DC Way Soccer

Business Details

13 Years

experience

Your Trusted Source for Youth Soccer Development in Capitol Hill

Founded in 2013, DC Way Soccer is a Capitol Hill-based recreational soccer club dedicated to teaching children the fundamentals of soccer through a fun, pressure-free environment. Our mission emphasizes physical, mental, and social-emotional development, guided by passionate coaches with extensive experience in youth sports education. We offer year-round programs including camps, leagues, clinics, and after-school activities for children aged 3-14, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Our curriculum blends technical skill-building with creativity, inspired by global soccer philosophies like the Dutch and Brazilian methods.

Recognized as Washington City Paper's Best Summer Camp and Best Sports Coach, we prioritize sportsmanship, family collaboration, and measurable player growth. With locations across Washington, DC, we provide flexible scheduling options while maintaining personalized attention to each child's development. Our leadership team combines professional expertise in sports education, operations, and community outreach to create a supportive ecosystem for young athletes.

Services

Soccer Camps After-School Programs Futsal Clinics Goalkeeping School Private Lessons Summer Camps Winter Leagues Multi-Sport Programs Youth Leadership Training Soccer Birthday Parties

Details

Year established: 2013

Highlights and features

Our certified coaches combine professional soccer expertise with child development knowledge
We offer 10+ specialized programs tailored to different age groups and skill levels
All sessions integrate technical training with creative expression and teamwork
Recognized as Washington City Paper's Best Summer Camp and Best Sports Coach
We maintain small coach-to-player ratios for personalized skill development

What people say

Wonderful with children Measurable improvement Technical skills Confidence building Engaging environment

Website

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Services

Soccer Camps

Our soccer camps combine technical training with creative play for children aged 3-14. Programs include themed days, art integration, and skill-building drills that develop footwork, decision-making, and teamwork. Sessions run year-round with specialized offerings during school breaks.

After-School Programs

These programs provide structured soccer training combined with academic and creative activities. Located at multiple Washington, DC venues, they offer safe, engaging environments for skill development and social interaction after school hours.

Futsal Clinics

Small-sided futsal programs focus on close ball control, quick decision-making, and creative play. Clinics cater to preschool through 8th grade players, using fast-paced drills and expert coaching to improve technical abilities.

Goalkeeping School

Specialized goalkeeping instruction develops agility, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. The program covers shot-stopping techniques, positioning, and game management through targeted drills and match simulations.

Private Lessons

Customized individual sessions focus on specific skill development areas. Coaches create personalized training plans addressing technical improvement, tactical understanding, and confidence building for players of all levels.

People

Denis Chekuristov

Founder & Program Director

Denis brings 15+ years of soccer coaching experience, holding a National Soccer Coaching License and Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma. He developed DC Way's curriculum combining Russian academy training with innovative teaching methods.

Roman Kilishek

Executive Director

Roman applies his MBA and project management expertise to streamline operations while maintaining program quality. He oversees strategic growth and ensures efficient delivery of all soccer programs across multiple locations.

Russ Guliyev

Manager of Operations

Russ manages program logistics and coach coordination with 10+ years of youth soccer administration experience. He ensures consistent quality across all training sessions while maintaining safety standards.

Melis Bayraktaroglu

Marketing Manager

Melis handles program coordination and community outreach, leveraging her business administration background to strengthen family engagement and expand DC Way's local presence.

Mae Holmberg

Program Manager

Mae oversees daily program execution with three years of experience managing youth sports operations. She ensures smooth implementation of schedules and maintains communication between staff and families.

Questions

What age groups do DC Way programs serve?

We offer programs for children aged 3-14, with specialized sessions for different developmental stages from preschool through middle school.

Are DC Way coaches certified?

All our coaches hold relevant soccer coaching certifications and undergo regular training to maintain high instructional standards across all programs.

What locations do you operate in?

We operate at five Washington, DC locations including Capitol Hill, Gallaudet University, and RFK Campus, with programs available citywide.

Do you offer financial assistance?

We maintain affordable pricing and offer flexible payment options to ensure accessibility for all families in our community.

What safety measures are in place?

We maintain strict safety protocols including coach background checks, first aid training, and supervised environments at all program locations.

Can I register for multiple programs?

Yes, families can enroll children in multiple programs with discounted rates available for simultaneous registrations in seasonal offerings.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Eric Emanuel

Aug 30, 2021 Report

My 14 year old attended for 5 weeks this summer as a CIT. She had a great time. This camp/program is really a gem on Capital Hill. She had a great time honing her soccer skill, her coaching (teaching) skills, and her child care skills. I highly recommend this program for camp participants, counselors in training and counselors. Thanks to the whole staff. I enjoyed watching my little energy bunny need a nap many evenings.

Natalia Dinello

Aug 22, 2021 Report

My 16-year-old son attended DC Way this summer as a Counselor-in-Training and then as an assistant coach. He had a fantastic experience! Many thanks to Denis, Anya, and the entire team for their enthusiasm, caring attitude, and artful sharing of their skills!
DC Way is more than a soccer camp. It is a community that develops the sense of responsibility, aspiration for advancement, and leadership capabilities in the participants. Tied together by a passion for soccer, it achieves more than physical fitness -- it cultivates a genuine camaraderie among sports lovers.

Silvia Gutierrez

Aug 21, 2021 Report

My daughter has been a part of DCWay in one-day camps, as a summer camper, CIT and this year as an assistant coach. Coach Denis knows how to make camp fun while building up game skills and self-confidence. The counselors are enthusiastic and the kids have a great time. DCWay is a fantastic program!

River Finlay

Mar 31, 2021 Report

I have nothing but GREAT things to say about DCWAY. Our kids have done summer camp, skills clinics, one day camps AND travel team and they are all fantastic! Denis has done an amazing job growing DCWay from a small operation to a robust program that has something for every kid. The coaches are great and they have done a fantastic job keeping kids active during COVID safely!

Kim Longfield

Jan 19, 2021 Report

DC Way has been FANTASTIC during the pandemic - a real lifesaver for our son who needs a lot of physical activity. He's done the after school programs and day camps. DC Way takes the appropriate precautions - temperature checks, social distancing, and masks - and they've been open to feedback. This is a great program.