VA Revolution is pleased to announce the opening of the region’s first sports academy focused on the academic and athletic development of soccer players. Revolution Sports Academy (“RSA”) will be a college and professional readiness program with academic support provided by the leading provider of educational services to the MLS, SAI Academy.  This school, housed on Revolution’s 37-acre campus in Loudoun County, will provide students with access to the area’s most advanced sporting facility during their school day as well as an opportunity to interact with SAI’s experienced teaching staff.  “Our partnership with VA Revolution will provide an all-encompassing academic solution for their elite players,” Shamini Ghay, SAI CEO & Academy Director said. “This will be the first of its kind in the region and our mission is to empower these students to reach their highest potential, both academically and athletically.”

Beginning in January 2024, DC United will partner with VA Revolution and SAI to use the RSA as the home for DC United Academy players who are on the pathway to a professional career.  “D.C. United is proud to work with VA Revolution to offer our academy players enhanced programming including online school and multiple training sessions per day. says DC United’s Academy Director Pat Ouckama. VA Revolution have opened their doors to us in an affiliation beneficial to both clubs. We thank them for their continued commitment to youth development within the DMV. 

Revolution’s president Niko Eckart states, “We are creating a unique, exciting, and purpose driven opportunity to take young players to the next level in their soccer careers as well as providing excellence in academia. In partnering with DC United and SAI, we are committed to a well-rounded curriculum in both sport and overall player development as well as an elevated standard of performance for each player.” 

RSA expects to open its doors to a broader set of students in the Fall of 2024.  Additional information on the school will be provided in Q1 of 2024. 

About VA Revolution – Founded in 2018, VA Revolution operates one of Northern Virginia’s premier soccer clubs based out of its 37-acre state-of-the-art complex in Leesburg, VA. Revolution’s facility hosts regional club sports of all types including soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and football. When not supporting Revolution’s youth soccer program, the facility is often used to host national and international tournaments, corporate team building events, sports camps, school activities, and private events. For more information on VA Revolution, please visit varevolution.com

About SAI Academy –  Established in 2020, SAI Academy is at the forefront of blending modern educational methods with elite-level soccer training for students. Our mission is clear: to empower our students to reach their highest potential, both academically and athletically, and to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond. For more information on SAI Academy, please contact saiacademy.com

About DC United – One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies.  

D.C. United have called the District home for the past 27 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round, including the District’s premier arts, culinary, and music festival, Unite the District Fest. Audi Field is also home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group.

The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times, the Supporters’ Shield four times and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times.   

For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcunited.com and find them on social media @dcunited.