Academy
U7-u19

All players will be given an identification number at tryouts for evaluation purposes. Coaches and staff will evaluate all players and make selections based on ability and specific team needs. Coaches and staff will review evaluations collectively following the final tryout and make determinations on team selection.

Academy programming has different environment offerings for each age group. These environments are intended to support the most appropriate developmental needs of the player as it relates to overall commitment and competitive level. Players are assessed ongoing using the "3 As" (Attitude, Ability, Attendance) as criteria for placement into the correct environment.

 For additional detail on the upcoming season the Technical Directors and coaches will be able to provide more insight.

Players may receive an acceptance letter via email or an email that they have been selected for an additional tryout to attend during the current academy team training session. Those who do not make the program will receive an email that includes alternate soccer opportunities at DUSC where your child can improve his or her skills in an appropriate environment. 

Club Dues: Club dues vary. For the 2023/2024 season the range is between $2,800-$3,800 dependent on age and level, which cover a variety of program costs including but not limited to: professional coaching fees, referee fees, tournament registration fees, office/admin staff and administrative fees, equipment costs, field/gym rental space where applicable, other. Club dues do not cover uniform fees.

Uniform Kit: The uniform kit is purchased on a two year cycle. All players, including newly added players throughout this new cycle, will be ordering new kits: Adidas home and away jerseys, Adidas socks, two practice Adidas shirts, two Adidas shorts, Adidas sweat suit and Adidas backpack.

• The initial minimum deposit amount payable upon registration is non-refundable.

• Prior to August 1st, any amount paid in excess of the minimum deposit is refundable.

• After August 1st, if a player withdraws under extenuating circumstances with appropriate documentation (e.g. a doctor’s note in the case of the player’s illness or injury), then:

  • Unpaid future installments will be forgiven, and

  • Any amount paid in excess of the amount that would have been paid under the installment option is refundable.

All refunds are subject to a 15% processing fee deduction

DUSC is an inclusive community and offers financial assistance for players identified that show talent, commitment, and have need. For more information on our scholarship program, click here. 

Academy players train two-three days during the week in the fall and spring season and two days during the week in the winter. Unfortunately practice days and times vary and are dependent on park permits. We will not have official times for practices until approximately one month prior to the season beginning.  Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that the day of the week will be the same from season to season due to permit availability.  

We participate in a number of different leagues dependent on the age and level.  Game locations and times vary and may be played on Saturday and/or Sundays. Teams will enter various tournaments throughout the year with a schedule released prior to the season. 

For the outdoor season, we have permit space at Pier 40, JJ Walker, Chelsea Waterside, Chelsea Park, Randalls Island, Gansevoort Peninsula, Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park among other locations for practice during the fall and spring.  Games can vary due to method of competition on the weekends.  Practice space in the winter months vary due to field permits and gym rentals and are throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and other parts of NYC. 

The academy program is typically a ten month commitment from late August to mid June.  Depending on qualification for select events, individual teams may vary.

All players are required to attend all practices and games throughout the year.  We understand that there may be conflicts at times and ask that coaches be notified in advance with a reason why the child will be missing.  A high percentage of attendance must be kept; otherwise players are in jeopardy of losing their spot.  There is a waitlist for players in each of the academy age groups and we believe it is important for the development of the player to attend all stated programs. 

Practice schedules are determined based on permits granted through various public parks (Hudson River Parks and NYC Parks) along with select private locations. We know families and coaches are dependent on DUSC schedules to plan and it is our intention to provide schedules as early as possible. Unfortunately the release of approved permits does not allow for the advanced planning which we all prefer. Typically, Fall schedules will be released in August, Winter schedules are released in early December, and Spring schedules are released in February.

DUSC has a modified seasonal rhythm to accommodate those who compete with their high school teams. During September and October, during the high school season, high school aged DUSC teams will train twice per week (once during the week and once on the weekend). In addition, there will be periodic webinars and individualized placement support focused on the college recruitment process relevant for high school players. 

Beginning the first week of November, the standard weekday DUSC training rhythm will go into effect along with weekend competitions (tournaments and games).