, Oakton, Reston, and Vienna. Many players travel from farther areas to join our club, benefiting from our experienced and knowledgeable coaches.

Does FC Dulles have a curriculum?

Yes. Our club-centered curriculum is based on the Play-Practice-Play principle, designed to develop players at all skill levels through age-appropriate pathways.

  • Basic Curriculum: Eaglet, Micro-Academy, REC Academy, and SFL age groups.
  • Advanced Curriculum: Travel Academy. (Click here to view our development pathway)

What is the cost of Grassroots/Recreation Soccer?

  • Tuition: $75-$195 per season (age-dependent)
  • Includes: One practice t-shirt
  • Additional Fees:
    • Fairfax County field user fee: $10 (in-county) / $50 (out-of-county)
    • Yearly VYSA membership fee: $10
    • Uniform: $70-$95
    • Soccer ball: $25-$30
    • Shin guards and extra practice t-shirts (optional)

What is the VYSA membership fee?

  • Annual fee: $10 (paid once per seasonal year)
  • Seasonal year: August 1 to July 30
  • If paid in the fall, no additional fee is required for winter, spring, or summer. (Click here for VYSA membership benefits)

What is the Fairfax County field user fee?

Fairfax County charges a fee for field use:

  • Residents: $10/player/season
  • Non-residents: $50/player/season The club collects and submits this fee to the county each season.

Why is a soccer ball required each season for REC players?

  • High-quality, correctly sized soccer balls are essential for proper technique and skill development.
  • Players in younger age groups receive balls at the end of the season.
  • For NCSL REC age teams, management of soccer balls is at the coach’s discretion.
  • Travel Academy players purchase their balls with their uniforms and are responsible for bringing them to all sessions.

What is the cost of Travel Soccer?

  • Tuition (2025-2026): $1,550/year (Click here to see what’s included)

Differences between Grassroots/REC & Travel Soccer

  • Grassroots/REC:

    • Focus: Fun, social environment for entry- to intermediate-level players
    • No tryouts or evaluations
    • Primary seasons: Fall and Spring
    • Pathway: Eaglet Academy (U3-U4), Micro-Academy (U5-U6), REC Academy (U7-U9), NCSL REC (U10-U19)
    • Basic curriculum

  • Travel Soccer:

    • Invitation-only, competitive environment
    • Evaluations during formal tryouts in spring or rolling tryouts throughout the year
    • One-year commitment (June 15 - following early-June)
    • Advanced Curriculum

Registration Deadlines for REC Soccer

  • NCSL REC:
    • Fall: March 1
    • Spring: August 1
  • Micro & REC Academy:
    • Fall: August 15
    • Spring: March 15

Registration Deadlines for Travel Soccer

  • Open tryouts: Mid-April 
  • Acceptance by 72 hours after invite is sent.
  • Seasonal commitment: June 15 - following early-June
  • Rolling tryouts available year-round (Register for tryouts here)

Grassroots/REC Soccer Seasons

  • Spring: Registration opens mid-January; season starts early April
  • Fall: Registration opens mid-June; season starts late August

Travel Soccer Seasons

  • Year-long commitment: June 15 - following June
  • Priority seasons: Fall and Spring
  • Summer and Winter: Participation encouraged
  • Tournaments: 2 per year (included); Additional tournaments are extra

Player Placement for Travel Teams

  • Evaluated by coaches based on:
    • Skill level
    • Game and spatial awareness
    • Growth mindset and love of the game
    • Mental toughness and coachability
  • Players meeting criteria receive an invitation to register.

Tryout Fees for Travel Academy

  • No fee for tryouts
  • Players are encouraged to attend at least two sessions

REC League Participation

  • U5-U6 (Micro Academy) and U7-U9 (REC Academy): FC Dulles In-House REC Jamboree
  • U10-U19: NCSL REC League

Travel League Participation

  • National Capital Soccer League (NCSL)

Practices and Games Schedule (Fall & Spring)

  • REC Academy (U5-U9):
    • Free Play: 1x/week (6 weeks)
    • REC Jamboree: Saturdays (7 weeks)
  • Travel Academy (U9-U19):
    • Training: 2-3x/week
    • Competitive games: 9 (Saturdays or Sundays)
    • Summer training 2x weekday evenings (in late June through the end of July. Fall travel practices start the second week of August.
    • Winter: Futsal soccer games (optional) on the weekend (starting in early-January); outdoor practices 1x/weekday and Sunday scrimmage (starting in early-December weather permitting)

Locations: Poplar Tree 2 (turf), Franklin MS3 (grass), Fred Crabtree Park 3 (grass)

Travel Soccer Game Locations

  • Younger teams: Capital Beltway region (Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC)
  • Older teams: May travel farther depending on competitive level
  • Games are primarily on Sundays, with some on Saturdays

Why NCSL for Travel Teams?

  • NCSL aligns with our values regarding cost, travel, and competition
  • Most games are within a 20-mile radius of Chantilly
  • Division structure with promotion and relegation ensures balanced competition

Uniform Information

  • Adidas uniforms are on a two-year cycle (current cycle ends Spring 2027)
  • Purchase uniforms online from PJ's Sports (Falls Church, VA)
  • Orders must be placed online and picked up in-store (no walk-ins or mail orders)

Uniform Numbers:

  • REC Academy: Choose any number
  • NCSL REC: Numbers assigned upon purchase
  • Travel Academy: Numbers assigned by coaches

Practice Shirts:

  • Included in registration (1 per season for REC, 2 per seasonal year for Travel Academy)
  • Additional shirts: $18 each (available during registration)

Scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships are available
  • Applicants must pay at least 50% of tuition and provide proof of need (e.g., free/reduced lunch or Medicaid)
  • Fees such as uniforms, field fees, and extra tournament fees are not included

Refund Policy

  • No refunds after registration or payment of commitment deposit
  • Exceptions apply if a team isn’t formed
  • Refund requests due to extenuating circumstances must be submitted in writing to the FC Dulles Board of Directors
  • Travel players must follow the FC Dulles Financial Responsibility Policy

Payment Methods

  • Credit cards (service fee applies)
  • Cash (remit to Club President, Darryl Forrest)
  • Checks (payable to FC Dulles, PO Box 222732, Chantilly, VA 20153)
  • Zelle (details provided in registration confirmation email)

Installment Plans

  • REC Program (including ADAP): 3-month plan
  • Travel Academy: 10-month plans
  • No installment payments extend beyond April 15

Contact Information

For additional questions, please email us at fcdulles@gmail.com.