FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (April 25, 2026) – The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and D.C. United today announced a strategic partnership designed to expand access, enhance player and coach development, and strengthen the connection between grassroots and professional soccer across the Commonwealth.
Through this collaboration, VYSA’s network of more than 120,000 players, 125+ clubs, and families statewide will have increased opportunities to engage with D.C. United through matchday experiences, coaching education, camps, and community-focused programming.
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to connect our statewide soccer community with one of Major League Soccer’s most established clubs,” said Serkan Orsan, Executive Director of VYSA. “Our focus is on creating meaningful experiences and long-term value for our members, and this collaboration with D.C. United allows us to do exactly that—while continuing to grow and strengthen the game across Virginia.”
As part of the partnership, VYSA and D.C. United will collaborate on a series of initiatives, including:
· Expanded Matchday Access: VYSA players will receive access to exclusive ticketing opportunities, including complimentary player tickets with the purchase of a companion ticket for select D.C. United matches.
· Coaching & Development Experiences: D.C. United will host “VYSA Coaches Circle” sessions at Audi Field, featuring training observation opportunities and Q&A sessions with professional coaching staff and players.
· Club & Leadership Engagement: VYSA club leaders will participate in exclusive experiences at Audi Field, including behind-the-scenes access and networking opportunities.
· Inclusion & Community Impact: The partnership will support initiatives such as TOPSoccer programming, including dedicated events and financial contributions to promote inclusive participation.
A key highlight of the partnership will include VYSA-focused experiences at Audi Field, including recognition opportunities, on-field moments, and participation in special events tied to VYSA’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
“We are proud to partner with VYSA and support their mission of developing players and growing the game throughout Virginia,” said Sean Sittnick, Senior Vice President. “This collaboration allows us to connect more directly with the youth soccer community and create meaningful experiences that inspire the next generation.”
In addition to matchday engagement, the partnership will include coordinated marketing efforts, digital promotion, and on-site activation opportunities at VYSA events, creating a consistent and integrated presence across the youth soccer ecosystem.
About Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA)
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is one of the nation’s largest and most successful youth soccer organizations, serving over 125,000 players within Virginia and the District of Columbia. As a proud member of US Youth Soccer Association, VYSA provides various programs, including the Olympic Development Program (ODP), State Cup competitions, and Coaching Education courses. The association operates the Virginia Soccer Training Center, a state-of-the-art 50-acre facility strategically located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. The center has hosted prestigious events like the Region 1 Championships of USYSA, reinforcing VYSA’s commitment to player development and excellence in soccer. For more information, please visit www.vysa.com.
About D.C. United
One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United is among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies.
D.C. United has called the District home for the last 30 seasons and plays 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.
The Black-and-Red trains at the United Performance Complex, a state-of-the-art training facility and performance center located in Leesburg, Va. The 40,000 square foot 30-acre training facility, that opened in 2021, features four outdoor practice fields, and a training center equipped with a weight room and recovery facilities.
The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013). For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @dcunited.